Ibiza-born hotel group OD Hotels has expanded its presence in Barcelona by taking over the management of the historic Hotel España, one of the city's best-known Modernist landmarks.

The property, located in the heart of Barcelona's Ciutat Vella next to La Rambla and the Gran Teatre del Liceu, is now operating as Hotel España Ocean Drive under the management of OD Hotels, the hotel company founded by Ibiza businessman Marc Rahola Matutes.

The move represents another step in the group's expansion beyond Ibiza, where its hotel business began with properties including Ocean Drive Ibiza in Marina Botafoch.

A Barcelona Landmark Dating Back to 1859

Hotel España has a history stretching back more than 160 years.

The building originally opened in 1859 as Fonda de España before undergoing a major transformation at the beginning of the 20th century under the direction of renowned Catalan Modernist architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner.

The property retains important elements of its architectural heritage, including the sgraffito murals by artist Ramon Casas in the Salón de las Sirenas and a historic fireplace by sculptor Eusebi Arnau.

The hotel was renovated during 2026, with the project focused on restoring its historic character while introducing a contemporary hospitality concept.

A New Chapter for Hotel España

OD Hotels formally presented the new chapter at an event in Barcelona on October 1.

Importantly, the company described the occasion as a celebration of the hotel's "rebirth", rather than an opening or reopening.

The concept is built around preserving the property's existing identity and connecting it with contemporary Barcelona through architecture, design, culture, gastronomy and the surrounding neighbourhood.

OD Hotels has also incorporated its Neighbormood concept, which the group describes as an approach centred on the relationship between the hotel, its destination and local community.

82 Renovated Rooms

The renovated Hotel España Ocean Drive now has 82 rooms, combining contemporary interiors with elements inspired by the building's Modernist heritage.

The hotel also includes its historic Fonda España restaurant, with the gastronomic offering associated with Michelin-starred chef Martín Berasategui. Other spaces include Dorita Cocktail Bar, Dorita Club and the hotel's rooftop Skybar.

The renovation was carried out with interior designer Lázaro Rosa-Violán, who has worked on the hotel's interiors as part of the transformation.

From Marina Botafoch to Barcelona and Beyond

The Hotel España operation adds another significant property to a group whose roots are firmly connected to Ibiza.

OD Hotels began its hotel expansion on the island in the mid-2000s with Ocean Drive Ibiza in Marina Botafoch and the agrotourism property Can Jaume. Ocean Drive Talamanca followed in 2016.

The group subsequently expanded beyond Ibiza, including with Ocean Drive Barcelona in 2017 and Ocean Drive Madrid in 2022, followed by its presence in Seville.

The group's expansion outside Ibiza has continued in recent years, with further projects planned in destinations including Granada, Málaga and London.

Continued Growth in Ibiza

The Barcelona operation comes alongside continued development on the island itself.

OD Hotels is also working on the transformation of the former Coral Star property in Cala de Bou, with a new concept planned for 2026, according to the company and recent reporting.

The group has therefore continued to expand its portfolio while maintaining Ibiza as a central part of its identity.

An Ibiza Hotel Group in One of Barcelona's Historic Buildings

The arrival of OD Hotels at Hotel España marks another stage in the international and national expansion of an Ibiza-born hospitality group.

Rather than replacing the character of the historic property, the new Hotel España Ocean Drive is being positioned around the restoration and reinterpretation of what was already there.

For OD Hotels, the project brings its Ibiza-born hospitality concept into one of Barcelona's most historic buildings while giving Hotel España a new chapter more than 160 years after it first opened its doors.