Reach for the Barcelona Sky from This Iconic Hotel
Can a 1990s landmark regain its status as Barcelona’s coolest hotel? Hotel Arts, one of the city’s largest and most recognizable hotels, is undergoing a fresh transformation. Located in a 44-storey glass and steel skyscraper, it was originally built for the 1992 Olympic Games and stands as a prominent waterfront symbol in the Catalan capital.
A New Era for Hotel Arts
New York-based design studio Meyer Davis is leading a multi-phase renovation aimed at modernizing the hotel for today’s travelers. The first phase, revealed in summer 2025, focused on redesigning nearly 500 bedrooms and suites. Each room faces outside, allowing stunning views of the Mediterranean coastline or the city framed by mountains.
View-Centered Design Philosophy
The new design emphasizes connection with the natural surroundings. Half of the rooms follow a 'mountain' theme with earthy, fertile colors, while 'sea' rooms highlight soft blues mixed with sandy hues. Svetlana Samardzic, senior associate at Meyer Davis, explains that a primary goal was to remove interior walls so natural light floods sleeping, living, and bathroom areas.
“Now, when you open the door, the view is right there. That’s the wow moment.” – Svetlana Samardzic
The Impact of Natural Light and Open Spaces
Mirrored surfaces enhance the sense of openness and brightness, reflecting the outdoors from nearly every angle. This approach creates a luxurious and airy atmosphere that invites guests to immerse themselves in Barcelona’s scenic beauty immediately upon entering their rooms.
Author’s summary: The Hotel Arts’ thoughtful redesign blends nature-inspired themes with open, light-filled spaces, transforming a 1990s landmark into a fresh beacon of style and comfort in Barcelona’s skyline.