With its stirring backdrop of Catalan modernism, the Sir Victor hotel – named after Víctor Català, the penname of the notable native author Caterina Albert i Paradís – has set a new standard in Barcelona’s lifestyle.
The original building, designed by local architectural firm Capella Garcia in the early 2000s on the illustrious Passeig de Gràcia, became a contemporary landmark in the neighbourhood. Now, following a striking refit under new ownership, it has been reincarnated as the sixth edition of the boutique Sir Hotel collection.
Filtering out the city bustle, the undulating limestone façade provides privacy and cosiness while also directing the Spanish sunlight to the interiors. In the 91 guest rooms and suites, neutral tones provide unfussy spaces furnished with pieces by B&B Italia and Cassina and handcrafted rugs by the local Nani Marquina; a curated showcase of local artists including Antoni Muntadas and Bernat Daviu add colourful hues.
Israeli duo Alon Baranowitz and Irene Kronenberg mastered the open area on the ground floor by taking as their inspiration the Catalan capital’s landscape, from its coast to its mountainous terrain. The bright and airy entrance is reminiscent of the sweeping shoreline; the oversized Carrara marble pool table and the suspended lighting sculpture by Bocci contribute to ambience of understated luxury. Along the lobby lounge, earthier shades take over and lead to Mr Porter, a stylish steakhouse marked by banquettes, marble, copper and leather surfaces overlooked by big, circular skylights.
The sun-filled rooftop bar and lounge are an ideal spot from which to survey the metropolis below; ask the host for a thirst-quenching locally brewed kombucha while sitting in the plunge pool looking across to the otherworldly totems topping Gaudí’s Casa Milà. §
