Right in the heart of Barcelona, there’s a special building that holds the city’s stories close. Under its elegant vaulted ceilings, surrounded by intricate mosaics and wrought-iron balconies, you can almost breathe in the tales of the neighbourhood, the inviting aroma of Catalan cuisine, and a fresh touch of contemporary design. This is Antiga Casa Buenavista, a boutique hotel where the charm of modernist architecture meets a modern spirit to offer an experience both beautiful and deeply human.
Antiga Casa Buenavista began its life at the close of the 19th century as a beloved family-run restaurant, a local haven for artists and neighbours alike. Fast forward to 2022, and the Molleví family’s fourth generation chose to reimagine it as a hotel — all while respecting the soul of the place. Their delicate challenge? To keep its original heart while weaving in a contemporary hospitality language.
The restoration was nothing short of an art form. Every Catalan vault, every ornamental moulding, every floor tile was gently brought back to life. Alongside this, modern comforts and technology were seamlessly integrated, so naturally, you hardly notice them. The result? A space where history isn’t just shown—it’s palpably felt.
Rooms and Spaces That Speak
Step into Antiga Casa Buenavista and you find a textured paradise. The lobby bathes in natural light, playing over restored hydraulic tiles; coloured stained glass dances in the air, while materials like wood, ceramic, and iron come together with effortless grace. It feels like a place designed to accompany you quietly, never to shout.
All 43 rooms look outwards, offering clean, rational geometry and balconies or terraces alive with the city’s rhythm. Each holds a small tribute to the building’s modernist past. Comfort here isn’t loud; it grows from thoughtful proportions, the glow of warm light, and furniture lovingly fitted to each space without clamour.
Signature Design with a Heart
The interior design strikes a fine balance between Catalan and international inspirations, avoiding clichés with a sensitive touch. Brands like Santa & Cole, Nanimarquina, Cassina, Vitra, and Knoll share the spotlight with works by Miguel Milá, Nani Marquina, Mies van der Rohe, and Charlotte Perriand. Every lamp, chair, and rug feels chosen — never random — each quietly adding to the experience.
This carefully curated approach tells a clear story: design is here not to dominate but to complement. Luxury here is quiet, not overbearing. It is the light that embraces, the armchair that invites a pause, the texture that wraps memory in every corner.
Hospitality Rooted in Tradition
At the heart of it all, the restaurant Casa de Comidas Buenavista continues the tradition of the old family tavern. Its market-driven Catalan cuisine, focused on local and seasonal ingredients, perfectly mirrors the hotel’s philosophy of authenticity, warmth, and respect for the environment. It invites locals and guests alike to savour something truly special.
The restaurant also champions local suppliers and producers, nurturing a community bond that extends beyond business.
A Model of Thoughtful Urban Hospitality
In a city like Barcelona that’s navigating the balance between tourism and local life, Antiga Casa Buenavista stands out as a beacon for intimate, responsible hospitality that keeps its soul firmly Barcelonian. It’s not a building dressed up for visitors but a true home opening its doors to travellers with honesty.
As a shining example of heritage preservation done right, it proves that when design is an act of care, it transforms a historic space into one where history and the present live together in beautiful harmony — a warmth and elegance you can feel down to the smallest detail.
For more information, visit: hotelcasabuenavista.com.
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