I stayed in
both occasions at the Mercer Hotel, a design boutique hotel with only twenty
seven rooms located in the Gothic area. This hotel is really a hidden gem part
of the building incorporating the roman wall with the original decorations, the
“new” part of the hotel being built in the 18th century. The interior
is a voyage of discovery, integration of the old and new a total credit to both
the architects and interior designers. Though how taxi drivers traverse the
passageways is a feat in driving skill. Most will not try.
I can’t
praise the staff enough, “going the extra mile is the norm”. The hotels website
is www.mercerbarcelona.com/en
if you appreciate service excellence this hotel will not disappoint.
Check out their brochure photographs a hidden gem.
On this last trip we took in the house Lleó Morera the link is http://www.casalleomorera.com/es a late nineteenth century restoration, the
decor is of the period with exquisite detailing and architectural features. The
thought that went into every small item such as concealed folding door locks
and hinging speaks volumes of the architects thought process. The building has
been recently renovated yet it is the original concept and material usage that
allows the interior to be as fresh today as when it was originally renovated.
How many of today buildings 120 years later will have stood the test of time.
One
can’t go to Barcelona without exploring the Gaudi heritage, for me the exterior
of “La Sagrada Familia” was not of
the most interest, though Gemma explained the significance of the detailing and
thought process of the exterior. The interior is truly remarkable, Gaudi’s
interior does not like the majority of spiritual buildings glorify man but
rather a Supreme Being, take out the Christian insignia and the interior could
be used for any religion. The quality of
detailing, use of materials and play of light is totally spiritually uplifting
.
On the two trips to Barcelona this year I use the services of a tour
guide www.gobarcelonatours.com
with Gemma as my guide. Her knowledge of the history, architecture and local
places of interest was outstanding. I indicated my interest in design and
architecture, with a side issue of interesting non tourist places to eat, she
couldn’t have been better.
One of the main positives of a personal
registered guide for me is using the time in the most productive way, not
getting lost and most defiantly not standing in queues, if you are in Barcelona
and want to make to most of your time Gemma will not disappoint.
The
photograph shows a coffee shop used by Picasso were we passed a pleasant break
from the walking.
To Barcelona I will return.
