As someone who lived and studied in Barcelona, it still always amazes me how fast the city changes and how impressive the hospitality scene is. Walking through the streets of this dazzling city this summer, it was not only Gaudi’s intricate architecture that caught my eye, but the smart entrances of the city’s many luxury hotels. From beachside gems to avant-garde boutique properties, Barcelona’s hotels bring a flair that is as unique as the city itself.
Hotel
Situated in the vibrant L’Eixample district, Cotton House Hotel is a neoclassical masterpiece that pays homage to its former life as the headquarters of the Cotton Textile Foundation. Renowned interior designer Lázaro Rosa-Violån was brought in to bring back the vigour and sophistication of a bygone era when the building was restored and transformed into a hotel in 2015.
The result is a jaw-dropping property, part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, with period features like a marble staircase, floor-to-ceiling mirrored walls, dramatic light fixtures, and an overall luxe factor throughout. The hotel has 78 rooms and five suites, all spread out across six floors. Reminders of the property’s history are tastefully implemented in every nook and cranny, from the overall colour scheme that reflects the cotton plant, to the cotton boll chandelier and cotton trade ledgers adorning the walls.
On the main floor sits the Gossypium area, taking its name from the Latin word for cotton flower, where the team of ‘gossyps’ provide a premium concierge service for all guests. Whether it’s getting a booking at the most coveted table in the city to recommendations for sights to see, the smartly-dressed gossyps have you covered. Make your way to the top floor and you’ll be looking out over the iconic Sagrada Familia in the distance as you cool down in the saltwater pool.
Room
After a bit of a snafu at check-in where the receptionist’s software was experiencing technical issues and she had to scan our card multiple times to take a deposit, we were eventually shown to our room on the second floor with a terrace overlooking the lush al fresco restaurant below.
We stayed in one of the Cotton rooms, which featured a king-size bed with a slick leather headboard, Nespresso machine, a rattan wardrobe, and a spacious bathroom with amenities by Sicilian brand Ortigia. The décor reflected the tasteful design of the rest of the hotel, with cotton plants featuring in subtle ways. 300-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets made for a pleasurable night’s sleep, and being able to enjoy a glass of wine or morning coffee on our private terrace in the Barcelona sunshine was a special treat.
Food and drink
Breakfast is served each morning at Batuar, the restaurant and bar named after the machine used to press impurities out of cotton. The buffet spread includes typical Spanish fare like jamón and cheese, along with fresh fruit and granola. A set menu of made-to-order hot dishes are also on offer.
Though indoor seating is available, it’s the sprawling outdoor terrace you want a seat at. The seasonally-changing menu features Mediterranean flavours with a distinct local influence with dishes such as Catalan-style roasted chicken croquette, lobster rice with Iberian ham and wild mushrooms, and a creamy pistachio cheesecake.
To do
Barcelona is a city that is as dynamic as its history, and there’s always something to suit every taste. Cotton House Hotel is conveniently located on one of the city’s most important avenues – less than ten minutes away is the buzzy Plaça Catalunya where you’ll find Spain’s most popular department store, El Corte Ingles, and if you’re in the mood to splurge, nearby Passeig De Gracia is home to multiple high-end designer boutiques. Some of Gaudi’s most important works, Casa Battló and La Pedrera are also close by, so be sure to check them out.
In a nutshell
Cotton House Hotel expertly marries refined heritage and modern escapism. From the artisanal tailoring service offered to all guests to the suspended spiral staircase that snakes its way through the hotel, the property provides a welcome retreat for those who have spent their day traipsing through the city.
Factbox
Address: Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 670, L’Eixample, 08010 Barcelona, Spain
Phone: +34 934 50 50 45
Website: hotelcottonhouse.com
Hotel photography courtesy of Cotton House Hotel.
