It’s not easy to be in the center of the jungle. Especially when we talking about the „urban jungle”…. Barcelona is one of the most popular cities of the world. Every year, the city is visited by nearly 32 million tourists. Most hotels combine modernity with the atmosphere of Spain. Despite the luxurious interiors, you can see the lives of local families outside the window. What if you want to hide from the hustle and bustle of the city remaining in its center?
Mandarin Oriental Barcelona offers avant-garde luxury at the city’s most exclusive address. Contemporary yet timeless in design is an intimate 120-room luxury hotel with highly stylised, spectacularly creative interiors by Spanish-born designer Patricia Urquiola.
LOCATION:
Mandarin is ideally located on Passeig de Gràcia, Barcelona’s most prestigious address, at the very centre of the city’s commercial and entertainment district. The property provides easy access to the city’s finest shopping, dining and cultural venues and is a short walk from many major tourist attractions. From the hotel, guests are able to stroll amongst the city’s celebrated promenades and architecture and enjoy the attractions of the famous Las Ramblas and the Gothic Quarter.Gaudí, are just a stone’s throw from the hotel! In addition, Barcelona international airport (El Prat) is a mere 20 minutes by car.
EXCEPTIONAL INTERIORS IN ONE OF THE WORLD’S DESIGN CAPITALS
In keeping with Mandarin Oriental’s passion for working with creative and exciting design concepts, the prestigious Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola was commissioned to create the interior décor of Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona. The project reflects the open, cosmopolitan character of the great Mediterranean city where the hotel stands, along with the unmistakeable seal of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. The linear simplicity of the building, which was once the head offices of a bank, lends itself perfectly to the clean, balanced interior design by Urquiola.
The spatial layout and furniture design, the ceiling decorations and the beautiful hand-woven carpets, reminiscent of the charm and distinction of great classical hotels, have all been carefully chosen by Urquiola. Nearly all the furniture has been specifically designed by the artist or adapted for the hotel in conjunction with such famous names as B&B Italia, DePadova, Flos and Moroso. From the Scandinavian style armchairs in Moments restaurant, the lobby sofa, which has been adapted from a traditional Chesterfield, the tartan carpet reminiscent of the Gentleman’s Clubs of bygone days which adorns the Banker’s Bar floor, to the fully restored early 20th century French ironing table which serves as a centrepiece to Blanc restaurant and lounge; each piece has been meticulously chosen or designed to give every venue its own character.
The art of making people feel special
Mandarin Oriental Barcelona offers an unforgettable (extreme) experience. For example:
Montserrat Hot Air Ballon & Exclusive Monastery visitHeli-Wine Priorat (my favourite!)Gaudi Emotions 360 – amaze yourself as you fly over Barcelona with an helicopter, and enjoy a different view if the city!Markets & Gourmet Workshop Montserrat & Penedes Driving Experience -Combine the thrill and the luxury of driving a maserati Levanteand much more!
Blanc, the essence of Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona Light is filtered in from the atrium and through large skylights positioned over Blanc restaurant and lounge, which is located on the lower floor, in the heart of the building. Possibly the most spectacular design element in the hotel is an enormous, rectangular, metallic grid which is suspended over the restaurant tables. Above this structure, a surprising “hanging garden” effect has been created by the addition of a number of plants.
Mimosa Garden
The inner courtyard, otherwise known as the Mimosa Garden is one of Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona’s hidden treasures. Landscape architect Bet Figueras, in collaboration with Patricia Urquiola, was commissioned to decorate this unusual space. The result is a delightful garden terrace covering some 660 square meters, which has been perfectly integrated into the structure of the building. Colorful mimosas and other outdoor plants abound, while specially designed rope chairs invite guests to enjoy this urban retreat.
Mandarin Oriental Barcelona’s ideal location makes it the perfect place from which to explore this fascinating city, as well as offering an intimate and exclusive retreat to return to… I’m sure we’ll go back there.
