The Sir Hotel Group is an interesting one. Created and managed by the Europe Hotels Private Collection (EHPC), they have (smartly) partnered with hospitality great THE ENTOURAGE GROUP (sorry for the caps) to run their F&B outlets in all their hotels. Both companies are Amsterdam based and the combination creates a well-oiled machine, relatively early, in each new hotel they open. Sir Victor is the group’s 6th property since 2013.
The Hotel
Taking over the iconic BCN building that was previously the hotel OMM – one of, if not the first boutique design hotels in Barcelona – Sir Victor offers a refreshing, fitting update on a Barcelona classic.
The Vibe
Sir Hotels are lively, and this is no exception. Light streams in the reception, music plays lightly, and the energy of the Passeig de Gracia flows in. You really feel like you are in the heart of it here. Furniture is largely by B&B Italia and Cassina, light pieces by Bocci, and artwork by Catalan artists. There’s a pool table covered in orange felt, and rugs are handcrafted.
The Rooms
Spacious by Barcelona standards, choose a room that faces the garden for a small terrace and greenery, or ask to face the street for a city life vibe and sunshine. Suites feel more like apartments and come complete with drinks trolleys, separate showers and bathtub/powder rooms. The mini bar has forward-thinking treats (some thankfully healthy) and the bedding is Sir Hotels created and truly standout. UJ loved the lamps in the washrooms; they seemed fresh and contemporary. The sunshine in the street-facing rooms was truly special; nothing beats the Mediterranean glimmer. You could stay in here all day, but the BCN streets vibrantly call you out.
Food and Drink
The rooftop has a small menu of crowd pleasers like ceviche, crudités and dips, club sandwiches and burgers –you get the picture. They also have a selection of kombucha and probiotic smoothies, which was welcome. There’s a MR PORTER restaurant in the lobby, which also has its signature triangular, 360-degree central bar, creating a lively dining experience. There are booths as well, should you want something more suitable for groups. The restaurant bills itself as a ‘modern steakhouse and chic lounge’; we say they have a great menu in a slick space. There’s, of course, an extensive meat offering, but they also have an impressive selection of carpaccio, salads, seafoods, starters and sides. We could eat here any day.
Highlights
The roof. The rooftop pool has 70s-style patterned daybeds to recline on, a slim pool to cool down in, a bar with straw roof to refresh under, tables for dining, and a second bar that faces directly out, so you can take in Gaudí greats like Casa Milà and Sagrada Familia. Wow. They also have DJ programming and are open reasonably late (till 1AM).
Anything Else
The spa wasn’t open when we visited, but we loved the black, moody décor. There’s a gym with natural light should you want to work out, and a hair salon, too. As for the hotel’s name? Sir Victor is an homage to Víctor Català (real name: Caterina Albert i Paradís), one of the first female Catalan authors to be recognised; the hotel has a library dedicated to her works and legacy. There’s also a club downstairs that was a hotspot in its heyday and now can be hired for events, and should you want to live like a local, they have their excellent Sir Experiences available here, so take a look.
