The hotel novelties They have arrived in Barcelona in a trickle since the special urban plan for tourist accommodation (PEUAT) prohibited new licenses in the most central areas. In recent times, the last ones that obtained authorization prior to the plan have been inaugurated, and a few other hotels have been reopened after changing hands or brand. In this last group stands out finally the imminent opening on October 21 of the Sofitel Barcelona Skippernext to the Somorrostro beach in Barceloneta, and what does the landing of this French luxury brand in the Catalan capital. The large high-end chains can now only join the Barcelona offer in this way, since the areas where licenses are still granted are peripheral and not of interest to them.
In this case, and given the coveted location, the group Accor He chose to convert what had been the Pullman Barcelona Skipper (premium level) into a luxury establishment, under the valued Sofitel label, also from his portfolio. The establishment, located next to the Hotel Arts, has been reforming for many months to face the new stage, where it wants to transmit the local and mediterranean spirit but combined with a chic atmosphere.
Will have 225 rooms and 5-star categorywith a personality marked by “French elegance”, advances its director, Matthias Bernardwhich ensures that it will become the flagship of Sofitel in southern Europe. Among them, 25 suites of various categories stand out, headed by a large presidential suite. They have in common the somewhat irreverent and not ostentatious luxury of the brand, where service is one of its hallmarks.
Facade and sustainability
In fact, the long transformation has not affected the entire building, since the restoration areas had been renovated a few years ago. But the rooms have been completely refurbished and their El Cielo rooftop terrace has a totally new look. This has a pool open all year round and can be enjoyed from sunset by Barcelonans, while the other terrace is at street level in a garden. The new Sofitel also has a new façade, with a striking vertical garden of more than 300 square meters.
In the common spaces, Bernard highlights the weight that the local culture. Under the motto of “joy of living” they want to regularly program literary, art, music, oenology activities… Its central glass pyramid will serve as a background for the projection of the works of artists both local and international, he explains.
However, the investment covers other spaces that are not seen, in the bowels of the building and focused on sustainability, such as air conditioning and energy management.
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Another of the highlights of the new stage will be the gastronomy, which adds a very Barcelonan tapas bar restaurant and signature cocktails, Tendiez, and a more international restaurant, Syrah, which also wants to host corporate or leisure events. “We want to be a point of reference for the local market”, adds its director.
Precisely, the hotel wants to encompass both the most hedonistic traveler who hopes to enjoy Barcelona from the seafront, like the one from business that requires large convention rooms that incorporate high technology.