Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Barcelona

I was amazed with Mandarin Oriental’s passion for working with creative and exciting design concepts, they even commissioned the prestigious Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola (my favorite) to create the interior décor of Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona. The way I saw it, the place reflects the open, cosmopolitan character of the great Mediterranean city where the hotel stands, along with the unmistakeable seal of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. The linear simplicity of the building, which I found out was once the head offices of a bank, lends itself perfectly to the clean, balanced interior design by Urquiola.

Entrance and lobby. An impressive atrium ramp draws passers-by from the busy central Passeig de Gràcia to the entrance hall of Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona from where guests can view the light filled Blanc restaurant and lounge below.

Unique pieces. The spatial layout and furniture design, the ceiling decorations and the beautiful hand-woven carpets, reminiscent of the charm and distinction of great classical hotels, have all been carefully chosen by Urquiola.

Nearly all the furniture has been specifically designed by the artist or adapted for the hotel in conjunction with such famous names as B&B Italia, DePadova, Flos and Moroso.

From the Scandinavian style armchairs in Moments restaurant, the lobby sofa, which has been adapted from a traditional Chesterfield, the tartan carpet reminiscent of the Gentleman’s Clubs of bygone days which adorns the Banker’s Bar floor...

... to the fully restored early 20th century French ironing table which serves as a centrepiece to Blanc restaurant and lounge; each piece has been meticulously chosen or designed to give every venue its own character.

Blanc, the essence of Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona Light is filtered in from the atrium and through large skylights positioned over Blanc restaurant and lounge, which is located on the lower floor, in the heart of the building.

Possibly the most spectacular design element in the hotel is an enormous, rectangular, metallic grid which is suspended over the restaurant tables, allowing for greater privacy.

Above this structure, a surprising “hanging garden” effect has been created by the addition of a number of plants.

Dear friend Anton Barretto on a coffee break.

Sosy water!

Love the white wine bottle (white talaga).

Scrumptious delight, Ceasar Salad.

No dip, all sauced and overall nostalgia.its Mandarins version of Tom Yang soup

May I tempt you to a bowl of pure taste? I bet I can.

Three taste, but only one of a kind. Dig in!

Would you believe that this is the gentlemen's comfort room?

It's so posh! Don't even ask why was I inside. Hahaha!

Mimosa Garden. The inner courtyard, otherwise known as the Mimosa Garden is one of Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona’s hidden treasures.

Landscape architect Beth Figueras, in collaboration with Patricia Urquiola, was commissioned to decorate this unusual space.

The result is a delightful garden terrace covering some 660 square metres, which has been perfectly integrated into the structure of the building.

Colourful mimosas and other outdoor plants abound, while specially designed rope chairs invite guests to enjoy al fresco moments in this urban retreat.

Love this pool illusion!