More activities and overnight stays
Barcelona drew global attention as a star-studded group moved through the city with curiosity and enthusiasm. The entourage included Bruce Springsteen, Barack Obama, Steven Spielberg, Patti Scialfa, Michelle Obama, and Kate Capshaw. Their presence during the singer’s Catalan tour sparked unprecedented media attention and economic activity. Hotels, fine dining, and local experiences saw a surge in interest as travelers from all corners of the world sought to mirror the prestige of this high-profile visit. The Gran Hotel La Florida and Amar restaurant emerged as standout beneficiaries of the heightened media focus.
To accompany the spectacle surrounding Springsteen, the arrival of the famous group was tracked with increasing interest. The Tibidabo hotel was transformed into a spectacle, its red carpet rolling out for the star’s stay. The singer checked in midweek and departed the following Tuesday. The hotel staff, led by Neus Tejedor, Sales and Marketing Director, highlighted the artist’s sense of ease and warmth as reasons why the group felt at home. The hospitality extended to the rest of the entourage, with arrangements designed to respect privacy and comfort. The Obamas and the Spielbergs arrived in stages, while Hanks joined on Saturday, adding to an already vibrant schedule.
More activities and overnight stays continued
Tejedor praised Springsteen’s warmth and the hotel’s inviting atmosphere, noting how the location near Barcelona amplified its appeal. The narrative around the visit amplified local interest and boosted bookings across categories, from business and family travel to leisure stays for international visitors and couples seeking romantic getaways in Catalonia.
The star’s accommodations remained discreet, with many meals enjoyed in privacy. The group’s meals included private gatherings that preserved their privacy, while the bistro 1925 offered market-driven cuisine and high-quality ingredients. Breakfasts were shared but with careful attention to privacy, and staff maintained a high level of security to ensure smooth, intimate moments for the guests. The close collaboration between the hotel team and the visiting party was evident in every interaction.
The guest list also touched a luxury hotel scene that housed international visitors and local elites alike. The hotel, partly owned by a Lebanese businessman, had long been a staple of the city’s luxury circuit. The Barcelona route to culture—Carrer de Montcada museums, the Sagrada Família, Montserrat and other attractions—was mapped out with a gastronomic focus. A high-demand reservation on the first night saw ABAC Jordi Cruz, a three-Michelin-star chef, hosting a private dinner on a Saturday night even though Obama had already departed. The restaurant’s social posts drew thousands of admirers, while Barack Obama was seen at the restaurant terrace for a drink on Friday, under heavy security as Martinez coordinated the scene.
Springsteen’s visit brought together Spielberg and Obama, elevating the profile of Barcelona’s dining scene, including Hotel El Palace Barcelona. Local outlets reported on the late-night gatherings and the group’s shared moments, with coverage spanning Fox News, The Insider, US News, Yahoo News, Reuters, and media discussions in the UK and beyond. Journalists cited readers in Australia, India, Israel, and numerous other countries following the event.
Tables with more expectations
At El Palace Barcelona, Restaurant Rafa Zafra and partners Anna Gotanegra and Ricardo Acquista hold a prominent place in Barcelona’s gastro route. Though the venue opened last year, it has quickly become a fixture of the city’s dining scene. Gotanegra notes strong night demand for the à la carte menu, with average prices around 180 euros. Special two, four, and five-course menus start at 55 euros, and weekends often bring a waiting list. Reservation requests from visitors planning trips in the coming weeks have already started, with New York and other markets looking to secure a table in advance. At the hotel, luxury cruise passengers—especially from the United States—are prioritizing Amar as a culinary highlight during their Barcelona itineraries. Some guests request specific tables and are accommodated near the fireplace to honor their preferences.