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1859
Hotel España
Barcelona, Spain
Carrer Sant Pau, 9-11, Barcelona, Spain, 08001
Original Property Opened in 1859
Historic Hotels Worldwide member since 2021
Wander through this marvel of Catalan modernist architecture dating back to 1859. Located in central Barcelona, Hotel España is a historic gem with a long legacy of leisure and luxury. The restoration project that the hotel underwent in 2010 has brought back the spirit conceived by Lluís Domènech i Montaner, the celebrated architect who originally transformed the hotel in 1903. While true to its historic roots, Hotel España is equipped with all the modern technology and amenities needed for a comfortable stay. With playful takes on classic Catalan cuisine overseen by a multiple Michelin-starred chef, a top-deck cocktail bar, chic guestrooms, and easy access to Barcelona’s bustling Las Ramblas, it’s no surprise travelers are still coming back 160 years later.
Discover
- Discover the extraordinary interiors of the Hotel España, which was designed by the great Catalonian architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner. An important figure in the Modernisme architecture movement, Montaner incorporated a rich variety of historically-derived elements throughout the hotel. His innovative work continues to inspire and delight, even influencing the hotel’s gastronomic director, Martín Berasategui.
- Wonder at the five-meter-high alabaster fireplace in the hotel’s Bar Arnau. Created by famous modernist sculptor Eusebi Arnau, the sculpted centerpiece represents the passage of time between birth and old age. Atop the fireplace, Arnau placed a large Shield of Austria.
- Admire the stunning sgraffito of swimming Sirens completed by painter Ramón Casas. Commissioned by Montaner to decorate what was the original dining room, Casas dubbed the space La Pecera (the Fishbowl). Today, the room is called Salón de las Sirenas (the Sirens Lounge), and it serves as one of the Hotel España’s unique event venues.
Explore
- Explore the numerous architectural masterpieces of Antoni Gaudi, known for his pioneering modernist designs. Gaudí’s extraordinary temple dedicated to the Holy Family, the Sagrada Familia, also known as the world’s largest unfinished church, is a must-see in Barcelona. Visit Casa Batlló, a breathtaking monument to nature that was once the private residence of textile industrialist Josep Batlló. Batlló commissioned Gaudi to build his house after seeing Gaudi’s Park Güell. Park Güell is Gaudi’s fantastical mosaic landscape which rests upon Carmel Hill. Home to Barcelona’s famous mosaic lizard, this grand park is definitely worth a stroll.
- Visit the Picasso Museum, just a short walk from the hotel. The museum is spread across five palaces, with the main entrance featuring a spacious courtyard surrounded by Gothic archways. Upstairs, guests are greeted with lavishly decorated rooms with painted ceilings and chandeliers dripping in crystals. Picasso’s journey from classically trained painter to Cubist pioneer is chronologically displayed, allowing visitors to gain a thorough understanding of his artistic evolution.
- Explore the Gothic Quarter which encompasses the oldest parts of Barcelona. Stretching from Las Ramblas to Via Laietana, the quarter is made up of narrow medieval streets lined with trendy bars, exceptional artisans, and delicious restaurants. The quarter is also home to The Museu d'Història de Barcelona, which houses a wealth of Roman ruins from a wine factory to a cloth dyeing shop.
Experience
- Experience Parc del Laberint d'Horta, Barcelona’s oldest park. While Barcelona is known for its architecture, the city’s green spaces are also worth exploring. Parc del Laberint d'Horta is beautifully manicured with splendid temples, lily-glazed ponds, sculptures of mythological figures, and an incredibly complex cypress maze. The labyrinth is definitely the standout feature. Made of elaborate swirls of thick foliage and evoking the famous Greek myth of Theseus and the Minotaur, the maze can entertain visitors for hours.
- Take a food tour through La Boqueria and experience a piece of Barcelona’s culinary history. La Boqueria might be Barcelona’s oldest market, reportedly established in 1217 as a mere huddle of meat stalls on Las Ramblas. The market underwent several iterations and wasn’t officially recognized by the city until 1826. The current building that houses the market opened in 1840 with an extension added in 1914 to add a new fish market. Today, the market is home to numerous vendors and a diverse selection of goods, from deliciously fresh smoothies to giant thighs of Spain’s famous jamón ibérico.
- Enjoy unparalleled views of Barcelona from atop Tibidabo Mountain. Towering above the city Tibidabo mountain is home to the majestic Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor as well as a charming amusement park. Hike to the roof of the temple (or take the elevator) to get a closer look at the enormous bronze statue of Jesus. Head over to the amusement park to experience some retro-styled attractions, including a Ferris Wheel which offers great views of the city.
Taste
- Taste tradition with a twist at Restaurante Fonda España and embark on a culinary adventure with Michelin star chef Martín Berasategui. Gastronomic director of the Condes Hotels since 2005, Martín Berasategui has spent 41 years devoted in body and soul to what he loves most in the world: cooking. Today, he is considered one of the greatest chefs in the culinary world and holds 12 Michelin stars. A tireless worker and researcher, he brings precision and passion to every dish. In his style of cooking, he always seeks balance between the best natural ingredients and the cooking process.
- Enjoy a delicious variety of tapas at Alaire Ramblas Terrace. No trip to Barcelona is complete without tapas taste test. Tapas are small savory dishes, snacks, or appetizers popularly featured in Spanish cuisine. Bombas and croquetas are both popular tapas served in Barcelona, as is the famous Patatas Bravas. This dish consists of perfectly fried potatoes lovingly smothered with a special spicy “bravas” sauce. Many bars in Barcelona consider Patatas Bravas a signature dish as the recipe of the “bravas” sauce varies. There are two main styles: one with a mayonnaise base and one with a tomato base. Alaire Ramblas Terrace serves up the former alongside delicious versions of both Bombas and croquetas.
- Traditional Foods: Try some Catalan culinary classics while in Barcelona. The simple yet tasty Pa amb tomàquet or Pan con tomate in Spanish ("Bread with tomato") is a great place to start. Traditionally made as a way to soften hard and dry bread, this delightfully tasty dish consists of rubbing a local variety of tomato onto toasted bread, then seasoning it with olive oil and a touch of salt. Restaurante Fonde España puts a creative twist on this traditional dish by serving it on seaweed bread. While perusing the menu, keep a look out for Tomàquets del Pagès amb pa d’algues i la nostra Gilda.
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Book the Best Available Rate at this property on HistoricHotelsWorldwide.com and receive a complimentary one-year family membership (a $30 value) to the National Trust for Historic Preservation in the United States, a member of the International National Trusts Organisation.
