Review of the Barcelona Grand Hotel Central: a jewel inspired by the Noucentista style

Although Barcelona is most famous for the organic and ornamental architecture of Catalan ModernismA counter-movement called Noucentisme also emerged in the early 20th century, instead defending the values ​​of reason, order and clarity. In contrast to the bohemian wave of Modernism Initiated by Gaudí and his peers, the Noucentista style rejected complacent decorative aesthetics in favor of a classical, rational and sober approach to design.

Visit the Grand Hotel Central, Barcelona

(Photo credit: Courtesy of Grand Hotel Central)

It was this style that most appealed to Francesc Cambó, a wealthy politician and philanthropist who commissioned architect Adolf Florensa to design a seven-story building on Barcelona’s Via Laietana in 1926. Today, it is the Grand Hotel Central, which London studio Sagrada has redesigned for its opening under new ownership this summer – and the original owner’s residence and private roof garden remain at the top.

(Photo credit: Courtesy of Grand Hotel Central)

(Photo credit: Courtesy of Grand Hotel Central)

Considered the first building in Barcelona to have an elevator, it is also one of the few in the city to have been influenced by the Chicago School of architecture. Sagrada director Juan Álvarez explains that this is reflected in elements such as the simplicity of the façade (in contrast to the richly decorated facades of modernist buildings) with multiple large windows arranged in a grid.

(Photo credit: Courtesy of Grand Hotel Central)

(Photo credit: Courtesy of Grand Hotel Central)

(Photo credit: Courtesy of Grand Hotel Central)

Sagrada’s designers, known for their work on London’s Arts Club and Venice’s St. Regis Hotel, sought to evoke Noucentista principles of clean lines and muted colors in their bespoke design for the Barcelona property’s 147 rooms. A wall of long, narrow wooden slats divides the room, while a repeating vertical motif is also found in the headboard, which is made up of upholstered panels—some in blush pink, others chalk green—set within a wooden frame.

(Photo credit: Courtesy of Grand Hotel Central)

(Photo credit: Courtesy of Grand Hotel Central)

But rather than submitting entirely to the sobriety of noucentisme, Alvarez explains that his team also wanted to bring a touch of whimsy to the space, with the curved, organic shapes of the wooden coffee table, chaise longue and minibar breaking away from the straight lines. The gardens of Cambó inspired the embroidered patterns on the cushions and sides of the hexagonal leather-seated stools.

The rugs feature abstract and geometric patterns, while other designs draw inspiration from original pieces in Cambó’s home, such as the wooden paneling on the walls, the cornices on the ceiling and the double-door folding mirrors. There are also plans to open Cambó’s residence and garden to the public – but in the meantime, a new rooftop bar has been built next door, while the family’s large original library is used for literary events.

(Photo credit: Courtesy of Grand Hotel Central)

(Photo credit: Courtesy of Grand Hotel Central)

(Photo credit: Courtesy of Grand Hotel Central)

The Grand Hotel Central is located at Via Laietana, 30, Barcelona, grandhotelcentral.com

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