The world of tourism begins to recover from the effects of the pandemic. And an excellent indicator is the opening of hotels. In Madrid this year they have already opened several luxury hotel establishments, and now it is Barcelona’s turn.
In the Catalan capital it will open at the end of September InterContinental Barcelona, the first luxury hotel to open in the city this year, with a cosmopolitan and innovative design created by the Brime Robbins study.
A design inspired by the city itself
This five-star hotel opens its doors in the heart of Montjuic, after a complete transformation to present a timeless design inspired by the city itself. The color palette, materials and textures that can be seen in the different spaces of the hotel are born from the streets, architecture and art of the Catalan capital, without forgetting the sea that bathes its coasts.
In this way, Brime Robbins manages to synthesize local culture, brand values and design within the idea of turning global into local. Every piece of furniture, every lamp, even rugs and works of art, are unique and made-to-measure pieces, counting on local suppliers to create them.
A good example of this custom work is the mosaics on the floors, with vibrant patterns and lines that recall different elements of the city and neighborhoods of Barcelona, and the use of many noble materials such as wood, marble or fabrics, to redesign all the spaces playing with different layers and visual textures.
The reception, composed of four individual wooden counters, incorporates small lights that shine in the ceiling to welcome guests in a familiar and cozy way. Along with the different common areas and lounges, all the rooms have been designed and redesigned to become useful areas with personality.
Upon entering the lobby, the hotel welcomes guests with a renewed check-in experience. What used to be a more standard reception is now a large covered porch with elegant wooden consoles, small lights and a gallery of art niches in navy blue, to create a cozy atmosphere from the beginning. Inside, a reception made up of four individual wooden counters creates a unique and personalized experience.
The art, present in every corner of the hotel, is another common thread through the city through works that unequivocally represent elements of Barcelona and that form an integral part of the design from the beginning. A large 7-meter-high metal map of the city surrounds the grand staircase and Catalan ceramics pose in silhouette as a double-height screen between the restaurant and the café lounge.
In the 273 rooms of the hotel ocher and neutral tones predominate, terracotta, walnut, natural finishes and horizontal lines reminiscent of the Mediterranean. From the hydraulic floors of the Catalan kitchens to the “panot” of the sidewalks of the streets of Barcelona, all the patterns of the hotel floors have been inspired by the city itself.
The carpet, with images of cobblestones and reflections, and the blue of the armchairs and sofas, invite guests to connect with the sea, with the port and feel the essence of the streets of the city of Barcelona, marked by modernism and its culture.
Gastronomy, protagonist
At the Intercontinental hotel, gastronomy will play a leading role. The F&B zones have Catalan names like characters in a biopic, and Brime Robbins uses their meaning in design as well.
About the cocktail bar Gebre, which translates to “frost” in Catalan, shines a gigantic bottle rack with translucent glass panels and polished metal to represent the essence of the earth in its coldest state.
Special lighting hangs like beautiful carved ice cubes over white marble countertops, and residential leather touches add luxury and comfort. Guests will be able to enjoy the classics of the cocktail bar, as well as a menu of artisan signature cocktails, in this place of destination within the hotel, characterized by a unique atmosphere, created through a color palette that connects us with the world. of the cocktail party and the art deco decoration of the space.
On Arrel, which means ‘roots’, a large and charming aged wood screen with interlocking lattice mimics the roots and envelops diners, while a crystal ribbon snakes above their heads in a space that is in keeping with the past but with a fresh look towards the future. This gastronomic proposal tells us about our roots in everything that defines us from a gastronomic point of view, no matter where we are from. Thus, Arrel pays tribute to the land and to all the precious products that it gives us in each one. of the stations through its open kitchen and its offer of portions to share.
Quirat, which in Catalan means “carat”, represents the purity and richness of the elements that make up the earth. It is an exclusive dining room that offers an author’s interpretation of the land and its products through a menu of dishes that responds to the different seasons and that has been designed exclusively for the restaurant by Víctor Torres, the youngest chef in Spain in earn a Michelin star. A space designed with gemstones and geological geometries in mind. The custom-textured metal and glass walls of the private dining room are the octagonal backdrop to inlaid floors and diamond-shaped chandeliers, and the heavy use of shiny materials makes guests feel as though. they would have entered a life-size geode.
More information | Intercontinental
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