An investment by the Atom Hotels group brought two luxury properties in Barcelona under its umbrella, committing 50 million euros in initial capital. The two properties, both classified in the prestigious 5-star Grand Luxury tier, are the historic Hotel Miramar, dating back to 1929, and the illustrious Hotel La Florida, which originates from 1924. In the Barcelona luxury hotel scene, these two assets stand among a select slate of just ten properties in that tier within the city, underscoring their exclusivity and strategic value for high-end travelers from North America and beyond.
Hotel Miramar has a storied past. It began its life as a restaurant built for the 1929 Universal Exhibition and later became the Catalonia headquarters for RTVE studios from 1959 to 1983. The surrounding Forestier gardens and the architecture are linked to the work of Rafael Maria Rubió i Bellver and the landscaping influence of Ramon Raventós, with a pivotal transformation led by Oscar Tusquets in 2007 when the venue evolved into a luxury hotel. This lineage adds a layer of cultural and historical appeal that resonates with guests seeking a sense of place alongside modern comfort. (Source: Corporate history and architectural records, cited for context.)
The second asset acquired by Socimi Grand Hotel La Florida marks another high point in the current expansion. Although the building itself was established earlier, renovations and development reached a notable milestone in 2024, a time when the Tibidabo district was being repositioned as a premier luxury destination. Over the years, the property drew the attention of globally recognized guests and celebrities who appreciated its skyline views and intimate, upscale atmosphere. Followers of contemporary culture will recall visits from famous figures such as Ernest Hemingway, James Stewart, and Rock Hudson, with more recent famous guests including Bruce Springsteen, Barack Obama, and Tom Hanks. This lineage of esteemed visitors helps reinforce the property’s status as a magnet for discerning travelers. (Source: Travel, celebrity guest histories and regional development timelines.)
The acquisition is set to entail changes in the operational management of both hotels. Sunset Hospitality Group, which already oversees the Grand Hotel La Florida, will continue to steer the fine dining and hospitality experiences at the Marbella and Ibiza properties, reinforcing the brand’s signature approach to luxury dining and service. In parallel, Miramar Hotel will transition to the management of Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, a global operator with a presence on all continents and a portfolio that exceeds 1,300 luxury hotels. This alignment with Hyatt is expected to bring international standards of service, consistency, and guest experience to Miramar, complementing its historic charm with contemporary luxury. (Source: Corporate announcements and industry press coverage.)
Victor Martí, the director and founder of the Socimi, described the Barcelona operation as extraordinarily exciting, a sentiment shared with Bankinter Investment. He framed the deal as a strategic move linked to the company’s broader investment objectives, highlighting the potential for predictable, recurring dividends that align with institutional investor expectations in North American markets and Canada. Martí noted that the operation provides a rare opportunity to re-enter the city where he began his hospitality career, suggesting that the combination of historical vibrancy and modern luxury can yield enduring value in the sector. (Source: Investor statements and press releases.)
He added that the Barcelona project is special because it marks a timely re-engagement with the city where early professional experiences in hospitality helped shape a long-term vision. The founder emphasized that finding the right partners and locations is essential for realizing sustainable growth, and the current move demonstrates a commitment to value creation through a mix of iconic property heritage and strong operational partners. (Source: Founding statements and market commentary.)
In addition to the two Barcelona properties, the Socimi portfolio includes the Ilunion Les Corts hotel, a city-center asset that sits alongside a collection of resort-style properties. These assets are owned with a strategy that prioritizes the most suitable operators for each asset, ensuring that each property receives tailored management that leverages its unique characteristics. Martí reaffirmed the company’s openness to new investments that can add value and support a sustainable growth model across the portfolio, reinforcing a long-term approach favored by North American and Canadian investors looking for steady, high-quality hospitality exposure. (Source: Portfolio overview and executive remarks.)