METT Barcelona

The reopening of METT Barcelona marks the transformation of the historic Gran Hotel La Florida, a landmark perched on Tibidabo Hill overlooking the city. Led by Kokaistudios, the interior renovation reinterprets the building’s architectural heritage through a contemporary lens, balancing careful preservation with a refined and modern hospitality language.

Originally conceived in a classic architectural style, the hotel has long been a secluded retreat for discerning travelers. In 2024, Sunset Group partnered with ATOM to reposition the property. Kokaistudios was commissioned to lead the interior renovation, aligning the hotel’s historic character with the Mediterranean identity of the METT brand. The intervention preserves the building’s original structure while reconfiguring interior spaces to improve natural light and visual connections to the surrounding landscape.

Within the public areas, the project retains original decorative ceilings and wrought-iron balustrades. Existing ornamental wooden elements were selectively lacquered in white to re-establish unity and spatial clarity. Set against this calibrated background, a contemporary system of wood-and-fabric boiserie is introduced to frame entrances and articulate thresholds between public spaces.

In the entrance lobby, two groups of contemporary lounge seating are arranged facing the preserved original fireplaces. The architectural geometries of the central lobby were reconfigured to reinforce the spatial symmetry in relation to the octagonal atrium. Facing the preserved marble grand staircase, Kokaistudios introduced a compact retail space carefully integrated into the historic setting.

Three juxtaposed wooden portals define the thresholds leading to the lift lobby, the restaurant area, and the garden lounge. The latter, enriched with decorative objects by Lladró, opens onto a bright inner courtyard. A corduroy-lined ceiling and integrated bookcases add warmth and refinement to the space, while comfortable lounge seating fosters an inviting hospitality atmosphere.

Within the indoor pool area, Kokaistudios redefined the vertical circulation, consolidating the entire sequence into a coherent wellness zone. The elongated indoor pool extends seamlessly into the heated outdoor pool, from which expansive views open toward the center of Barcelona and the Mediterranean Sea. Kokaistudios redesigned the surrounding terraces and the restaurant canopies, reinforcing the terraces as key social spaces overlooking the city.

Ascending to the guestroom floors, corridors and shared public areas are designed with a language of calm, understated elegance. Wood-and-fabric boiserie is used to subtly articulate the lift lobbies, providing continuity with the public spaces below while reinforcing a refined and intimate atmosphere.

Kokaistudios carefully redesigned and customized the layouts of all 70 guestrooms and suites, placing particular emphasis on framing views toward the surrounding hills and the city. Throughout the rooms, preserved ceilings, floors, and bathroom finishes are juxtaposed with new, distinctive METT elements: spacious, exceptionally comfortable beds with wooden headboards, bespoke minibars, and integrated lounge furniture systems. The lighting system was also fully redesigned, creating a layered and refined illumination that enhances both comfort and atmosphere.

Design: Kokaistudios
Chief Architects: Andrea Destefanis, Filippo Gabbiani
Interior Design Team: Ian Yu, Ada Sun, Fiona Zhang, Wenwen Wang, Amber Cao, Vivian Fang, Shiyu Chen
Photography: Grégoire Gardette (©METT), Eugeni Pons