Barcelona, Spain, November 10, 2022 – Sofitel, a luxury brand of French origin within the Accor group, and Swiss fund manager Propreal Capital Partners, are pleased to announce the brand’s debut in Spain, with the new Sofitel Barcelona Skipper. The newly opened hotel enjoys a privileged location next to Barceloneta, one of the most cosmopolitan neighbourhoods in the city, and is just steps away from the Somorrostro beach in Vila Olímpica. With 225 stylish guestrooms, a commitment to positive hospitality, and a Michelin-starred chef, Sofitel Barcelona Skipper elegantly blends the best of Parisian and Catalan cultures to embody its own unique spirit of La Vida Chic, becoming the newest flagship hotel of the Sofitel brand in Southern Europe.
"Sofitel Barcelona Skipper is where the rich history of Catalonia meets the modernity of Vila Olimpica, and we are very pleased to partner with Propreal on this landmark development,” said Maud Bailly, Managing Director, Accor Southern Europe. “True to its DNA, our newest Sofitel property blends French art de vivre with local culture to create a colourful and harmonious experience. The Sofitel Barcelona Skipper will become a flagship hotel in the city – a lively attraction for the neighbourhood that is also deeply committed to providing positive hospitality experiences for a healthy and sustainable environment.”
Accor’s decision to bring Sofitel to Spain and the investment by Propreal Capital Partners to create a five-star, 19,000 sqm luxury experience in the heart of Catalonia's capital, are in line with the longstanding affinity between France and Spain, which is strong and growing. In 2022, Barcelona welcomed 6.4 million visitors, mainly from France. Spain is also the number one travel destination for Europeans.
"Sofitel Barcelona Skipper represents an exceptional entry for the Sofitel brand into the Spanish market,” said Marcus Siggelow, Head of Asset Management, Propreal Capital Partners. “Since Propreal acquired the property for our investors, we have increased its value potential by incorporating cutting-edge design, modernizing the bars and restaurants, and showcasing the extraordinary rooftop terrace – all to increase the hotel’s attractiveness and drive more business volume. Following the success of this project, Propreal sees further opportunities to add to our portfolio in the Iberian market and we are actively seeking new investments of the same status as this one."
The mix of Parisian and Catalan cultures
The design of Sofitel Barcelona Skipper was imagined by architecture studio Factoria Uda, who emphasized harmony, sophistication, refinement and French Art de Vivre throughout the hotel. A sparkling décor, dotted with touches of blue, was influenced by the Mediterranean blue of Barcelona and the white of Parisian buildings, creating a fresh look that balances French elegance and local luxury. Classic Parisian features, such as oak inlaid floors and black & white bathrooms, intertwine with familiar motifs of Barcelona, such as the "Panots" – hexagons created by Antonio Gaudí for the floor of the famous Paseo de Gracia – which appear above the beds in all 225 guestrooms. Throughout the hotel, large bay windows provide ample natural light and spectacular views of the city, the swimming pool, the beach and Mediterranean Sea beyond.
Sofitel’s emphasis on art shines with the work of Catalan artists Ya Ya Tur and Mario Ruiz, who were commissioned to transform the hotel’s rooms and corridors into authentic art galleries. Mario Ruiz used recycled elements from automobiles to create sculptures, while the hotel’s hallways are lined with Ya Ya Tur’s original paintings, framed in white lacquer.
Living La Vida Chic in Barcelona
Famous Michelin-starred Catalan chef David Andrés is at the helm of Tendiez, the main restaurant and cocktail bar at Sofitel Barcelona Skipper. Coming from renowned restaurants such as aBaC, Chef Andrés has turned his attention to Tendiez, where he has designed a menu of Mediterranean tapas based on the flavors of Barcelona and the spirit of sharing. Chef Andrés relies on 100% local products of the highest quality, to create unique dishes such as Escalivada with candied tomatoes and smoked sardines with salad of escarole, rice from the Ebro delta carbonara with faux fried egg, and Fricarando de parpatana of bluefin tuna and grilled lettuce with almond and romesco sauce.
Continuing the hotel’s focus on culinary excellence, Syrah restaurant offers a wide variety of fresh local products, such as fish from the Boquería Market, Catalan cheeses from Puigcerdà and Catalan charcuterie from Casellterçoll. These products can also be found on the menu at El Cielo, the hotel’s spectacular rooftoop space and bar.
As a promoter of Art de Vivre, Sofitel Barcelona Skipper will host cultural events throughout the year, related to literary arts, visual art, and music, as well as special events to celebrate wine and gourmet food. Sofitel Barcelona Skipper is also an important new event site in Barcelona for conventions, events and meetings. The hotel has multiple workspaces and nine meeting rooms, where outdoor events can also be held.
Commitment to sustainability and the local community
Sofitel Barcelona Skipper has a strong commitment to both sustainability and to the community. The building has been remodeled with an efficiency system that incorporates occupancy sensors as well as automatic temperature and air conditioning controls. The hotel is supplied with ‘green energy’, through 82 solar panels. In addition, the hotel’s 300m2 front garden has a computer-controlled responsible irrigation system to avoid wasting water. Both swimming pools incorporate a saline electrolysis system which avoids the use of chlorine.
The hotel is also committed to avoiding single-use plastic items and has incorporated sustainable dry amenities and Diptyque dispensers to contribute to Zero Waste. Of special note, are the glass-bottled water and beer in the guestroom mini-bars. These are supplied by a local Barcelona brand, with some proceeds from sales going to support local sea care projects.
In keeping with its responsible food program, Sofitel Barcelona Skipper uses 100% local food and Catalan products – such as beef from Catalan farms like La Bassola or Casellterçoll, fish from the Boqueria fish market, Catalan cheeses from Puigcerdà, Catalan sausages from Castellterçol and breads and pastry from Catalan artisanal bakeries. The hotel also employs an anti-food waste program, using initiatives such as Winnow, a tablet system to accurately measure product requirements to avoid overordering, and the donation of surplus food to local associations such as Rotary (50 plates every Friday).
Sofitel Barcelona Skipper is a champion of diversity with an equal number of employees and 40% women on its executive committee.
FEATURED INFORMATION
- 225 rooms – 24 suites and 1 presidential suite
- 845 m2 of conference area including 9 meeting rooms
- 2 restaurants – Tendiez and Syrah
- 2 bars – Tendiez Cocktail Bar and El Cielo Rooftop Pool Bar
- 2 Blue terraces at street level and El Cielo on the rooftop
- 2 swimming pools: Blue terrace in summer and El Cielo year-round
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