Located in Barcelona’s exclusive Pedralbes neighborhood, Grand Hyatt Barcelona has earned its place among the world’s most respected properties. Recently named one of Luxury Lifestyle Awards’ Top 100 Luxury Hotels & Resorts for 2024, this iconic hotel captivates guests with its stunning design, exceptional service, and memorable experiences. From its breathtaking views and world-class dining to its focus on inclusivity and sustainability, Grand Hyatt Barcelona sets a new standard in luxury hospitality.

In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Franck Sibille, the General Manager of Grand Hyatt Barcelona, to explore the hotel’s journey to this recognition. Join us as Franck shares insights into what makes this property a true standout in the competitive world of luxury hotels.

Our interview is led by Alexander Chetchikov, President of the World Luxury Chamber of Commerce. With more than 16 years of expertise in recognizing leading luxury brands through the Luxury Lifestyle Awards, he shares insightful perspectives on the evolving luxury industry.

Questions:

Alexander Chetchikov: Grand Hyatt Barcelona has just been named one of Luxury Lifestyle Awards’ Top 100 Luxury Hotels & Resorts for 2024. What do you believe sets this hotel apart from others in the region, and how does this recognition reflect the hotel’s philosophy?

Franck Sibille: Grand Hyatt Barcelona stands out due to its unique blend of modern elegance, its prime location in the prestigious Pedralbes neighborhood, and our relentless focus on delivering unforgettable guest experiences. This recognition reflects our commitment to excellence, from our innovative design to the exceptional service provided by our team. Our philosophy centers on exceeding expectations, fostering authentic hospitality, and creating a positive impact on both the community and the environment.

AC: The hotel’s design fuses sleek modernity with the historic grace of Barcelona. Can you walk us through the thought process behind the design of the rooms and suites, and how they reflect the city’s artistic soul?

FS: Each room and suite has been designed to capture the essence of Barcelona, a city rich in history and vibrant creativity. We drew inspiration from Art Deco, incorporating refined architectural details and a color palette that evokes the elegance and sophistication of the era. This is complemented by a contemporary approach that prioritizes comfort and functionality. The goal is to ensure every space is not just visually stunning but also a sanctuary that connects guests to the city’s artistic heritage and dynamic energy.

AC: With five distinct dining venues offering unique culinary experiences, how do you ensure that each restaurant maintains its own identity while still aligning with the Grand Hyatt brand’s luxury standards?

FS: Each of our five dining venues tells a distinct culinary story, from modern Mediterranean flavors at Sofía Bar & Tapas to Peruvian delicacies at Maymanta, and the Michelin-starred expertise of Dani García at Leña, which just opened. While each restaurant reflects its own culinary story, we ensure alignment standards through a shared a commitment to quality, authenticity, and innovation. We collaborate with renowned chefs and sommeliers to create distinct experiences. Additionally, each venue is designed to reflect understated luxury and a connection to its surroundings, while our unified focus on exceptional service ensures every restaurant meets the Grand Hyatt standard.

AC: Grand Hyatt Barcelona also emphasizes creating memorable experiences for both personal and professional occasions. Could you share a particularly memorable event or celebration that has taken place at the hotel?

FS: One of the most memorable events we’ve hosted at Grand Hyatt Barcelona was a dynamic corporate event where we created an immersive Street Food Market experience in the Living Room. We transformed the space with food stalls and live cooking stations, bringing the atmosphere of an authentic food market to life. In addition to this, we customized various hotel areas to host engaging activities such as dance performances, product experiences, and interactive contests. The event was a perfect example of our ability to curate bespoke experiences that are energetic, creative, and perfectly suited to the needs of our clients, ensuring a truly unforgettable occasion.

AC: The hospitality industry is rapidly evolving, especially in luxury accommodations. What are the most important trends you’re seeing in luxury hospitality today, and how is Grand Hyatt Barcelona adapting to these shifts?

FS: We’re observing a growing demand for personalization, immersive local experiences, and sustainability in luxury hospitality. At Grand Hyatt Barcelona, we’ve embraced these trends by offering bespoke guest experiences, collaborating with local partners, and integrating sustainable practices across our operations. Whether it’s curating unique cultural tours or reducing our environmental footprint, we are committed to staying ahead of industry expectations while delivering the exceptional service our guests expect.

AC: Sustainability and inclusivity are becoming central pillars for many luxury hotels. How does Grand Hyatt Barcelona approach sustainability and accessibility, ensuring that all guests have a top-tier experience?

FS: Sustainability and inclusivity are at the heart of our operations. We’ve implemented eco-friendly practices, such as reducing single-use plastics, sourcing ingredients locally to minimize our carbon footprint, and optimizing energy efficiency throughout the property. Accessibility is equally crucial—our facilities are designed to ensure all guests, regardless of physical ability, can enjoy a seamless and luxurious experience. We believe true hospitality is about creating an environment where everyone feels welcome, valued, and cared for. Also, Grand Hyatt Barcelona was awarded the Gold LEED Certification.

AC: Given the growing demand for unique travel experiences, how does Grand Hyatt Barcelona ensure that it delivers an immersive, local experience for visitors to Barcelona?

FS: We strive to immerse our guests in the culture and spirit of Barcelona through curated experiences, like guided tours that explore the city’s modernist architecture or attend exclusive first-class events, we connect our guests to the essence of Barcelona. Even within the hotel, our dining venues feature locally inspired menus, and our design reflects the city’s artistic heritage. Every detail is carefully considered to provide an authentic connection to the destination.

AC: What do you believe is the key to delivering consistent, exceptional service in a hotel of this caliber, and how do you ensure your team maintains these high standards every day?

FS: The key to delivering consistent, exceptional service is cultivating a team that shares a passion for hospitality and a dedication to excellence. We invest in continuous training, empower our staff to anticipate and exceed guest expectations, and foster a supportive work environment that inspires pride and commitment. By aligning our team with the core values of the Grand Hyatt brand, we ensure that every guest interaction reflects the highest standard.

Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition, Mr. Sibille, and thank you for continuing to set the standard of excellence in luxury hospitality! To book your unforgettable visit today, please go to https://www.hyatt.com/grand-hyatt/en-US/bcnub-grand-hyatt-barcelona