Eurostars Barcelona Central | Spain
A Contemporary Urban Retreat Reimagined from a Modern Office Building
Why DNA Hotels Loves It
● A thoughtful adaptive reuse project that transformed a 1990s office building into a refined contemporary hotel.
● Clean Mediterranean interiors by Víctor Rahola and Mayte Matutes, balancing minimalism with warmth and comfort.
● Green architecture, generous terraces, and a rooftop overlooking one of Barcelona’s most vibrant neighbourhoods.
A New Chapter for a Familiar Favourite
Although the name has changed, the essence remains remarkably consistent. Originally opened as Ocean Drive Barcelona, the hotel now continues under the Eurostars brand while preserving the contemporary character that made it stand out. Located in Barcelona’s elegant Eixample district, within walking distance of Casa Batlló and La Pedrera, it offers an understated alternative to the city’s more theatrical boutique hotels. The identity has evolved. The design philosophy has not.
An Office Building Reinvented
The building’s previous life remains central to its success. Originally constructed in 1991 as the headquarters of Carburos Metálicos, the structure has been carefully adapted rather than replaced. Existing volumes, staggered floorplates, and generous terraces dictated the new layout, while preserving the original framework significantly reduced the environmental impact of the redevelopment. The façade tells the story. Glass surfaces are softened by a living green wall that improves thermal performance while introducing nature to one of Barcelona’s busiest intersections.
Mediterranean Minimalism
The interiors embrace simplicity without ever feeling austere. Natural timber, bespoke furniture, warm textiles, soft colours, and carefully integrated lighting create relaxed spaces that reflect the Mediterranean lifestyle. Built-in furniture organises the open-plan lobby, lounge, restaurant, and bar, while large glazed façades dissolve the boundary between indoor spaces and landscaped terraces. Everything feels open. Everything flows naturally.
Rooms Designed for Modern Living
The hotel’s 98 guestrooms move beyond the traditional bedroom layout. Rather than separating sleeping, working, and relaxing into distinct zones, the rooms combine these functions into flexible living spaces. Contemporary furnishings, integrated technology, generous natural light, and calm material palettes create interiors equally suited to unwinding after a day in the city or catching up on work between explorations. Comfort feels effortless. Function never compromises design.
Green Thinking Above the City
Sustainability formed an essential part of the renovation. By retaining the existing structure, introducing improved insulation, cross ventilation, rooftop gardens, and the striking vertical green façade, the project significantly reduced its environmental footprint. Above it all, the rooftop terrace, swimming pool, and Sky Bar remain among the hotel’s greatest assets, offering sweeping views across Barcelona’s rooftops as the city slowly transitions from day to night. It is a place made for golden hour. And for lingering a little longer.
Why It Works
Eurostars Barcelona Central succeeds because it demonstrates how intelligent architecture can extend the life of an existing building without sacrificing style. Thoughtful adaptive reuse, contemporary Mediterranean interiors, and sustainable design come together to create a hotel that feels modern, relaxed, and perfectly at home in Barcelona’s ever-evolving urban landscape.
