Hotel Arts Barcelona

The Hotel Arts Barcelona is one of the twin skyscrapers that radically transformed Barcelona's seafront during the profound urban transformation prior to the 1992 Olympic Games. The beach area had previously been neglected and separated from the center. Construction of the building began during this wave of change that included the restoration of miles of beaches, the redevelopment of the maritime area of the Barceloneta and Poblenou neighborhoods, and the opening of the city to the sea. The hotel initially opened as a 10-story building in 1992, then closed to complete the construction project. Construction was completed in 1994, establishing itself as an example of high-tech architecture. Architect Bruce Graham always had a special heart for Barcelona, especially since he became friends with artist Joan Miró and later with Barcelona Mayor Pasqual Maragall. The hotel is operated by Ritz-Carlton and is located opposite Barcelona's Olympic Marina, complemented by Frank Gehry's world-famous El Peix sculpture.

The Hotel Arts dominates Barcelona's skyline as one of its tallest buildings. This Ritz-Carlton property impresses the eye with a white steel exoskeleton that crisscrosses over its 44-story blue glass surfaces, creating a gleaming landmark from near and far. A novel design idea at the time was to support a tall tower with an external frame or exoskeleton, so the bracing for the 44-story Hotel Arts is on the exterior, giving it a striking appearance. The hotel occupies the bottom 33 floors of the skyscraper and features more than 500 pieces of original art by contemporary Catalan and Spanish artists throughout the property. The 455 guest rooms and 28 exclusive penthouses feature sleek modern design complemented by an impressive 20th century collection. At the base of the hotel is the enormous, eye-catching Peix fish, made of stone, steel and glass, which renowned architect Frank Gehry designed for the 1992 Olympic Games.

Hotel Arts is located in Barcelona's vibrant waterfront district, directly across from the Olympic Marina and with direct access to Barceloneta beach. The location represents Barcelona's successful urban transformation for the 1992 Olympics, when the city regained its connection to the Mediterranean Sea. Just minutes away is the Olympic Port with its restaurants and nightlife, the traditional fishing district of Barceloneta, and the promenade that stretches along miles of urban beaches. The hotel is strategically located for access to both the historic center of Barcelona and the new cultural and business areas, including the 22@ technology district and the Forum.