Casa Camper marks the Spanish brand’s foray into the hotel industry
You’d be hard-pressed to find a hotel in Barcelona that’s as cool as Casa Camper. I’m saying “cool,” but the truth is that Casa Camper is extremely hard to define. To understand the hotel, you perhaps need to revisit Camper’s iconic shoe brand, born in Spain in 1975, in response to the monumental changes the country was experiencing after the death of dictator Francisco Franco. Leaving behind decades of oppression, Spain was ready to embrace freedom, and Camper shoes were born to reflect this new lifestyle, while also offering comfort and creativity. Since 1975, Spain has risen to become one of the world’s leading democracies while at the same time holding on to its traditions. Camper has also grown to become the globe’s leading provider of casual shoes while proudly showcasing its Spanish heritage. The company produces different models of footwear for men, women and children that change with every season, yet they all have that unique Camper look – and they’re all utterly comfortable, fashion-forward and totally creative. The same can be said of Casa Camper. This intimate 25-room Barcelona property (there’s another in Berlin) was designed with guests’ well-being in mind, while offering a fresh new approach to traditional hotel accommodation. The hotel is located behind a sliding glass door, in an old building, on narrow Carrer Elisabets, in old El Raval, which used to be a rough neighborhood, but has now become Barcelona’s trendiest area, home to chic boutiques, restaurants, bars and major museums. To enter the hotel, you need a special keycard or you have to be buzzed in by the front desk staff – a good way to ensure privacy for all guests. The main public space is right behind the front desk, a sort of lobby, restaurant, lounge and kitchen all in one. The décor is deceptively simple: what appear to be cafeteria-like tables and minimalist chairs are conducive to long stays, lingering over a cappuccino, conversing with your traveling companions or just playing on your laptop. The space is reminiscent of an artist’s studio, with maps of Barcelona and images of Spanish shop-fronts adorning the walls. 241 A