Why ebook?
In the well-to-do residential neighborhood of Les Tres Torres, a great spot for upscale people-watching, family-run Primero Primera evokes the nostalgic attraction of a British gentleman’s membership, that includes antiques, cozy libraries, a backyard with a pool, and heat service.
Set the scene
While a lot of central Barcelona embraces a come-as-you-woke-up casualness (pajamas and all), Primero Primera is up in leafy Les Tres Torres and all the pieces is elevated—from hairstyles to paychecks to expectations. Primero Primera is your ticket to life (or not less than a slice of it) within the higher echelons of Catalan society—and what enjoyable it’s. Encased in leafy vines, but open sufficient for passersby to catch a glimpse of precisely who’s eating there, the outside terrace of Primero Primera’s restaurant is kind of the native establishment. From breakfast till late, this garden-esque enclave attracts a sophisticated crowd of fits and impeccably blown-out hair that’s in some way survived the experience over on a motorcycle.
The backstory
Built in 1955 as a house for Carlos Pérez-Sala and Montserrat (Montse) Valls-Taberner and their eight youngsters, the primary ground—or “primero primera”—remained occupied by the household till 104-year-old Montse handed away in April 2025. Now helmed by youthful generations who additionally oversee the wonderful Hotel Casa Sagnier, Primero Primera opened as a lodge in 2011. The addition of the sceney Planta Baja restaurant in 2021 elevated its kudos to a five-star stage. Inside, it seems like staying in a distant relative’s fabulous mansion: Reception is perfumed by the glint of a scented candle, morning Americanos are served in a teacup and saucer, recent flowers sit in quirky vases, cabinets are lined with dictionaries and curios—all the pieces appears to have an intriguing backstory. Alongside hospitality, the household’s different nice love and vocation is motor racing, which lives on in portraits and memorabilia. Carlos and Montse’s son, Luis Pérez-Sala, raced in Formula 1 in 1988 and labored as a group principal in 2012. His nephew, Dani Juncadella, is presently an endurance racer and a 2025 simulator driver for Aston Martin F1. Motorsport followers will lap it up.
The rooms
Like in any household dwelling, every of the bedrooms is exclusive, however with threads of the identical design working by. Find waxed wood flooring and comfortable carpets, authentic midcentury (or older) furnishings, beneficiant desks, home windows or terraces that appear to tug within the morning daylight, plus surprising moody accents, like black granite rest room tiling. Highlights of the in-room facilities embrace Natura Bissé cosmetics, complimentary delicate drinks, a collection of pillows in numerous levels of firmness, and a buttery-sweet deal with from native patisserie, Sacha—a favourite of the household.
Food and drink
The Planta Baja (“ground floor”) restaurant is split into distinct elements. There’s a contemporary, brightly lit room whose wallpaper of household pictures acts as a shrine to the motorsport period; a buzzy open kitchen and eating room widespread with teams; and a comfortable, barely lit lounge with squishy fire-facing armchairs that beg for a nightcap. In summer time, the outside terrace is the place to be. Food is authentically Catalan, notably the seasonal off-menu specials, corresponding to stewed white beans with cockles, artichokes, and chanterelle mushrooms in fall. Breakfast features a buffet and cooked-to-order choices (largely egg-based), with correctly caffeine-y espresso that’s a minimize above the Nespresso default many motels serve. Your fellow diners, particularly at night time, will come dressed for the half.
The neighborhood/space
Les Tres Torres is sensible. Between its largely residential buildings sit shiny well being clinics, top-tier faculties, and parks stuffed with households whose youngsters are decidedly not feral. With one of many highest per capita incomes in Catalonia, there’s undoubtedly a contact of the Parisian about it. As a customer, you’re feeling a galaxy away from the winding alleys and Roman partitions of the Gothic Quarter, but you’re not: The practice from close by Les Tres Torres station may have you in Plaça Catalunya in 10 minutes. Primero Primera is right for those who love day-tripping into the bustling city core of a metropolis, however need to wash your arms of it and sit in a serene library afterward, overlooking a backyard, sipping a vermouth. Don’t miss Gaudí’s Torre Bellesguard—a lesser-known work of structure round a 15-minute uphill stroll away, which frequently hosts pop-up markets and meals festivals.
The service
Just like staying with an precise member of the family (luckily, one who gained’t demand updates in your private life), the group genuinely desires to make your keep one of the best it may be. There’s a 24-hour WhatsApp service for questions, in addition to a superb map of the native space marked with the household’s favourite eating places, outlets, bars, and cultural actions. You get the impression that their connections might rating a reservation nearly wherever. Fancy a private purchasing session or a chauffeur? (How very Les Tres Torres). That could be organized.
For households
You would possibly maintain your breath watching toddlers cost round priceless household heirlooms or heading in the direction of the moodily lit spiral staircase, however youngsters are sincerely welcome, and childcare is out there.
Eco effort
Furnishings are classic or sourced from inside the household, and there’s a transparent distaste for single-use plastic—even the room keys are wood.
Accessibility
There’s one tailored room, in addition to easy accessibility to the gardens.
Anything left to say?
One of the loveliest areas is the newly opened set of residing rooms that have been previously Montse’s personal house. The decor stays as she left it—herringbone wood flooring, velvet sofas, and household portraits lining the partitions—however with one delicate replace: a cellphone that connects to the restaurant for drinks on demand. It’s the very definition of home-away-from-home, and a touching tribute to the unique property.