The DNA: Originally the city’s first-ever design hotel, OMM. The façade of what is now Sir Victor, consists of a skeleton of several curved stainless steel structural modules, serving as a skin that’s been ‘cut’ to fashion a number of slits which have ‘peeled back’; curling outwards like pieces of card. Aesthetically enjoyable for guests and locals alike, it is a façade of function as well as form – the cut-outs allowing for balconies in an area of restricted architectural augmentation; privacy from neighbouring buildings; commanding views out to the famous Passeig de Gràcia; reflection of afternoon light into the rooms; and reduced noise from the street below. The Sir group’s youthful style, a rooftop bar plus a Barcelona edition of award-winning Amsterdam steakhouse MR PORTER. Guest rooms reflect the vibrant city outside, each with colour-coordinated handcrafted rugs by Spanish designer Nani Marquina; furniture pieces by B&B Italia and Cassina; Sir’s signature denim bathrobes; and artworks from established and emerging Catalan artists, including Bernat Daviu who was commissioned for a series of his distinctive Xarrupa paintings that run throughout the hotel.

Seen: WeHeart

✅ free Wi-Fi • size matters: 91 rooms & suites (27-85m2) (291-915 sq ft) • hotel opened: 2003 • architecture: Capella Garcia • interior design: Baranowitz + Kronenberg • on-site parking (charged) • no pets allowed • 24-hour front desk • wheelchair accessible