The global expansion of Room Mate Hotels continues with the launches of two new boutique properties in Barcelona, bringing the collection’s presence in the capital of Catalonia to four hotels. Introducing the company’s new flagship, Room Mate Anna in Passeig de Grácia, and Room Mate Carla, centrally located on Calle Mallorca.
The new hotels follow the openings of Room Mate Giulia in Milan and Room Mate Valeria in Malaga this spring and precede at least eight additional Room Mate hotel launches planned for the coming year in cities including Rotterdam, Rome, Florence, Paris and Madrid. With a new American headquarters opened earlier this year in Miami, Room Mate is also emphasizing expansion in North and Latin America, targeting new markets including Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco and Boston to accompany its already established presence in New York and Miami.
“With its vibrant communities and focus on design, Barcelona is the perfect place for Room Mate Hotels’ bold and spirited attitude toward hospitality,” said Enrique “Kike” Sarasola, founder and chairman of the brand. “We’re excited to welcome guests to Room Mate Anna and Room Mate Carla.”
Room Mate Anna
Room Mate’s new European flagship hotel is located in Passeig de Grácia, better known as the Quadrat d’Or (Golden Square) of Catalonian modernism, the heart of life and culture in Barcelona. Among highlights of the 81-room hotel are a spectacular terrace and a circular rooftop pool offering dramatic views of Casa Batlló and the Agbar Tower.
In line with Room Mate Hotels’ commitment to cutting-edge architecture and design, the decoration of Room Mate Anna was entrusted to renowned interior designer Lorenzo Castillo, who has worked on various Room Mate Hotel projects in the past including the brand’s North American flagship Room Mate Grace in New York City.
Castillo chose to pay tribute to the Mediterranean in his design of Room Mate Anna. Timeless materials appear throughout the property including colored marble floors, wood paneling and metallic accents, while pops of color inspired by the Catalonian landscape in turquoise, aquamarine and coral help create a fresh feel. Elements from local architecture are also incorporated throughout including venetian blinds and slatted shutters on closet doors and guest room headboards.
Room Mate Carla
Centrally located on Calle Mallorca, Room Mate Carla is just a few steps from the Paseo de Gracia, one of Barcelona’s most important shopping and business areas. Architect Tomas Alía, who previously worked with the group on projects including Room Mate Oscar, Madrid and Room Mate Aitana, Amsterdam, designed the 88-room hotel.
Noted Alía: “It’s always a pleasure to work with Room Mate Hotels because this is a group that likes to be innovative and break the mold; from a design perspective, we have the freedom to create our own projects.”
The hotel honors the city’s great design and incorporates industrial themes, including ceramics, celebrated trencadis mosaics, and Gaudí’s modernism. The lobby color scheme is a mix of bold blue, silver and taupe with armchairs and sofas in striking geometric shapes designed exclusively for the hotel. Notable eye-catching features include a large vertical structure at the front desk made up of dozens of enameled handmade ceramic pieces. Bedrooms focus on comfort with a design scheme consisting of white interiors to highlight the furniture with contrasting bright colors and bold shapes on raised headboards, walls and rugs.
