Poblenou is the eclectic jewel in Barcelona’s crown and The Hoxton is its newest resident. It’s a fitting location – where better to open a hotel that captures the essence of its surroundings than in the creative heart of the city?
From one-of-a-kind ceramics sourced at Els Encants vintage market to a rooftop hangout with 360-degree views, each and every detail celebrates what makes this Spanish destination unique.
The Vibe
It’s hard to put your finger on why The Hoxton feels familiar yet new and enticing all at the same time. One thing’s for sure, everyone’s welcome whether it’s to sleepover, grab a drink, or simply say hello.
Every design element is a reflection of its locality. Natural hues and rich materials capture a contemporary Mediterranean aesthetic and delivers serenity in the midst of the city. White and peach-hued walls provide a fresh backdrop for the layering of colourful, textured furniture sourced at nearby vintage markets, and every chair is worthy of a photograph.
Oh, it’s beautiful, and comfortable too. You’d be forgiven for wanting to stay forever, but the bicycles outside will lure you to pastures new – exploring this neighbourhood comes highly recommended.
The basement and the Apartment, which features in every Hoxton hotel, are designed primarily as meeting spaces, but come prepped and ready to host events and parties.
The Rooms
The smallest rooms in this Hoxton are larger than at any other property, and each is bright and airy. Sizes start at a ‘Roomy’ double and extend to two-bedroom ‘Homey Up’ spaces equipped with a kitchenette.
A handcrafted tapestry depicting abstract shapes inspired by Ricardo Bofill’s architecture hangs above every bed. It drops behind a sculptural bespoke headboard and juxtaposes the terracotta floor tiles. The result? A nod to Poblenou’s affiliation with the textile industry combined with traditional coastal influences.
Comforts include a rainfall shower and Blank wash care products that smell divine, coffee sourced from local roaster, Three Marks, and Survival Guides illustrated with the work of Catalan artist Jose Roda.
The Little Extras
Nestled in the corner of the ground floor is the bodega, which is as much a treat for the eyes as the tastebuds. Floor-to-ceiling shelves (reached using a charming wooden ladder) are stacked with jumbo-sized tins of snacks, all sourced from individual suppliers. In the lobby, take-home postcards with personal recommendations of what to eat, see, and do decorate the walls, and there’s a Hox Shop selling artsy keepsakes, toiletries by Blank, and locally made garms.
The Food + Drink
When a hotel bar is full of locals, you can be sure it’s worth checking out. Case in point: Trove, The Hoxton’s laidback tenth-floor outpost, which serves up tasty tacos and cocktails throughout the sunny season. If an afternoon by the pool is on the agenda, you definitely won’t go hungry.
Downstairs, skate scene-inspired Four Corners offers tempting deep-dish pizza by the slice, as well as salads and sweet treats. Be sure to try the tiramisu – it’s so good you might just find yourself going back in for round two.
There’s no mini bar in the room, but rest assured there’s a friendly reason behind it; all the classics can be purchased from reception to align with supermarket prices.
The To-Do List
Design, textile, and vintage shopping lovers will be at home in Poblenou. It’s rich with inspiration and steeped in one-of-a-kind treasures… if you’re willing to dig for them.
On the first weekend of every month, Palo Alto hosts a pop-up design market that’s well worth visiting. The oasis of greenery is hidden in an old industrial factory – a nod to the history of Poblenou, which played a pivotal role in Barcelona’s industrialisation and became the cornerstone of the Catalan industry during the Industrial Revolution.
Alternatively, start the morning at Els Encants vintage market to source pre-loved leather for as little as €5, before heading to Three Marks coffee for some of the city’s best beans and a slice of banana bread.
Fuelled and ready to explore, make your way to the beach and take to the waves on a paddleboard, or watch the world go by from the rocks to enjoy the ocean view. Gallito and Julieta’s are the best al-fresco dining spots, shaded by terraces and bedecked in beachy interiors that act as a reminder of Barcelona’s city-meets-seaside allure.
For dinner, wander the town’s cobbled streets to Proper and experience the city’s worst-kept secret. It’s inconspicuous and tiny inside, but the chefs are passionate about offering a creative array of sharing dishes so its reputation is second-to-none. Finish the evening in Sips cocktail bar before heading back to The Hoxton for a night-cap on the sofas and a flip through the coffee table magazines.
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