Mercer Hotel, Barcelona
Opened in September 2012, the Mercer Hotel Barcelona is an innovative boutique hotel 5*GL Monument set in the heart of Barcelonas Gothic Quarter, nearby the Cathedral. It is a unique setting, where guests can meet exclusivity. The Mercer is set in the picturesque and quiet Lledó Street –the most wanted manor house street on Medieval Barcelona period, placed inside the ancient wall perimeter- and it occupies a collection of buildings with great architectural significance, built on top of a section of the walls of Barcino, the ancient Roman city. 
The hotel retains features from a variety of historical periods stretching from the 1st century AD up to the 19th century, all of which have been restored not only to display but also to encourage a genuine feel for the history of Barcelona.
The renovation project was entrusted some years ago to Rafael Moneo, the prestigious Spanish architect who was distinguished with Pritzker Award, the Nobel Prize for architecture. His work has enabled a valuable piece of architectural heritage to be rescued and then integrated with innovative contemporary architecture, thus gifting the city with a building that looks to the future from a standpoint of respect for its past. Mercer philosophy is based on the combination of the cultural heritage and the unique personality of our luxury hotels buildings, with the excellence of a service exclusively focused on overcoming the highest expectations of our guests.
Restored historical features can be found in practically all the hotels spaces, including the 28 exclusive bedrooms: The wooden ceilings dating from the 18th century and the atrium, presided over by two pointed archways from the 14th century that are unique in Barcelona, where we find the Mercer Suite. The hotel interior design sought to set off the buildings historical features with the use of refined furniture in a contemporary design and modern materials, with international design brands such as Arne Jacobsen, Hans J. Wegner or Franco Albini, among others. All of this is complemented by the expressionist art of the Catalan painter Agustí Puig.
Located inside the hotel, the Mercer Restaurant is one of the hotel and city hidden treasures. A truly unique space, overlooking the orange trees courtyard and surrounded by the history of old Barcino, where architecture and design go hand to hand with haute cuisine. Catalan chef Xavier Lahuerta proposes his contemporary and refined cuisine with a Mediterranean soul and selected ingredients (a la carte and tasting menu). 
The Mercer Restaurant offers different rooms -such as the one located in one of the watchtowers of the ancient Barcelonas Roman wall- that can be partially reserved or exclusively privatized, to host small professional o social celebrations. Every morning, the Mercer team takes care of even the smallest detail of the breakfast service, served by the Mercer Restaurant or the Patio (in spring and summer).
The hotel also offers a more informal gastronomic proposal: The Gastrobar Le Bouchon. This authentic and flirty bistro offers classic tapas, local specialties and a selection of wines in a casual ambience. Between stone walls with centuries of history is the Mercer Cocktail Bar, an elegant and intimate space where you can enjoy a cocktail made under the classical standards of great mixology. Finally, on the hotel rooftop guests will find the exclusive and quiet Mercer terrace, with pool, solarium, a Mediterranean garden, pool bar service and nice views to the Gothic Quarter rooftops. www.mercerbarcelona.com
Photo credits: Mercer Hoteles
