A hotel that displays more than a thousand flowers throughout its rooms for guests to enjoy deserves strong credit, a hotel that changes those thousand flowers every single week deserves the highest of praise.
Welcome to the Hotel Arts, a luxury Barcelona-based property that employs its own full-time team of florists, headed by Donna Stein, whom skillfully decorates the hotel in fine color. When we were there, the flowers in the lobby even matched the complimentary candies on display. As the weekly transformation occurs every Thursday, the hotel has even created its own ‘Flower Friday Facebook’ for Nature-lovers. Flowers are not the only design element that sets the Hotel Arts apart. Hugging the multi-story, metal and blue glass structure, is a manicured 1,000 square meter garden – one of the reasons officials term the hotel a ‘city resort’ – part of which is used as an open-air, cinema-on-grass. Assorted sculptures nearby create added attractions, including a huge goldfish sculpture by Frank Gehry, which was installed in 1992 as the seafront was being transformed for the city’s hosting of the Olympic Games. Fifty-six metres long and thirty-five high and composed of intertwining gilded stainless steel strips, its subtle form is marked by an intense gold color. Interplay between the sun’s rays and its metallic ‘skin’ creates the impression of scales and accentuates its organic form, making this iconic sculpture seem as if it is swimming on air. Nearby are tinkling waterfalls with bamboo groves and an aromatic garden boasting sweet-smelling herbs such as rosemary, lavender, basil, lemon balm and mint, as well as peppers.
Evenings at the Hotel Arts means a choice of six very different drinking and dining options. For a more relaxed atmosphere there’s ‘Frank's Bar.’ Its low lighting and stylish décor makes it an attractive spot to enjoy a sophisticated evening with an indulgent cocktail or a glass of champagne. For something different, try the Pumpkin Patch whisky concoction and a white truffle mix.
The ‘Cafe Verandah,’ is an open terrace of natural stone encased by an array of trees and plants, with informal seating at simple wooden tables.
Chic ‘Bites’ offers fast and informal dishes, with choices such as salads, beef or tuna tartare, cheeses, royal club sandwiches, foie gras hamburger and a wide selection of desserts. Located next to the hotel lobby, its windows look out over the terrace and garden. It is also a good place to start off the day with an à la carte breakfast.
Situated in the hotel gardens near the swimming pool, with views of the sea, Marina restaurant is the star of the summer season, offering light, informal meals in the open air. The menu features salads, cold soups, cheeses and wood-baked pizzas. During July and August, Marina also opens evenings for dinner.
At Arola, chef Sergi Arola showcases imaginative interpretations of traditional Mediterranean cuisine, served tapas style. Weather permitting, guests can enjoy and aperitif or a meal outdoors on the terrace, with stunning views out across the sea. DJs play music every evening with live music ever Thursday in summer and special brunches on Sundays, with treats for kids such as an ice cream cart and outdoor leisure activities like table tennis and table football.
