The History of Hotel Barcelona Colonial | Gargallo Blog

The building that is now home to Barcelona Hotel Colonial was constructed between 1904 and 1906 and was the first building to be erected on Via Laietana, one of Barcelona’s most important avenues. Its construction coincided with the opening of this new thoroughfare, an urban development project designed to connect the port with the Eixample and modernise the city’s historic centre.

The building was designed by architect Enric Sagnier, with the collaboration of Pere Falqués, two of the most prominent figures in Catalan architecture at the time.

For much of the 20th century, the building was the headquarters of Banco Hispano Colonial (BHC). This financial institution was established following the loss of Spain’s last colonies and was involved in financing major infrastructure projects, including the opening of Via Laietana itself.

For this reason, the building is significant not only for its architectural value, but also for its historical importance, as it is directly linked to one of the urban development projects that forever transformed the centre of Barcelona.

One of the building’s most curious features can still be seen more than a century later. If you look at the façade, you can still see the initials BHC, which stand for Banco Hispano Colonial.

During the building’s restoration, they were not removed but preserved as part of its historical heritage and as a reminder of its past. This legacy also lives on in the hotel’s name: Barcelona Hotel Colonial (BHC).

In 2006, Gargallo Hotels acquired the building to convert it into a hotel while preserving its architectural value. The restoration retained the protected façade, the spaciousness of its interiors and numerous original features, preserving the building’s grand character while adapting it to modern comforts.

Barcelona Hotel Colonial is much more than accommodation in the city centre. It is a building that has witnessed Barcelona’s evolution since the beginning of the 20th century, played a part in one of the city’s greatest urban transformations and continues to preserve original features that offer a glimpse into its past.

For those looking for more than just a great location, staying here means discovering Barcelona from a building that is more than a century old and forms part of the city’s history.

Inside the hotel, you will find Vesper Colonial Club, an elegant cocktail bar that preserves the stately atmosphere of the historic building. Its offering combines classic cocktails and signature creations in a space that respects the character of the property and completes the experience of staying in a building with such a rich history.

The hotel’s location makes it easy to explore some of the main attractions in Barcelona’s historic centre on foot.

From Barcelona Hotel Colonial, you can reach the following in just a few minutes:

• Gothic Quarter
• El Born
• Barcelona Cathedral
• Port Vell
• Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar
• Picasso Museum
• La Rambla

Its location makes the hotel an excellent starting point for exploring some of the city’s most iconic landmarks.