A 5* transformation for Spain's second Intercontinental hotel
Gebre Intercontinental Barcelona
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, or maybe you’re new to following us (in which case we’ll forgive you!), you’ll notice that our most recent project the Intercontinental Barcelona opened its doors in Montjuic this month!
Nestled in the heart of one of the most enchanting districts in Barcelona, we’re reinventing luxury urban tourism through innovative cosmopolitan design. Revealing a vibrant, sophisticated energy to Barcelona, with the Catalonian culture and local heritage shining through. Intrigued? Keep reading!
With each new project, we look to the destination itself for inspiration. Synthesizing local cultures, values and revolutionary design into an immersive guest experience, doing what we like to call: making the global local.
Located in the heart of it all, it’s the perfect destination for all the city has to offer. Elegant interiors and cutting-edge design unite to deliver a hospitality experience like no other. Each piece of furniture, every light fixture, even the area rugs and artwork are bespoke and one-of-a-kind items. Utilising know-how and a quirky sensibility.
A timeless design infused with moments of surprise and delight, creating impactful first impressions that will last a lifetime.
As you strut through the lobby, you’ll be greeted with chic wooden consoles, lights and a gallery of ocean-blue art niches, to create a welcoming ambience from the get-go. And just as Mediterranean balconies frame the view of the sea, you’ll find an over-scaled window seat framing the view of the bar and lounge beyond. We like to ensure that public spaces are infused with personality, and imbued with attitude.
If you’ve already heard us mention how passionate we are about an integrated art approach, then Intercontinental Barcelona is a perfect project in which to witness it… Art should not be an afterthought or space filler, but an integral part of the design from the very start.
A 7-meter-tall map of the city envelopes the grand staircase like metal Spanish lace, while Catalan ceramics pose in silhouette on a double-height screen between the restaurant and café lounge. The art pieces depict various elements of Barcelona, a story that is present in every corner of the hotel. We adored working with local suppliers, manufacturers, and designers throughout the project, maintaining the sense of place and cultural heritage.
In a nod to its coastal destination, the nearby sea inspired both hues and materials, within the Intercontinental Barcelona. From suelos hidráulicos in Catalan kitchens to el panot on the Barcelona sidewalks, all flooring patterns were inspired by city itself. Ocher and terracotta, walnut and grey-stained wood lattice and an obvious use of Mediterranean azure tones that characterize the 273 rooms and vast public areas, inviting guests to connect with the sea, the port and feel the essence of the streets beneath their feet.
And what about a passion for gastronomy? Well for the food and beverage outlets, you’ll just have to watch this space until they’re unveiled later this year. It’ll be worth it, we promise! In the meantime, head to the Intercontinental Barcelona page to explore additional design elements!