Almanac Barcelona: Where Mediterranean Energy Meets Artistic Precision
The original Almanac—Barcelona’s chic salute to Catalan culture
The Birth of a Vision
Almanac Barcelona was the brand’s opening statement, and what a statement it was. Opening its doors in 2018, it set the tone for a collection that is design-driven, culture-conscious, and quietly luxurious. Its setting on the Gran Via, one of Barcelona’s great boulevards, positions it both at the heart of the city and slightly apart from its more crowded tourist enclaves. From the beginning, it was clear: this was a hotel made for people who wanted to live Barcelona, not just look at it.
Jaime Beriestain’s Design Language
Spanish designer Jaime Beriestain crafted interiors that reflect the rhythm of the Mediterranean: warm, textured, and sensual. Polished oak floors meet linen drapes, sculptural lighting bounces softly off brass accents, and hand-selected artworks add personality to every corridor. It feels both precise and relaxed, as if every detail has been fussed over until it looks effortless. The design language is deeply connected to Barcelona’s artisanal traditions while presenting them through a contemporary lens.
Rooms That Frame the City
The 91 rooms and suites are designed as havens of light and calm. Oversized windows invite the city in, framing rooftops, tree-lined boulevards, or, from some suites, the spires of the Sagrada Família itself. Neutral palettes of sand, stone, and soft terracotta echo Barcelona’s natural colors, while designer furniture adds both comfort and character. The result is a space that is both deeply personal and unmistakably cosmopolitan.
Food, Drink, and a Rooftop Dream
Dining at Almanac Barcelona is as much about place as it is about flavor. The restaurant sources directly from local markets, transforming seasonal produce into contemporary expressions of Catalan cuisine. The rooftop bar, Azimuth, has quickly become one of the city’s most coveted perches. By day, it’s a sun-soaked retreat with 360° views; by night, it’s an electric gathering spot, where the city lights shimmer as cocktails flow. Few places capture Barcelona’s duality—relaxed yet dynamic, historic yet cutting-edge—so completely.
Wellness, Mediterranean Style
The spa and wellness areas continue the theme of understated indulgence. A serene indoor pool, steam baths, and curated treatments create a space of calm in a city that rarely slows down. Here, wellness is less about performance and more about pleasure—a chance to align body and mind before stepping back into Barcelona’s vibrant streets.
DNA Hotels Verdict
Almanac Barcelona is not just the first of the collection—it remains its purest expression. It embodies the brand’s DNA: cosmopolitan design, rooted authenticity, and a style that doesn’t shout but lingers. For travelers who want to experience Barcelona through a lens of sophistication and soul, this is the hotel that set the standard.
