W Barcelona unveils renovated rooms and suites by Rockwell Group and External Reference

The iconic W Barcelona hotel, designed by Ricardo Bofill and known as La Vela, has revealed the first phase of a comprehensive renovation. Rockwell Group led the redesign of the hotel's rooms and suites, while External Reference transformed the former Spectacular Suites into the new Onada Terrace Suites. The renovation, which began more than 15 years after the hotel's opening, aims to connect guests more deeply with the local destination and Mediterranean surroundings. The first phase will be followed by further updates starting in November, with the full completion expected in the first half of 2027, including remaining rooms and public spaces. The design draws inspiration from the nearby Isla de Maians, incorporating natural stone, light woods, resins, and tinted glass to evoke the Mediterranean. The color palette progresses from blues and whites in standard rooms to ochres, sands, and peach tones in more exclusive suites. Custom furniture with organic lines creates a sense of home. The Onada Terrace Suites reinterpret Catalan Modernism through 'Digital Modernism,' coinciding with the Gaudí centenary. David Rockwell, founder of Rockwell Group, emphasized Barcelona's unique blend of architecture, landscape, and daily life. This renovation is part of a global shift by W Hotels toward a more serene, locally connected hospitality experience.