S E R R A S HO T E L B A R C E L O N A
O N A M A T A S
Interview} John Russo
Photography} John Russo
JR: Can you give us a brief background on yourself and how you found your way to working at the property.
OM: After almost ten years of working in London, at The Ritz London, I met with Mr. Serra, the now Serras Barcelona owner. He had a great vision of how the best hotel should be, and together with a great team, we created Serras, a new concept of Luxury Boutique Hotel.
JR: Can you tell us the brand philosophy of the Serras Hotel?
OM: To create memorable experiences for all our guests. To look after every guest with the highest standards and with the biggest genuine smile.
JR: Can you tell us about the hotel’s connection to the artist Picasso?
OM: We are very fortunate to have the hotel where the first studio of Pablo Picasso was. He was only 15 years old when his father got him a small studio on our Rooftop where he painted the most important paintings of his first area – Cience and Charity. We have a great relationship with the Picasso Museum and our guests love it.
JR: What makes your property different from staying at other hotels in the area?
OM: The location is unbeatable, in the Gothic Quarter and in front of the Sea. The interior design is exquisite, with the most comfortable rooms, but what really makes us so special is our team. Guests feel at home with our team looking after them through their stay. Stepping into the breakfast room with your favorite coffee waiting at the table for you while our Guest Relations Team organizes a bespoke itinerary to discover the hidden treasures of Barcelona, this is luxury. This is luxury, to finish the day on the Rooftop in front of the Marina, refreshed by the sea breeze, and have our Barman make a special cocktail for you with your favorite ingredients. Having dinner at our Informal Restaurant on the Rooftop and having the chef come to the table with the catch of the day fresh from the morning and have it prepared for you, this is luxury.
JR: What is it about your property that keeps guests returning for multiple stays?
OM: Serras is a hidden gem, with only 28 rooms and suites, which make 28 VIPs that are looked after by our team. Guests feel at home in the comfort of our rooms and know that everything will be set up the way they like without even asking for it. Mr. and Mrs. B book their room the night before their arrival, so it is ready when they get to the hotel at 8 AM; they have their favorite breakfast ready in the room for them, their personal toiletries, and they are ready to hit the city after a nice shower. Mr. A likes to have a cold bottle of sparkling water in his room on arrival with our homemade chocolate, and it is ready for him no matter his arrival time. One of our most regular guests likes to have our homemade lemonade at 6 AM on the Rooftop when she finishes her yoga session, and it is always ready for her without having to ask for it.
JR: Does your property offer any unique curated experiences that are exclusive to the Serras Hotel?
OM: Yes, every experience we offer is bespoke for our guests and exclusive for Serras, but the experience that is truly unique is the Picasso Private Tour. Guests are greeted on our Rooftop, where young Picasso had his first studio, then taken around the city to the hidden places where he took his inspiration and his most important paints are based on.
JR: Can you tell us about your dining options?
OM: Michelin Chef Marc Gascons is in charge of our cuisine, based on fresh seasonal local products that are available throughout the hotel. Our Restaurant Informal in our Rooftop is the most exquisite place to taste his creations, no complicated plates with the best products from the local cuisine overlooking the magnificent Marina Port Vell.
To learn more about this unique property visit https://serrashotel.com/en/