The countdown to the 2024 Sailing America’s Cup in Barcelona is not only perceived in team presentations, previous competitions and an acceleration of all the works to improve coastal infrastructure. It is also noticeable in the local economy in the area of accommodation. The seasonal apartments and hotels closest to the sea are currently being the objects of desire of the teams, sponsors and professionals linked to the macro sporting event that will be held from end of August until October, although with a lot of previous activity. Demand has also already encouraged prices in some cases.
In recent months, with the gradual arrival of six teams that will compete in Mediterranean waters, hundreds of athletes have already settled in the city, often with families, to prepare thoroughly for the test. Due to their profile, they have essentially opted for seasonal apartments, that is, those that include contracts of more than one month and less than a year, and are fully equipped for long stays. It is also a booming modality in the metropolis since the entry into force of the Housing Law, since many owners see this market as much safer, not yet intervened by the Government.
Sources in the real estate sector who work with this type of property indicate that monthly rentals for the tournament occur both in the Catalan capital and in nearby coastal municipalities. It is common for at least 3,000 euros per month to be paid, and for the most sought-after locations to be pclose to the sea or in central neighborhoods, they add. The organization does not have figures on the volumes of participants and personnel linked to the event who may opt for long stays in the city.
But the big landing will occur as the start of the competition approaches, when the general public who attends punctually to watch one of the events, plus sponsors and other professionals, will join in. The most sought after accommodation for those days are Hotels sailors, and of the highest categories. The reservations corporate They are already noticeable and have an impact on the rest of the offer. In some cases a minimum of more than 600 overnight stays (every night and room).
Thus, for example, the W Hotel, in the Nova Bocana, has become one of the most requested, to the point that in the month of September the various dates consulted by this newspaper They quote from 4,000 euros, by rooms in its most economical range (determined by views and height). This price is also for customers who previously register as members of the brand (free of charge).
One week stay
At the iconic Hotel Arts, also on the seafront but at the foot of the Vila Olímpica, the demand for groups and long stays will be the dominant note during the months of the Copa América. For this reason, since September the luxury establishment has not accepted reservations of less than seven nights, and from 959 euros plus VAT, or 1,109 euros plus VAT per night in the case of sea views, they report.
From another of the city’s most dazzling coastal hotels, the Sofitel Barcelona Skipper, they explain that several sponsoring companies and teams have already made long-stay reservations for them. In fact, one of them is Orient Express (the mythical train) which is also from the Accor group, owner of the hotel, which shows the establishment’s involvement in the event, management sources underline. On the other hand, private requests for short stays are still few.
At Hilton Diagonal Mar they are also receiving group reservations and requesting a high minimum quota of overnight stays for corporate ones. At the moment, they are among those that offer more affordable prices for individuals and without minimum stay requirements. In September they have rooms for 348 euros plus taxes.
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Tourist apartments in coastal municipalities have in some cases raised their prices, in Castelldefels they ask for up to 950 euros per night, and in Gavà and other enclaves the owners of mini-flats offer them from 300 euros per night in September, knowing that It is a matter of weeks before the flood of reservations arrives.
On the other hand, things are still quiet in the center of Barcelona according to various hotels consulted, with few reservations and individuals. This is confirmed by the Gremi d’Hotels of Barcelona, which foresees high occupancy in the city during the Copa América but believes that requests will not accelerate until 2024.