Casa Llimona: the new life of an old mansion in Barcelona’s Eixample
A few months ago, we discovered Casa Llimona, a beautiful boutique hotel nestled in the heart of Eixample Dret in Barcelona, featuring fewer than 10 rooms.
As you can see from the images, the architectural and interior design project is a key element of this hotel, focusing primarily on restoring the true essence of the mansion where it is housed. The result is a space that radiates charm, skillfully blending tradition with modernity in an absolutely inspiring setting.
Address: Roger de Llúria, 42, principal (Barcelona)
Another revealing detail that shows the care with which this project was undertaken is its name. The hotel is named after one of its most prominent residents, Josep Llimona, a renowned sculptor and a key figure of Catalan modernism. Both he and various members of his family lived in this house, so it is a fitting tribute to honor such an important family in Catalan culture. Interestingly, this recognition extends to the stone plaques in the rooms, which were hand-cut to evoke the artisanal craftsmanship of sculptors.
“The project revolves around preserving and telling the history of this place.”
It is truly refreshing to come across projects like this one, where the creators have not only breathed new life into the space but have also restored its original splendor. Casa Llimona is a prime example of good taste, passion for history, design, and attention to detail. It is both a gift to those who will stay here again and a love letter to Barcelona and its Catalan modernist culture.
To delve deeper into this project, we spoke with the alma maters behind Casa Llimona. Read on to discover more.
Who is behind the Casa Llimona project?
Behind Casa Llimona are three passionate women, among them Gina, who played the most significant role as the project’s architect. She was responsible for the interior design and the renovation of the hotel. We are a Catalan family with a long history in Barcelona and various businesses in tourism and real estate.
We have a dedicated team that works with great attention to detail every day, ensuring that each guest has an exceptional experience.
We all share a deep love for our city, which is reflected in every aspect of Casa Llimona.
When, how, and why did this project start?
This project began in 2020, during the pandemic, which gave us the opportunity to think in great detail about how we wanted Casa Llimona to be. During that time, we acquired the hotel, which was previously called Victoria Palace. The place had lost its original charm, and we saw the chance to restore its personality and revive its former aesthetic, adding modern touches and amenities.
The building is a former mansion, and our goal was to renovate it in a way that preserved part of its history, highlighting its cultural and architectural value. This project allowed us to blend tradition and modernity, creating a unique boutique hotel that both reflects and is part of Barcelona’s rich history.
Who did you work with on the hotel’s graphic and visual identity? What values did you want to convey?
We worked with the design studio Atipus in Barcelona, which received a national design award for this project. From the beginning, we knew we needed to be in constant communication to tell the story of the building and reflect it in its identity.
As we approached the project, both parties focused—respectfully—on narrating this history through graphic and interior design, preserving elements that connect tradition with modernity.
With every application, we succeeded in reflecting this dedication and showcasing that Casa Llimona has witnessed the city’s history and transformations, from its residents to the various institutions that have occupied the space, and now, as a boutique hotel that respects the building’s integrity, every detail is carefully curated.
What is the history behind the beautiful building where you’re located?
To learn the history of this building, we were fortunate enough to speak with people who have lived in the building for over 70 years, as well as consult documents in Barcelona’s historical archives.
The building was constructed in 1890 under the direction of two prominent architects: Enric V. Sagnier and his firm Joan Rubió i Bellver. Sagnier, who has more buildings in Barcelona than any other architect, worked alongside iconic figures like Gaudí, Puig i Cadafalch, and Domènech i Montaner, pillars of Catalan Modernism.
This former mansion has been home to illustrious figures in history, such as the Marquises de la Motilla and the Llimona family. In the 1950s, it housed the Mútua Industrial i Comercial of Barcelona, and many details from this time can still be seen in the hotel’s common areas, such as the mosaic crest on the floor and the large fresco at the entrance. Over the years, it has housed various institutions, and it only became a hotel in 2015.
Can you share an anecdote about the renovation and creation of the current Casa Llimona?
The process of restoring the hotel’s interior was intense and fascinating. Over the years, the building had undergone many renovations to adapt to its various uses, which had masked valuable original elements that we were able to recover.
“The process of restoring the hotel’s interior was intense and fascinating.”
We found polychrome plaster ceilings, marquetry doors that had been removed but were fortunately still in storage and could be reinstalled, and hydraulic flooring hidden beneath layers of modern materials, all of which we restored, bringing back their original splendor.
The renovation of the rear façade was also an interesting challenge. After discussions with Barcelona’s Heritage Service and exhaustive stripping work, we were able to restore the original materials and colors. It was a pleasant surprise to discover that the original color of the woodwork was green, not the dark brown it had been painted for years.
What is the essence and unique value of Casa Llimona?
Casa Llimona tells the story of those who lived here, the story of the city, and offers the opportunity to feel like you’re staying in an authentic 19th-century modernist house.
With the recent renovation, quality and comfort have been prioritized in all the spaces. The result is an elegant, sober, and welcoming environment, where every small detail contributes to creating a unique and memorable atmosphere.
“Casa Llimona tells the story of those who lived here, the story of the city, and offers the opportunity to feel like you’re staying in an authentic 19th-century modernist house.”
The great unique value of Casa Llimona is the opportunity to feel like you’re in a home in the heart of Barcelona, surrounded by the unique details of modernist architecture. Unlike large hotels in the city, we offer singularity, intimacy, and a piece of history that can be experienced firsthand, and we are happy to share it with our guests.
What can you tell us about the interior design and the different rooms in your evocative hotel?
The interior design project was led by Gina Cebamanos, the team’s architect. From the start, she was clear that the entire design had to respect the identity of the place. Therefore, the focus of the project was on finding a balance between old and new, combining historical elements with modern design.
“Gina Cebamanos was clear that the entire design had to respect the identity of the place.”
A key part of the project was restoring the common areas, preserving their original features as much as possible. Meanwhile, the rooms were designed to continue the style of these spaces but with a more contemporary feel, creating a contrast between the old and the new.
As we mentioned earlier, the project revolves around recovering the essence of this former mansion, and that’s why attention to detail has been crucial in achieving the level of finishes and quality we wanted.
Close collaboration with all the craftsmen was key to personalizing many elements, such as handles and fixtures. The choice of materials was also essential in conveying the nobility and warmth of the space.
Another unique aspect of the hotel is the size of the rooms. Since it’s a historic building, the layout had to follow the original wall configuration, resulting in very large rooms, each with a different layout.
The uniqueness also extends to the personalization of each room. A good example is the private terraces, which are small oases within the city. These terraces feature a selection of plants chosen for their low water consumption and Mediterranean origins.
What services do you offer?
At Casa Llimona, we focus on creating an experience that makes you feel at home. We are a boutique hotel with fewer than 10 rooms, which allows us to provide very personalized service and exceptional attention to detail.
“At Casa Llimona, we focus on creating an experience that makes you feel at home.”
We have an open kitchen where our guests can make themselves a coffee or grab a snack at any time, as if they were at home. In addition, we have beautiful terraces overlooking the interior courtyards, ideal for families traveling with children or pets.
Our reception offers friendly and professional service, and we love recommending unique spots around the city to our guests.
Another one of our unique qualities is our unbeatable location, as we are in a central area of Barcelona, within walking distance of the city’s main attractions.
Additionally, our best service is providing a cozy, family-like atmosphere where every detail is designed to ensure that our guests feel comfortable and well cared for.
What excites you the most about Barcelona?
If there’s one thing we want to highlight about Barcelona related to Casa Llimona, it’s the city’s role as an emblem of modernism.
The city is known for its incredible modernist architecture, with masterpieces by Gaudí, Domènech i Montaner, and other great architects. Casa Llimona, located in a building from this period, reflects this rich architectural and cultural heritage, serving as a living testament to one of the most important and beautiful stages in Barcelona’s history.
Moreover, Barcelona is a relatively small city that can be discovered in just a few days, with a very rich and fascinating history.
We are incredibly proud of our Catalan culture and language, which enriches us. We are excited to share this part of our identity with our guests, and all hotel information is available in Catalan, in addition to other languages.
Barcelona is a city that looks out to the sea. We love its cosmopolitan, international vibe and the diversity that has stood out throughout its history and continues to do so today.
Highly recommended.
(*) Photographs: Ely Sánchez and Cecilia Camacho (CC/magazine).
