Gone are the days when a hotel offers a pretty space where you lay your head. Casa Bonay in Barcelona is a huge testament to that, as it has a hotel comprising a restaurant, cafe, juice bar, and cocktail bar. Situated on the ever popular side of Dreta de l’Eixample, this is a magnet for not only those visiting Barcelona but also locals! The building is huge, yet the branding is minimal, and the welcome is discreet, which sets the tone of the ethos. Introducing an eclectic array and collaboration of homegrown talent.

The cultural boutique behind the building, with its neoclassical-style façade, was built by Francisco Batlle and opened in 1869. The house was occupied by the Bonay family, whose youngest daughter, Antonia, went on to marry Carles Maní, a former friend and associate of Gaudí. 147 years later, Casa Bonay maintains all the architectural elements and the most important structures to respect its original style. Founder and Co-owner Inés Miró-Sans and business partner Luis Rullán worked with the Brooklyn-based design firm Studio Tack to elegantly restore the space and update yet reveal its yesteryears.

OUR STORY

Firstly, the rooms and suites vary from single and double beds to suites with a terrace; there are 67 rooms across 8 categories. All of the rooms include a sofa, which can be converted into a bed to accommodate a third person, and some feature a balcony and views of Gran Vía's city life. The rooms have been decorated by Marc Morro of Otras Cosas, who strongly focuses on producing furniture made by local artisans and very much reflects the beautiful charm of the grand Eixample.

Expect to be greeted by cute leafy terraces and passages, encouraging you to feel like a local as you swipe your key card. The decor is simple, focusing on the original features, such as the beautiful and emblematic modernist tiled flooring and high ceilings. This is paired with slick and modest bathrooms and a reasonably sized room stocked with nibbles and healthy snacks from collaborators Libertine is a tapas bar, cocktail lounge, and all-day lounge bar, open daily. It ticks many boxes, with the brand offering a place to quickly catch up on emails, enjoy lunch, or unwind with a coffee. TosTao is a bright petit sandwich shop offering speciality coffee to locals and guests. Then there’s Bodega Bonay, a temple to natural wines and high-quality products. Its where Chef Giacomo Hassan has a creative offering to make your mouth water, such as the lacquered eel with coleslaw salad, slow-grilled lamb and mackerel with burnt tomatoes. The space, with the open kitchen and a long corner bar, is beautiful, and the vibe is elegant and cosy. They’ve even launched a cocktail brand, Libertine, making it easy to pop a can in your bag for a picnic at Ciutadella Park on hot days.

In short, it’s more than a hotel. It is a cultural hub. There is always something taking place. We got to sample the first The Creators event, aimed at children who enjoy or are interested in art. You’ll also find talks, parties and other activities taking place. This was our first time staying as a family, and it was even better than the last time we stayed, thanks to the exceptional customer service, children's amenities, different spaces, and great food.

You are just a short stroll from the Gothic Quarter, El Born, and Passeig de Gracia. The area has undergone some changes, with a renaissance of new eateries and events. We are big fans of Parking Pizza, Parking Pita, and Granja Petitbo for brunch, which are must-visits should you find Bonay bound.

THE GOODIES

- Breakfast in the Libertine with warm dishes from the downstairs cafe.
- Bodega Bonay
- Blankets from Teixidors
- Malin+Goetz toiletries
- Minibar with local products.
- Yoga Kit
- Free high-speed WiFi
- Air conditioner and heater
- Free access to the Pati de Vela Nautical Club in Barcelona.

SUMMARY

Rate - Starts from 130 euros per night

Location - Dreta de l’Eixample

Suitable for - couples, friends and business travellers

Tips - Visit the special events up on the rooftop in the summer months.

BOOK CASA BONAY