Meyer Davis redesigns guestrooms at Hotel Arts Barcelona

Hotel Arts Barcelona has enlisted Meyer Davis to reimagine its guestrooms as part of a multi-phase property-wide refurbishment.

The reimagining is a quiet tribute to Barcelona’s most iconic contrast, shaped by its natural orientation, with “lado mar” (seaside) and “lado montaña” (mountainside) serving locals as a simple, intuitive way of navigating. Deeply rooted in the city’s identity, this duality is subtly echoed in the design of the new rooms and suites. Depending on the room’s orientation, the palette shifts: soft blues and sandy tones for those facing the sea, and warmer, earthy hues for those looking out towards the mountains.

In terms of form, both the straight lines of Barcelona’s Cerdà grid and the organic forms of Gaudi’s iconic buildings found its place in the reimagined vision, honouring the connection between old and new while capturing the rhythm of Barcelona’s avant-garde soul. To bring this interplay to life in the rooms and suites, Meyer Davis removed the dividing wall between the bedroom and the bathroom to open up the layout, allowing natural light to flow freely and gently illuminate every corner of the space.

The studio also relied on craftsmanship to offset the sobriety of Catalan design with subtle exotic motifs. The resulting décor pays tribute to Catalonia’s Golden Age, when the Port of Barcelona opened to the world and embraced influences from distant cultures. It also honours the city’s industrial legacy as a historic textile powerhouse. Particularly noteworthy are the handwoven headboards, created exclusively for the hotel by artist Lorena Canals. Each is a limited-edition, one-of-a-kind piece, made entirely by hand. The space is also enriched by delicate ornamental pieces crafted by ceramic artist Rosa Cortiella.

“Drawing inspiration from the textures, materials, and spontaneous energy that define Barcelona, we designed every detail of the guest rooms and suites to reflect a deep connection to the city,” comments Will Meyer, co-founder of Meyer Davis. “We embraced artisan craftsmanship, collaborating with local makers to create custom lighting, furnishings, and finishes that feel both personal and tactile. It was essential to us that every surface and material told a story. One that speaks to the building’s transformation and the rich cultural context around it, ultimately crafting a guest experience that feels unmistakably Barcelona.”

Gray Davis, co-founder of Meyer Davis, adds: “We wanted to create spaces that feel simultaneously open and grounded – immersive environments that respond to the city’s light, rhythm and vitality. We considered how each element could heighten the experience of the surrounding landscape, allowing guests to fully engage with the views and feel intrinsically connected to both Barcelona and the Mediterranean.”