The journey begins the moment you step inside Hotel Casa Sagnier. The entrance splits into a cosy lounge on one side and the lively Cafè de l’Arquitecte. Each space, from the reception to the suites, is a canvas displaying art and design’s subtle yet profound influence, echoing Sagnier’s creative spirit in every detail. The hotel offers 51 rooms, including six luxurious suites, each boasting minimalist elegance with contemporary touches against historical backdrops, complemented with design books, wooden floors and vintage rugs.
We stayed in a suite which overlooked Rambla de Catalunya. It had the distinguishing Eixample design details one would expect, along with timeless furniture, cosy chairs, and a cute sunroom that made the perfect nook for reading a book on a sunny day. We enjoyed a glass of champagne and fresh fruit when we checked in, relaxed, and browsed through the signature Enric Sagnier book while on the balcony. In short, we immediately made ourselves feel at home. Casa Sagnier follows the same model as Primero Primera, the home of the Pérez-Sala family, which was turned into a hotel in 2011. It aims to provide a homely stay in a boutique hotel bathed in history and consistently delivers on this ethos.
Dining at Cafè de l’Arquitecte is a unique experience that goes beyond a meal. It’s a journey into Mediterranean flavours, served in a setting that pays tribute to Sagnier’s work through contemporary reinterpretations of his designs. The restaurant dazzles with dishes like rice with cuttlefish and scallops and a low-temperature cooked cod loin with celery cream and sautéed artichokes, each a masterpiece of culinary art. The ground floor cafe is a bustling hub for locals and travellers, offering a perfect spot for people-watching or immersing oneself in the nuances of Catalan architecture.