HOTEL BARCELÓ TORRE DE MADRID || A Visual Journey Through Spain's Past
“I was fully dedicated to the creation of a very special and unique space that would represent a new vision of Spain, a vision far from the traditional aesthetics. Aside from being my hometown, for me Madrid represents Spain’s diversity and richness.” - Jaime Hayon.
Jaime went on to do just that, creating the brand new Hotel Barceló Torre de Madrid that echoes Spain in a very unique way. Jaime was able to elegantly merge traditional elements with a modern approach, using art and a deep colour palette to reflect the richness and warmth of Spain’s history. Hotel Barceló Torre de Madrid is housed inside the iconic Tower of Madrid in the heart of the city. The 34-storey tower was built in 1957 and has long been seen as the modern symbol of Madrid. The hotel stretches across nine floors of the tower, complimenting it with its glamorous and thoughtful details that pay homage to Madrid.
Having been born and raised in Madrid himself, Jaime was thrilled when he was provided with the opportunity to bring his perception of Spain to one of the city’s most iconic buildings.
Lobby: Bear Sculpture, face sculpture and strcutural lights special design by Jaime Hayon for Hotel Barceló Torre de Madrid. Catch Lounge Chair by &tradition. Chinoz Lamps by Parachilna. Soft Beat Sofa by Arlfex.
Upon entry, a large, joyful sculpture of a bear in zebra stripes tipping his brass hat greets guests at the grand lobby. The bear is Jaime’s play on the coat of arms of the city of Madrid, which includes a bear in the symbol. Luxurious golden glazed ceramics hang above the Garra bar, complementing the distinctively tall drink cabinets that reach all the way up to the ceiling. A deep and rich colour palette was used, along with finishes reminiscent of Arabic, Moorish and Roman influences, which had played a part in shaping Spain’s culture and architecture.
Garra Lobby Bar: Fri armchairs by Fritz Hansen; Beetle stool by Gubi; Ceramic hanging lights special design by Jaime Hayon for Hotel Barceló Torre de Madrid.
Garra Lobby Bar: Custom made ceramic lamps and structural lamps designed by Jaime Hayon specially for Hotel Barceló Torre de Madrid. Beetle stool by Gubi.
Garra Lobby Bar: Custom made ceramic lamps and structural lamps designed by Jaime Hayon specially for Hotel Barceló Torre de Madrid. Ikebana vase by Fritz Hansen.
Jaime was mindful to use plenty of natural light to illuminate the spacious lobby, at the same time giving guests a stunning view of the city through tall, floor-to-ceiling windows, designed with emblems of Spanish culture rendered as brass drawings. Across the hotel lobby, colourful armchairs are placed throughout, providing guests with a sophisticated setting to relax with a cocktail from the bar.
(Left and right) Lobby seating area: Soft Beat and Claudine sofas by Arflex, GamFratesi TS Tables by Gubi, Palette Table by &tradition, Chinoz Table Lamps by Parachilna, Ro armchair by Fritz Hansen. Face Structure and Hanging Lamps special designs by Jaime Hayon for Hotel Barceló Torre de Madrid.
Everywhere you go, you can find small sculptures, masks and the various characters from Jaime’s vivid imagination throughout the hotel’s public spaces and hallways. These can be found throughout all 9-floors of the hotel, a testament to Jaime’s painstaking attention to detail and commitment to create a truly one-of-a-kind living experience for out of town guests and locals alike.
(Left) Reception area: Ceramic hanging lamps, special design by Jaime Hayon for Hotel Barceló Torre de Madrid. Ikebana vase by Fritz Hansen.
(Right) Wellness area: Swimmers mask, special design by Jaime Hayon for Hotel Barceló Torre de Madrid.
Vip Lounge: Sammen chairs and Analog table by Fritz Hansen; Tiberius II medium bowl and Titus II cermiac vase by Paola C. ; Ceramic hanging lamps, special design by Jaime Hayon for Hotel Barceló Torre de Madrid; Portrait byKlunderBie for Hotel Barceló Torre de Madrid.
Walking through the hotel, you will notice a variety of artwork on display, commissioned from photographer Klunderbie, to fulfill Jaime’s desire to showcase the richness and diversity of Spanish culture that combines deeply Spanish symbols such as the bullfighter, flamenco dress, palm trees and other cultural icons. These subjects are then manipulated using a painterly approach to capture their essence through realism style art, focusing on rich details. To reflect the modern and playful side of the hotel, Klunderbie used an effect that incorporates colour-blocking techniques to mask a part of the painting to create a unique composition that keeps the interior from being too serious.
Reception Area: Portrait by KlunderBie for Hotel Barceló Torre de Madrid, Vertical 1 Floor Lamp by Areti, GamFratesi TS Table by Gubi, Fri Poltronas by Fritz Hansen. Catch Lounge Chair by &tradi- tion. Soft Beat Sofa by Arlfex.
Standard Room: Face Mirror special piece by Jaime Hayon for Hotel Barceló Torre de Madrid. Fri armchair and Kaiser Idell floor lamp by Fritz Hansen, Monkey Table by BD Barcelona.
Wellness area: Swimmers mask, special design by Jaime Hayon for Hotel Barceló Torre de Madrid.
Whether you are travelling for the first time in Spain or if you grew up in the city of Madrid, a stay at the Hotel Barceló Torre de Madrid will be a wonderful and refreshing experience that will make you appreciate the rich history of Spain. After all, who wouldn’t want to be greeted by a glossy bear upon arrival?
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Plaza de España, 18, 28008 Madrid, Spain
Photos by KlunderBie
