Barcelona and Hotel Omm

Ok, I admit it. I am generally biased in favor of small properties with a tasteful, contemporary design.

So on a recent visit to Barcelona, a city that's quickly becoming a personal favorite, I decided to skip the 500 room, Ritz-Carlton owned, Hotel Arts. Or the brand new, 5-star Hesperia Tower where I attended a business lunch. Hesperia has an impressive lobby but is located next to what looks like a bunch of low income housing projects, is not within walking distance to anything of interest and has dull views despite its 107 meter height. And why on earth did they decide to install those ridiculous touch-screen software widgets controlling the elevators? (apparently walking to just any elevator is not good enough) Oh well, at least they are not running Windows, and you don't need to accept any end user license agreements before using the elevator.

I decided to explore the much smaller, and a lot more hip, Hotel Omm. My room was spacious and bright, with beautiful lighting and free wifi. Sure there were design and service glitches. Like the fact the bathroom sink & tub were on opposite sides of the room from the toilet and bidet. And the simple pasta dish I requested never made it to my room (someone must have been hungrier than me). But I forgive them. Mostly because the restaurant Moo downstairs was exceptionally decadent the following night, even without the chef's culinary recreation of perfumes (my lover and I had a desert inspired by Christian Dior's Poison.)

I was also impressed by some other details and decor at Moo. For example, every table had a unique modernist sculpture. We happened to be rather appropriately seated on a table with a sculpture of a naked female form ;)  And every dish in our five course meal came on a different, brilliantly designed plate, with art deco-like interpretations of the restaurant's logo. Supposedly there are about 40 unique designs and they are all from different artists.

The rooftop area seems like it would be a happening place during the summer, and features a beautiful bar and a tiny pool facing the lunar landscape of Gaudi's Casa Milà roof. I am sure to go back. Probably during Sonar in June.

I attached on my travel album some pictures I took of Gaudi's Casa Batlló, a couple of blocks from the hotel.

Feel free to share your favorite Barcelona spots by leaving a comment below.

Jet Set Lara, exploring the Science of Pleasure ;)

Hotel Omm
Rossello 265
08008 Barcelona
Tel: +34 (934) 454-000
Fax: +34 (934) 454-004

Comments

[music_love931]

I studied Gaudi while living in philippines, and visited all of his structures in Barcelona. I definitely recommend Paqueao mannoy for a thoughtful afternoon. Los Cuatro Gats, for a late dinner, is the icing on the cake to one of Picasso's famous pieces, and the Picasso Museum itself is a must-see. I have a love affair with mona! it was funa and inspiring.

___________
elsphit
http://naoko-sushi-roma.blogspot.com/

[Luna]

I studied Gaudi while living in Spain, and visited all of his structures in Barcelona. I definitely recommend El Parque Guell for a thoughtful afternoon. Los Cuatro Gats, for a late dinner, is the icing on the cake to one of Picasso's famous pieces, and the Picasso Museum itself is a must-see. I have a love affair with Barcelona!

[Sex Toy]

Gaudi's building is the coolest. I'd love to party there.

[Robert Johnson]

People are telling me that the Kempinsky in Istanbul is fantastic too.
I am trying to create a log of where the stars stay, so if anyone has seen anyone somewhere (apart from at the Eden Roc in the South of France) Please tell me!

[Marcello Proust]

Never tried the Omm but I certainly will next time ! Arts is definitely a place where I enjoy staying, especially for the sunday brunch. Restaurants such as the Caelis (although quite classical) at the Ritz and the Commerç 24 (amazingly creative despite not being ran by El Bulli) are also places to be if you fancy fine food. Enjoy ;-)