The building opened as an inn in 1859. Between 1902 and 1903 the architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner was commissioned to transform its interiors, combining architecture, sculpture, ceramics and painting into a unified Modernista space. He collaborated with sculptor Eusebi Arnau, who modelled the alabaster fireplace, and painter Ramon Casas, who created the marine murals of mermaids and Mediterranean fish in the room now known as El Saló de les Sirenes. The decoration won the Barcelona City Council prize for the best establishment opened in 1903. Today the four-star hotel has 82 rooms, a rooftop pool and terrace, and houses the Fonda España restaurant under the direction of chef Martín Berasategui. It operates within the OD Hotels group.

Fonda España is the in-house restaurant, its dining room set inside Domènech i Montaner's original Modernista space, with chef Edu Rodas running the kitchen under the gastronomic direction of Martín Berasategui, cooking Catalan-Mediterranean food. Up on the top floor, Sky Bar adds a rooftop pool, cocktails and panoramic views over Ciutat Vella. Downstairs, Dorita Cocktail Bar & Club is a small 1950s-styled cocktail room and event space for a drink after dinner.

Fonda Espana

• Four-star hotel in El Raval, behind the Liceu opera house
• Modernista dining rooms by Lluís Domènech i Montaner (1902–1903)
• 82 rooms; rooftop outdoor pool and terrace
• Houses Fonda España, under the direction of chef Martín Berasategui
• Part of the OD Hotels group

Hotel España sits on Carrer de Sant Pau in El Raval, a short stretch off Las Ramblas, in Ciutat Vella. The building is part of the draw: a Modernista interior designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner in 1902-1903, so you're staying inside a listed piece of Barcelona architecture rather than just near one. It puts you in the old town's tangle of lanes, a solid base for exploring El Raval and the Gothic Quarter on foot.

Carrer de Sant Pau 9-11, 08001, Barcelona

Who designed the interiors of Hotel España?

The Modernista interiors were designed by architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner between 1902 and 1903, working with sculptor Eusebi Arnau, who made the alabaster fireplace, and painter Ramon Casas, who created the marine murals in the room known as El Saló de les Sirenes.

Is there a restaurant at Hotel España?

Yes. The hotel houses the Fonda España restaurant, which operates under the direction of chef Martín Berasategui. It is set within the original Modernista dining rooms designed by Domènech i Montaner.

Where is Hotel España located?

Hotel España is at Carrer de Sant Pau 9-11 in the El Raval neighbourhood of Barcelona's Ciutat Vella district, just behind the Liceu opera house and close to La Rambla and the Boqueria market.