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MANDARIN ORIENTAL HOTEL.
PATRICIA URQUIOLA DESIGNS THE
NEW ADDRESS FOR EXCLUSIVE
ACCOMMODATION IN BARCELONA.
Opened in 2010, the Mandarin Oriental is located on the elegant
Passeig de Gràcia shopping street, just a stone’s throw away from Gaudí’s
famous Casa Battló. The architects Carlos Ferrater and Joan Trias de Bes
converted the 56,000-square-foot site of the former Banco Hispano
Americano into a luxury oasis. The limestone facade of the nine-story
building is largely retained thanks to extensive efforts. Only the entrance
was given a more hotel-like architecture with a sense of moving along
a hallway into the atrium. The former bank trading floor now houses
a lounge and restaurant as well as the “Bankers’ Bar.” On the roof,
the 2,000-square-foot terrace provides a spectacular view of the
European metropolis.
The Spanish-born, award-winning designer Patricia Urquiola was responsible
for the hotel’s interior design. She emphasises the Asian roots of the Hong
Kong hotel group and reinterprets the details with her European perspective.
Her characteristic style fusion can be seen in every corner: Abstract flowers
blossom on an orange silk rug. Gold leaf clouds adorn the ceiling of the
“Moments” restaurant. Golden grills recall the wrought-iron grills found
throughout the city and glimmering white wardrobes resemble Japanese
hand-painted boxes. All 98 rooms and suites are decorated in cream and
white tones. Oak floorboards combined with soft plush carpets and designer
furniture creates a refined, personal atmosphere — always with a little variation
so that each room is unique.
POETIC DETAILS RIGHT THROUGH TO THE BATHROOM
Patricia Urquiola stands for open-plan room design and the harmonious
fusion of the bedroom and bathroom. She also uses a feminine touch
to implement this philosophy in the Mandarin Oriental. Satin-finished
glass walls act as screens without separating the areas too harshly.
Organic shapes combined with the use of woods create a lively yet
sensual atmosphere.
On the second basement level, the oriental spa offers 3,300 square feet
of pure luxury. Asian accents are harmoniously infused into the purposefullydimly-lit
environment between the relaxation suites, Thai massage treatment
rooms, multiple hot water baths, a sauna and a Hammam.