The Mett Barcelona hotel has celebrated its official inauguration on Mount Tibidabo. This marks the rebirth of one of the city’s most iconic properties with a fresh strategy aimed squarely at local residents. Following a soft opening last September, the five-star establishment—formerly the Gran Hotel La Florida—formally launched on Thursday. Its promise is to become a social hub for the city rather than just a destination for international tourists. That debate has been building for months — we covered it in recent housing challenges in the Barcelona metropolitan area.
The renovation represents a €50 million investment by a consortium. This includes Sunset Hospitality Group (SHG), Atom Hoteles, and GMA Corporate. The project has transformed the historic 1925 building. It was known for hosting figures such as Ernest Hemingway and James Stewart. More recently, it welcomed Barack Obama and Bruce Springsteen. Now, it is a contemporary luxury lifestyle destination.
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Home » Mett Barcelona Hotel Opens on Tibidabo with Local Focus
Mett Barcelona Hotel: A New Vision for Tibidabo
While the hotel boasts unique panoramic views of the Barcelona skyline and the Mediterranean horizon, its management is keen to dispel the notion that the mountaintop location is isolated. Instead, the strategy focuses on persuading Barcelonians to view the short journey up the mountain as a ‘mini-getaway’ within their own city.
Antonio González, President and CEO of SHG, emphasised that the goal is for the hotel to be a “social space that Barcelona residents can be proud of”. Speaking at the launch event, which featured a traditional performance by castellers (human towers), González noted that “heritage and contemporary hospitality can coexist” while remaining connected to the urban fabric below.
Mett Barcelona Hotel: Dining and Wellness as Draws
To attract the local market, the 70-room hotel has curated specific packages designed for staycations and day visits. These include romantic getaways, wellness treatments, and culinary experiences that do not strictly require an overnight stay.
The gastronomic offering is central to this appeal. Therefore, the property features:
- 1925 Vermutería: A relaxed, light-filled space designed for casual dining and sharing.
- Albarada: An elegant Mediterranean restaurant anchored by a central olive tree, suitable for intimate dinners or larger groups.
- Valmont Spa: A luxury wellness centre featuring a large indoor heated pool that connects to the outdoor terrace.
Mett Barcelona Hotel: Strategic Investment and Support
The path to reopening was not immediate. Víctor Martí, founder and president of GMA, revealed that the company spent eight years acquiring the asset. The asset had suffered from a lack of investment in recent times. “We have preserved the personality of the building by updating it for the needs of the modern traveller,” Martí stated. He added that Sunset Hospitality Group was chosen from 11 potential operators. They shared the vision of creating a venue for both global travellers and locals.
Local authorities have welcomed the project for its contribution to quality tourism and employment. Cristina Lagé, Director General of Tourism for the Generalitat, highlighted that the hotel brings 80 new jobs. It also offers a “differential value” as a space for relaxation.
Similarly, Jordi Valls, Deputy Mayor of Economy and Tourism at Barcelona City Council, praised the conservation of the building’s heritage. He noted that the project aligns with the city’s push for “quality tourism”. This tourism is capable of attracting cultural and business visitors alike. In addition, European destinations are increasingly valued for their safety and stability this year.
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