Barcelona is a big, cosmopolitan city, but its historic centre is compact, walkable, vibrant, and an absolute delight to explore and indulge in its fabulous architecture and gastronomy. Let Barcelona’s magic captivate your heart and savour every moment of your stay. The Barcelona EDITION enjoys a prime spot here, nestled between the sun-kissed beaches and l’Eixample neighbourhood in the historical El Born district, the creative epicentre in the heart of the city, and steps from most of the city’s beloved landmarks—and if you’ve ever set foot in one of the EDITION properties around the world, you know that you’re in for a luxurious treat. And the minute you step into The Barcelona EDITION, this all becomes clear. Well-heeled urbanites can’t get enough of the EDITION hotels.
Style and Setting
The once dull 1970s office block is unrecognisable after a complete revamp by the multi-award-winning Carlos Ferrater Studio. The facade’s projecting geometric windows gloriously reflect the surrounding gothic architecture, and the adjacent Santa Caterina Market’s Gaudiesque undulating, fantastical, polychrome-tiled mosaic roof designed by local ceramic artist Toni Cumella, of famed Ceramica Cumella, founded in 1880. The stunning revamp of the market in 2005 helped to re-energise the neighbourhood, and Cumella’s colourful roof is a symbol of Barcelona. The Barcelona Edition consolidates the urban transformation of Ciutat Vella.
Under the creative direction of Ian Schrager, the hospitality guru and pioneer of the boutique hotel experience, the acclaimed Spanish interior designer Lázaro Rosa-Violán and co-founder of Carlos Ferrater Studio flawlessly embraces Edition’s understated luxury with an injection of Catalan heritage in a bold modern design that merges the timeless aesthetic of Ian Schrager and the buzz of Barcelona, incorporating signature Edition details with local touches.
The hotel comprises 100 guest rooms and suites, a signature restaurant, a supper club, a bespoke cocktail bar, a fabulous rooftop and a fitness centre.
Lobby Lounge
First impressions are the ones that last, and Lázaro Rosa-Violán has created an exceptional one. Upon entering the spectacular double-height lobby space, a striking suspended sapphire blue globe by Eric Schmitt catches your eye. A mix of contemporary and classic design pieces from Christian Liaigre and Catalan masters Salvador Dalí and Antoni Gaudi set the stylishly timeless scene for the lobby. Gaudi’s Calvet Armchair (2018) sits at the concierge desk. Dali’s circa 1930s Bracelli Lamps flank “Homenaje Azulejoa painting by Jodi Diaz Alamáand, while Dali’s Gold Leda Chair (1935) makes a shiny statement, along with a showstopping illuminated iconic blue art piece by Carlos Coronas (1964) to the rear boldly contrasting with the warmth of the panelled walnut wood wall finish and off-white fabrics.
Connecting to the lobby and with a separate entrance to the corner of the building, Bar Veraz’s vibey bar and restaurant includes an EDITION hallmark- the bar is a central wall of backlit liquor bottles that create a glowing ambient light. The interior’s neutral colour palettes and timeless design invite you to linger. The buzzing lobby is in constant motion, with guests and locals relaxing, working, and socialising.
Rooms and suites
The rooms are chic and cocooning. The mellow hues of the rich walnut panelling and embossed Spanish leather headboards imbue a cosy and refined essence. The projecting windows enticingly lined with squishy linen cushions beg you to sink into them. A sensuous soft fox, faux fur throw with beige ultra suede inner exclusively made for The Barcelona EDITION is artfully placed across the foot of each sumptuous bed dressed smartly in Edition’s hallmark crisp white 300-thread count sateen bedding to ensure you sleep well. Diffuse light filters softly through the luminous folds of sheer curtaining, enhancing the tranquil atmosphere.
When it’s time to dream, curtains swiftly block out the light at the touch of a button. Rooms feature the iconic Gaulino chair designed by Òscar Tusquets with art from the surrealist Spanish photographer Chema Madoz. Signature single hydrangeas are a wonderful touch that adds a dynamic pop of colour. The luxe bathrooms are lined in clean white Sivec marble and adorned with a lavish baroque gold mirror and brass fixtures. A clever glass and louvre walnut wall between the shower and the bedroom adds visual interest, allowing natural light to permeate the bathroom. The rooms are understated, cool, calm and comfy – just the place to retreat and enjoy a couple of hours with a book before heading back out for the evening.
At the same time, EDITION’s signature scent of black tea and bergamot invokes a sense of exoticism. The spec tops it off perfectly with a Bang & Olufsen Bluetooth speaker on the bedside table, a minimalist Jacob Jensen phone and a range of lighting modes to set the mood. Additionally, two magnificent penthouses boasting private terraces, designed for leisurely lounging and dining in the open air under the Mediterranean sun, establish a new benchmark in luxury.
Dining Options
There are four exceptional restaurants and bars to sample Executive Chef Pedro Tassarolo’s masterful creations and frequent culinary events, with guest chefs from prestigious restaurants joining the kitchen for a unique, memorable experience. This collaborative approach extends to the wood-panelled, clubby Punch Room, where visiting bar staff often man the silver punch bowls to create innovative concoctions.
Veraz
Veraz successfully blends with lounge space with its mellow wood and low lighting, feathery palms, and black and white photography capturing artists, dancers, actors, bullfighters, and musicians by Spanish photographers including Joana Biarnes Colita Xavier Miserachs and Chema Madoz, one of Spain’s most influential photographers working today.
Expect honest, market cuisine showcasing the essence of Spanish and Mediterranean gastronomy, using the freshest ingredients from the neighbouring Mercat de Santa Caterina. It serves locally produced vermouth, craft beer, and sherry alongside a regionally focused wine list that includes more than 30 wines from local vineyards. Breakfast is provided in Veraz and features a range of à la carte options from shakshuka to banana waffles, with plenty of healthy fruit-based dishes. On Sundays, Veraz holds a brunch with live music.
Veraz currently has a uniquely distinctive collaboration with 2 Michelin-star Les Cols restaurants in Olot, Catalunya. The talented young chef Martina Puigvert, recognised by the 2024 Michelin Guide and known for her balanced and bountiful cuisine, presents her exceptional culinary artistry using locally sourced seasonal ingredients in six exclusive dishes until August 6. Expect exciting and unusual dishes with happy-making surprises, such as the “Paletilla de Cordero” is a moreish lamb dish with thyme, rosemary, and sheep’s milk, “wool”, that sits on the melting lamb as a cloud of candy floss that theatrically disappears as the meat sauce hits it, and—the onion royale with breadcrumbs and liquorice—an absolute taste sensation.
The Punch Room
A vast spiralling white semi-conch marble and wood staircase takes you to a fresh incarnation of the London EDITION’s award-winning Punch Room, a cosy space reminiscent of a traditional gentleman’s club, with leather and velvet furniture, elegant oak-panelled walls, black granite with a rich dark oak checkerboard floor, and an updated with an impressive Castilian-style billiard table with a golden cloth, and atmospheric portraits photos by local artist Andrea Torres. And you guessed it, the main event here is the punches and sangrias presented in vintage silver bowls and cocktails. It’s perfect for a cocktail or late-night game of pool.
Cabaret
For those not ready to sleep, Cabaret presents a sultry and opulent lounge, cocktail bar, and dining experience centred around a tasting menu with courses themed by colour; think purple octopus with beetroot or yellow desert with yuzu and mango, which is discreetly tucked away in the basement, adorned in lavish red velvet. The venue transitions dramatically as the main courses conclude.
The striking scarlet drapes unveil the stage for a heady lineup of DJs and entertainment, with dancing late into the night. The venue takes inspiration from some of Europe’s most famous cabaret lounges, including the city’s 1970s iconic discothèque Bocaccio, and New York’s legendary Studio 54, co-founded by the hotel chain’s creator, Ian Schrager. Studio 54-inspired cocktails with gin, cava, hibiscus, and mezcal pay homage to Schrager’s roots.
The Roof Terrace & Pool
Arriving on the 10th floor feels like you’ve landed in a sky garden. Vibrant bowers of scarlet bougainvillaea climb the walls, and lush green vegetation weaves in the welcome cooling breeze. The Iroko wooden deck, with dining, lounge seating and sun loungers, envelopes a travertine cocktail bar. To the side, stairs take you to a small but welcome lap pool. Enjoy breathtaking city views as you indulge in light, flavourful Latin-American dishes with an Asian twist or sipping and refreshing drinks.
Barcelona EDITION epitomises an urban resort with an intimate and sophisticated boutique-style environment and a destination for fabulous entertainment, gastronomy, and service, which is super friendly and personal without a hint of pretension.
An internationally recognised interior architect and landscape designer, she has worked on numerous projects around the world. An eye for detail and love of all things art, architecture, travel and design have led to a nomadic lifestyle resulting in a greater focus on travel and lifestyle feature writing. She is a contributor for a range of international print publications. Living between Hong Kong, Cape Town, and London, traveling anywhere.
