In collaboration with TOPHOTELDESIGN we delve into the architecture and interiors of ME Barcelona.

OUA Group and Fito Arquitectes S.L.P. worked on the architectural design of the 2021 completed property, with Alvaro Sans Arquitectura Hotelera then designing its interiors.

Cultural connection

When ME Barcelona opened its doors in November 2021 guests were introduced to contemporary space spanning 14 floors of luxury rooms and suites, along with three dining concepts, a top-floor pool, interior garden and expansive event space.

The 164-key property places guests at the heart of the city on Passeig de Gràcia, close to some of the city’s social and cultural hotspots as well as the famous Casa Rocamora palazzo.

True to the ME by Meliá brand, this property brings innovation, technology, local art and music into the luxury hospitality experience. The Barcelona property was designed to become a cultural and artistic hub in the city, bringing together local and international artists.

In space pairing innovative architectural and interior design with contemporary art, following six years of renovations to the original building, this hotel is now the setting for the brand’s signature cultural happenings.

Sustainability is a priority here with design and operations built around auto-sufficiency and renewable sources.

Design and art led interiors

Interiors connecting guests with the local culture bring together the design expertise of local and international suppliers, manufacturers and designers for everything from the fabrics to furniture. Patricia Urquiola and Jaime Hayón are among the designers who contributed to the furnishings and Hansgrohe supplied the bathroom fittings.

The hotel’s rooms and suites are decorated in neutral tones with touches of yellow, natural finishes and signature decorative pieces such as the glass bottles of Antonio Gaudí’s close collaborator, Josep Mª Jujol. Oscar Tusquets tables feature alongside the Roll Club armchairs of Patricia Urquiola for Kettal.

Illuminated hallway signs paying homage to local architect Barba Corsini then lead guests to the hotel’s gastronomic concepts: BELBO Barcelona, which encompasses the green oasis that is Mediterranean restaurant Terrenal and elegant Italian restaurant Fasto.

These restaurants are joined by Luma cocktail bar, which has more than 1,000 sq m of landscaped terraces in a space paying tribute to the Mediterranean origin of the art of distillation. Ingredients for the restaurants are taken from the hotel’s own urban garden.

A heated pool is found on the eighth-floor rooftop terrace with views over Plaça Catalunya and the hotel’s wellness area is home to a state-of-the-art fitness centre as well as the spa collaborating with the founder of Égoïste Spa, Manuel de la Garza.

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