The Mercer Hotel Barcelona is located in the Gothic Quarter, where the heritage of Rome can be seen in many places. What makes this hotel unique is that it is built within an ancient Roman Tower with a preserved wall dating from 1AD. This is where it gets interesting.
While maintaining the historical integrity of the site, Mercer Hotel has a modernist design.
The assimilation of distinct historical periods, the 1st century through to the 21st century, works seamlessly. Exposed brickworks sit comfortably with contemporary art. Painted exposed beams work harmoniously with the darker furniture. Flowers, shrubs and fruit trees are throughout the hotel making huge statements against the old stone and the modernist furnishings.
Mercer Hotel was designed by Spanish Architect Rafael Moneo, as a contemporary hotel as part of an historic monument. His belief was that “a Moneo building creates an awareness of time by remembering its antecedents. It then layers this memory against its mission in the contemporary world.”
Location of Intimate Historical and Modern Hotel
This is a boutique hotel with just 28 rooms, in the hustle and bustle of the Gothic Quarter abutting the frenetic La Ramblas. Down a snaking narrow alley, lined with tapas bars, little plazas and old style residential apartments, it is a different experience when you arrive at the Mercer Hotel. The location is nothing short of ideal. One could imagine that you are indeed walking where Roman soldiers once trod, and where they would have stood guard in the tower, that is now the Mercer Hotel.
Due to the dense stonewalls that were once the Tower, it is serenely quiet in Mercer Hotel. It is so quiet that you forget that you are in one of the most vibrant cities in Europe, Barcelona. It is an oasis of tranquility.
Touring Mercer Hotel, Barcelona
As you wander through the different areas of the hotel, you appreciate how well the design elements work.
Glass walls lead to a modern atrium, with 17th-century columns, indoor orange trees and plenty of natural sunlight. Here you can take breakfast of regional fresh foods. You can also select to dine inside, and this again is a visual treat as old and new blend perfectly. The library and the business center are discreetly seen behind the original ancient walls. The frescoes, were uncovered during the hotel’s renovations, and sit comfortable on the exposed arches. Gain, modern dashes of art, a very chic wine bar all add to the visual appeal of the hotel. The bar has an extensive array of different gins.
Our stay
We had a seamless and very pleasant check in. The concierges were on hand to offer their services and suggestions for hidden local restaurants. Throughout this European sojourn of ours, we are valuing more and more the intimate knowledge that concierges have and share with guests. There was no exception at Mercer Hotel with very amiable concierges.
We were taken to our rooms with lovely views over the inner courtyard. This is where the 21st-century elements come into play. The rooms are minimalist in design but have maximum modern inclusions. A universal power charger thrilled Gordon. The speed of the Internet in all areas of the hotel thrilled me, as did the history and locale.
There are various standards of rooms, despite there only being 28. Ours had wooden floors, a large glazed shower stall with rain head shower, a stunning down light over the vanity as well as workspaces and comfortable chairs.
The 4th floor has a very chic rooftop bar, deck chairs, and pool, all with sweeping views over the Gothic area and the Gothic Cathedral. There are sun lounges and more stunning gardens replete with lavender and olive trees. The music plays in the background as champagne sits in ice, and fresh fruit and juices adorn the bar. The service is so friendly, and that is just right on every level. Café latte? Si!
The location makes it easy to explore the city of Barcelona, and the rooftop bar beckons you to return to relax. When you consider that you are in the middle of Barcelona, Mercer Hotel holds the unique card.
Dining Experiences at Mercer Hotel, Barcelona
Mercer Restaurant is within the historic Roman walls where you find a room adorned with restored mediaeval frescoes. This restaurant specializes in locally sourced products.
The Mercer Breakfast is a la carte and offers fruits, pastries and a cooked breakfast from the menu and if you need to you can also access the buffet with home cooked treats.
The hotels on-site tavern, Le Bouchon, offers French-inspired tapas, sourced locally ensuring everything is fresh and authentic to the Catalan region.
Mercer Hotel is distinctive. It is a personal hotel where helpful and friendly service is the mantra.
With so few guests, a unique look, and feel, this is a hotel that has people talking in a very good way, and we agree.
Mercer Hotel Barcelona
Carrer dels Lledó, 7, Barcelona, Spain
Neighborhood: Barri Gòtic
The writers were the guests of the Mercer Hotel and thank them so much for a very enjoyable stay in a unique hotel.
The hotel looks like the pefect mix of old and new.
It was an excellent fusion, and one that worked well.