Established in 1925 as one of the most beautiful places in Barcelona, Hotel La Florida has re-opened its doors following a €42 million restoration project. It is said that the recreation of La Florida is the realisation of a dream for American owner, David Stein.

This celebrated retreat for presidents, executives, celebrities and socialites has been recreated by Dale Keller, an award-winning designer, who has worked with some of Europe’s finest architects, sculptors and landscape designers to complete the project.

Situated on top of Barcelona’s mount Tibidabo, the luxurious resort, now called
Gran Hotel La Florida
encompasses 13,000 square metres, offering 74 spacious guestrooms including 8 designer and presidential suites, designed by international artists such as Ben Jakober, Yannick Vu and Christina Macaya.

The complex resurrection of La Florida took four years during which, David Stein and his team overcame several hurdles, including a contractual commitment to conserve the architectural integrity and view of the building as well as the original frontage. As a result, the original silhouette of the building remains the same as it did twenty years ago with much of the work having taken place underneath the building.

La Florida is an architectural masterpiece. Built in an art deco form and drawing inspiration from its founders, the state of the art facilities combine perfectly with the glamour of the 20s to provide a truly personalised and unforgettable experience in one of Europe’s most popular destinations.

In close consultation with the town’s civic authorities, Stein commissioned a unique artwork programme to represent three elements; earth, light and water. Perhaps the most impressive part of this trio is an inspirational 27-metre high fibre optic work consisting of three interlaced cones that occupy the interior courtyard of the original building, signifying the light element.

Each guest room at La Florida is individually designed and every section of the hotel has its own exclusive theme, creating a dreamy ambience. There are outdoor hot tubs in private gardens that overlook the city that form part of the suite space. Hanging sculptures, tasteful paintings and exquisite ornamentation add a unique blend of charm.

In addition to having Internet access in each guest room, business travellers can enjoy a meetings room complete with high tech facilities. The hotel will be installing high-speed wireless internet connection in the near future.

The spa offers a state of the art gym, sauna and steam bath; the perfect sanctuary to revitalise both mind and body. Guests can also enjoy a refreshing dip in the edgeless, stainless steel swimming pool, surrounded by beautiful gardens, which appears to spill off the side of the mountain and onto the city below. Aptly named the infinity pool, where it ends, the world begins.

For fine dining, La Florida features The L’Orangerie restaurant, set within an Art Nouveau part of the building. Under the direction of award winning owner Gérard Ferry, L’Orangerie promises culinary delights which are delivered in the form of innovative Mediterranean dishes. All the senses are stimulated in this unforgettable setting.

The Gran Hotel La Florida is the perfect get-away destination. From its perch on top of the 300 metre high Mount Tibidabo, La Florida commands exquisite views of Barcelona and the calm blue Mediterranean Sea, generating a unique sense of serenity and privacy. Stein’s vision has been truly realised.

For further information and reservations at Gran Hotel La Florida, a member of The Great Hotels of the World, please telephone the hotel on +00 34 93 259 3000 or visit: www.ghotw.com

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