The Essence of Spain

INTERCONTINENTAL BARCELONA IS A DELECTABLE ECO-FRIENDLY URBAN OASIS.

WHEN TERMS LIKE “ECO-FRIENDLY” AND “ENVIRONMENTALLY FOCUSED” ARE USED AS ADJECTIVES TO DESCRIBE A HOTEL , they are often associated with intimate boutique properties that can present those claims largely because of their small spaces, limited accommodation offerings, and independent ownership.

InterContinental Barcelona flips that script on its head. Located in the heart of the city’s hilly and historic Montjuïc district and just steps from several notable landmarks including the Magic Fountain, InterContinental Barcelona is part of the IHG hotels and resorts portfolio — the largest luxury hotel brand in the world. After a massive remodel, the property reopened in October 2021 with the goal of sustainably revolutionizing sophisticated urban tourism. And by all accounts, it has done so with great aplomb.

In the summer of 2022, the 5-star hotel was honored at the Barcelona Sustainable Tourism Awards Ceremony for its active commitment to environmental stewardship. InterContinental Barcelona was specifically acknowledged for its rooftop landscaping project, which features vegetable patches, aromatic and medicinal plants, shrubs, fruit trees, and natural grasses. Combined, the flora and fauna span nearly half an acre and are expected to offset roughly 30 percent of the hotel’s energy consumption. The area also offers an oxygen-infused respite in the middle of the city.

Even better, the green rooftop serves as a place for meetings, conferences, and special events. In addition to the garden, the rooftop boasts an infinity swimming pool, cocktail lounge, and 360-degree views of Barcelona’s sparkling skyline.

Inside, InterContinental Barcelona oozes effortless luxe. Each of the hotel’s 273 guest rooms and gathering spaces project a contemporary-meetscomfortable vibe. The aesthetic includes natural woods and high-shine marble floors contrasted against swanky lighting and gold embellishments.

And while InterContinental Barcelona has quickly earned its reputation as a planet-forward cool kid, the posh property is perhaps best known for its onsite Quirat Restaurant, where Spain’s youngest Michelin-starred chef, Víctor Torres, delights guests with inspiring flavors and unforgettable culinary experiences. It should come as no surprise Chef Torres can often be found hand-selecting produce for the night’s menu from the hotel’s rooftop garden.

Quirat is known for its contemporary Catalan-based dishes, delicately prepared tasting menus, and seasonal offerings. Every dish is thoughtfully curated to connect guests to the chef’s personal interpretation of quirat, which when translated from Catalan means “the measurement of purity amongst the elements that make up the earth.”

True to its namesake, the gastronomic experience at Quirat is based on simplicity and authenticity. The menu is designed around locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. Current dishes include scarlet shrimp and caviar tartlet, smoked butter and homemade guanciale toast, and persimmon panna cotta with lemon textures.

Other on-property restaurants include the Mediterranean-inspired Arrel Restaurant, the seasonal 173 Rooftop Restaurant, which offers international cuisine, and Gebre bar, where a variety of specialty cocktails and refreshments can be enjoyed.