Hilton Barcelona Re-design Unveiled

150 150 Daniel Fountain
  • 0

The newly refurbished Hilton Barcelona, which first opened its doors 20 years ago during the Barcelona Olympic Games has officially re-opened. The refurbishment sees 289 stunning rooms, 13 suites, Mosaic restaurant, The Vibe Bar and a spectacular outdoor terrace as part of its re-design that captures the vibe of Barcelona. The hotel is among the first Hilton Hotels & Resorts properties in Europe to incorporate the brand’s new innovative lobby design narrative.British designers, Bevis Design Associates, designed the rooms, suites and Executive Lounge, while architect, Matteo Thun, created the public areas including a dramatic, multi-functional lobby. Hilton approaches hotel design with a global mind and a local heart ensuring that local cultures are reflected. The design of Hilton Barcelona brings the vibe of Barcelona through good light, wide open spaces and an artistic flare.

The lobby area has been transformed into a dynamic open space that reflects the evolving needs of travellers – the flexible space allows structures and furnishings to change for a range of hospitality needs. The centrepiece of the hotel’s lobby is a spectacular and colourful art installation of translucent materials created by Milan based artist, Jacopo Foggini.

The Vibe Bar and various private spaces for informal meetings include three distinctive elements of the new Hilton lobby design – accessible technology, an adaptable environment for community engagement and contemporary food and beverage offerings with local flavour.

Matteo Thun comments: “We’ve turned a twenty year old building into a stylish and contemporary urban space. Hilton Barcelona is not just a hotel, but a dynamic open place that embodies the different needs of a constantly changing society”.

Daniel Fountain / 26.07.2012

Editor, Hotel Designs

Share

  • 0

Fun fact: I’m usually the person friends rely on to organise trips, schedules, and group plans.

Workhighlights: Successfully coordinating events from planning through to delivery and seeing everything come together on the day.

Fun fact: I’m a keen cyclist and will happily bore people with copious amounts of cycling chat. My top cycling experience (so far) would have to be riding in the spectacular mountains of Crete.

Work highlights: Charles joined Forum Events in 2022. With a background in publishing, editorial media and events, Charles brings a wealth of experience to his role as Senior Production Manager. Having being involved with SPACE from the outset, he is excited to see the brand grow and develop.

Fun fact: People tell Sienna she gives off Bridget Jones vibes, and she loves to bake, always making sure there are shortbreads floating around the office

Work highlights: Sienna joined Forum Events & Media Group while studying Communications and Media, starting in the sales team where she managed and helped launch the first the PA Life Leading Venues of London SHOWCASE, where she built relationships with luxury venues across the capital. Drawn to the stories behind these spaces, she naturally transitioned into the editorial team, creating social media and editorial content. Upon graduating in June 2026, she is excited to be joining as Assistant Editor for Hotel Designs and SPACE.

Fun fact: When not working, Jess can usually be found tending to her kitchen garden in the Sussex countryside or foraging for herbs in the nearby woods. A keen grower, she recently studied a RHS Level 2 Diploma in the Principles of Horticulture during her spare time.

Work highlights: Jess joined SPACE magazine in 2022 and has since progressed from Assistant Editor to Editor. During this time, she has worked across many aspects of the publication – from shaping editorial strategy and overseeing operations to contributing to art direction and representing the brand on stage at industry events including Surface Design Show and WOW!house.

Alongside her role at SPACE, Jess has built a creative career spanning the arts, culture, design and travel sectors. Prior to joining the magazine, she spent more than a decade in the commercial art industry, in artist liaison, gallery management, and curating collections for the hospitality sector across hotels and cruise ships. During this time, she also worked on freelance projects as a writer, photographer, and creative content producer.
 
Jess studied photojournalism at London College of Communication and the Danish School of Media and Journalism and holds a first-class BA (Hons) in Culture, Criticism and Curation from Central Saint Martins.

Fun fact: Katy has spent years perfecting all kinds of accents and loves a good impersonation!

Work highlights: Katy has been with Hotel Designs since the beginning, way back in 2015 when Forum Events & Media Group acquired the brand.

During this time, she has fostered many meaningful relationships with clients from across the hospitality spectrum, as well as playing a pivotal role in the launch of The Brit List Awards, Hotel Designs MEET UPs, client-led roundtables and panel talks, brand and website redesigns, HD Wellness Sets, DESIGN POD podcast, Hotel Designs LIVE panel talk series, Accessible Design Talks and more. Katy is always on the lookout for the next opportunity to help grow the Hotel Designs brand even further.
 
Most recently Katy has stepped in to the role of Publisher at SPACE magazine, the printed bi-monthly publication focused on hotel design, architecture, and development.

Together these platforms offer a comprehensive 360-degree service encompassing digital media, print publishing, and live events – providing unparalleled value to advertisers, partners, and readers alike.