Hotels

Hola Barcelona – Hyatt is coming to town in 5 star fashion

a bar with a bar and chairs

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Hotel Sofia Barcelona is joining the Hyatt Unbound Collection

Starting in January of 2019, World of Hyatt loyalists will have a place to rest their head: The Hotel Sofia Barcelona – the coastal city’s first 5 star hotel dating back to 1975. Named after Princess Sofia of Greece and Denmark and once the Intercontinental Princesa Sofia it will be Hyatt’s first hotel in Barcelona, and third in Spain.

The new addition to The Unbound Collection comes after Hyatt and the Sofia’s owner, Selenta Group, struck a franchise agreement for the 465 room highrise. The entire hotel underwent renovation in 2017 and looks incredible with styling favoring the Park Hyatt brand more than anything else: sleek and modern. Will be interesting to see where this hotel lands category wise, but my bet is category 6.

If you’re unfamiliar with Hyatt’s Unbound Collection it’s one of my faves. Rather than cookie cutter corporate boxes they offer unique properties in exclusive locations with distinct design, and are often landmark buildings.

a bathroom with a mirror and a sink

Here’s the full presser from Hyatt:

CHICAGO (November 5, 2018Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE:H) announced today plans for Hotel Sofia Barcelona to join The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, a global collection of unique and story-worthy stay experiences. A Hyatt affiliate has entered into a franchise agreement with Selenta Group for the hotel to join The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand in January 2019. The 465-room property is located in central Barcelona and owned and managed by Selenta Group.

Launched in 2016, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand comprises unique and independent properties for the modern traveller. Whether it is a captivating past, an exclusive location, famous architecture and design or an award-wining dining experience, each property maintains a distinct character and the freedom to be unique, while still providing guests with the World of Hyatt loyalty program and a trusted brand name and reputation.

“Hotel Sofia Barcelona is an exciting project for Hyatt as it provides us with entry into a market that is in high demand and strengthens the overall offering of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand,” said Maria Ashton, development director, Europe for Hyatt. “The hotel’s rich history coupled with contemporary and luxurious design perfectly fits the brand’s promise of creating story-worthy and unforgettable experiences.”

Opened as Barcelona’s first five-star hotel in 1975, Hotel Sofia Barcelona offers a rich history and a stunning space to enjoy relaxation, creativity and contemporary luxury. Named after Princess Sofia of Greece and Denmark, wife to the former King of Spain Juan Carlos I, Hotel Sofia Barcelona has enjoyed distinction as the host of many heads of states and was well known as Queen Sofia’s home while she was in Barcelona. Recent and extensive renovations have further enhanced the hotel, cementing its position as an undisputable benchmark for a refined stay.

With the promise to provide the highest quality and unique experiences, the hotel boasts 465 sophisticated rooms, luxurious suites, five distinct gastronomic spaces, an exclusive live-demonstration dining experience, and luxury relaxation offerings. The leisure facilities include an elegant Mediterranean-inspired spa, a tropical garden pool and state-of-the-art fitness center.

Hotel Sofia Barcelona is located in an upscale and prime neighborhood on Avenida Diagonal, one of Barcelona’s main avenues in the heart of the city. Guests are amidst the financial and commercial district, just two minutes away from the Camp Nou stadium, and only a short walk from two large shopping centers – Illa Diagonal and El Corte Inglés – which offer a wide variety of luxury retail, restaurants, cinemas and leisure options.

“We are delighted to work with Hyatt to bring this exclusive and modern hotel as part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand. We expect our presence and reputation in Barcelona and neighboring cities will ensure Hotel Sofia Barcelona flourishes under this brand,” said Jordi Mestre, executive president, Selenta Group.

Hotel Sofia Barcelona will be an exciting addition to the steadily expanding portfolio within The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, joining the newly opened Nish Palas in Istanbul and the iconic Hôtel Martinez in Cannes. Additional hotels expected to open in the near future under The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand in Europe include Great Scotland Yard Hotel in London, Párisi Udvar Hotel in Budapest and Hôtel du Louvrein Paris, signalling significant growth for the brand across the region.

“We are very pleased to announce that The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand is arriving to Barcelona with Selenta Group. Our positioning fits perfectly with Hyatt as a premium and high-quality brand. This collaboration will place Barcelona as an international city just on top of every travel list,” said Ramon Borrell, CEO, Selenta Group.

Other Hyatt properties in Spain include Hyatt Centric Gran Via Madrid and Park Hyatt Mallorca.

*images courtesy of Hyatt

Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.

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2 Comments

  • Andrés November 29, 2018

    Quick tip for everyone: Barça is the soccer team only. Spaniards don’t refer to the city itself by that name.

    • Miles November 29, 2018

      Thanks for the head’s up

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