the Serras is situated on Passeig de Colom, a three minute walk from Las Ramblas, making it the first five star property on the waterfront in central Barcelona. It overlooks both the Gothic Old Town and Port Vell Marina, which has recently undergone a €125 million renovation and is now one of the most glamorous in Spain. Soho House Barcelona is also soon to launch just along from the hotel, a further sign that this is now a major hotspot in the city.Architecture:
The building dates from 1846 and the original Neo-Classical façade designed by Francesc Daniel Molina remains in tact, with a more modern aesthetic towards the back of the hotel.
Interiors:
Eva Martinez, celebrated Spanish designer, has created an elegant and fresh feel, with a look combining current New York and Modern Catalan styles. Martinez has incorporated significant local influences into the design, for instance exquisite hydraulic tiles, traditionally used as flooring in the homes of Barcelona play a central role as headboards of the beds, with varying motifs depicting different areas of the city. Martinez has also integrated iron and wood to reflect the district’s industrial past. Everything used is of the highest standard, from Hypnos mattresses, used by the British Royal Family, to Hansgrohe Showers and Malin and Goetz amenities and candles in the suites.
A new service culture for Barcelona:
The management team were hired specifically with the goal of raising the standard of service for the Barcelona hospitality scene to match that found in London and New York, with an understated but highly personalised guest offering. Antonio Bignone, General Manager and his deputy Ona Matas have a wealth of experience having worked in some of London’s best hotels, including The Dorchester, The Ritz and Mandarin Oriental.
Each guest will be assigned a Guest Relations Manager who will orchestrate their entire stay, from booking to welcoming, hosting and following up, creating an unrivalled personal touch. The hotel will be low on rules too with relaxed meal times and check-in an informal, seated affair over a glass of Champagne.
Rooms & Suites:
There are 30 rooms and suites with a very high number of configurations for a small hotel. The aim is for flexibility, meaning that suites can be re-arranged depending on the guest’s requirements. There is also a Picasso Suite, where the artist painted the view of Basilica de La Mercè, just around the corner from the hotel.
Stunning outdoor space:
Despite its seaside location, few hotels have notable outdoor space in Barcelona. the Serras, by contrast, has a beautiful rooftop overlooking the marina with a small pool and an informal bar, serving drinks and a selection of sharing plates, including ceviche. In addition, all of the rooms have balconies, with a range of inspiring views.
Dining:
Marc Gascons, who has been awarded a Mihcelin-Star, is following in the footsteps of Ferran Adria and Juan Pretel of El Bulli and Roca fame, by opening a Barcelona restaurant after the huge success of their Girona establishments. Gascons, who is the third generation of the renowned gastronomic family from Girona, has been described as fresh, young and informal, but very much Catalan and Mediterranean in style.
Designed for sharing, the menu at his informal restaurant will consist of locally sourced produce from the land and sea. Specialities include sea bass sushi and Galician beef tataki from the grill. Everything is designed to make guests feel relaxed, from the open kitchen and grill to the comfortable and personal atmosphere.
Ownership:
the Serras is owned by Jordi Serra, who ran a highly successful global IT company for the majority of his working life. Inspired by his travels where he experienced exceptional service, including from Ona Matas, now his Deputy General Manger, his vision for a hotel in his hometown was born.
