Interview with María Gómez, Hotel Manager at Hotel Praktik Garden from Barcelona

Lifestyle - Interview

by Beren Dere

Hotel Praktik Garden is like an urban oasis in the heart of the Barcelona. With the historic building and a wonderful outdoor terrace, Hotel Praktik Garden offers unforgettable accommodation to its guests. The interior design that has the signature of the famous architect Lázaro Rosa-Violán and the proximity to the tourist attractions in the city are the most distinguishing features of Hotel Praktik Garden. I asked María Gómez, Hotel Manager at Hotel Praktik Garden, about Praktik Garden and Barcelona.

Hotel Praktik Garden

María, before start talking about Hotel Praktik Garden, could you tell us about your background and hotel management experience?

When I was studying the tourism degree I was not still sure which way choose inside the tourism world, so, finishing it I decided to travel and live for a season in the UK to learn better English. There I could work in restaurants above all so, once I came back to Spain I checked to work in travel agencies and hotels’ front desk, there I decided this was what I wanted to do, the contact with people from everywhere, help to the new visitors, everyday is different and that encourage me. I was working in several hotels along the country until I arrived in Barcelona where I’ve been working 11 years in hotels, 9 of them in Praktik Hotels and the lasts 5 years as Praktik Garden’s manager.

Hotel Praktik Garden

Could you tell us about Hotel Praktik Garden and overall concept?

Praktik Garden has got a young and casual character, placid and quiet inside but also dedicated and focused on our guests.

Hotel Praktik Garden

Hotel Praktik Garden is like a hidden treasure in the middle of Barcelona. Could you tell us about the historic building that you are located in?

The building dates from the end of XIX c. Begining of XX c. And always has been a neighbours’ building until 2007 when the hotel opened under the name of The Praktik and renamed as Praktik Garden after its first restoration in 2013.

Who did you work with for your interior design? What was the project inspiration?

The interior design is made by Contemporain Studio. Lázaro Rosa-Violán is a prestigious and highly recognized interior designer. The inspirations were the practicality and comfort integrated into a modernist building.

Hotel Praktik Garden

Which feature of the Hotel Praktik Garden sets it apart from other hotels in Barcelona?

Its situation, We are in a quiet neighbourhood but in a walking distance from the main touristic places.

Hotel Praktik Garden

How many types of rooms do you offer? What are their features and price range?

We have got 5 types of rooms, single rooms, economic doubles, exterior doubles, superior doubles, and suites. They were refurbished in 2015 with a basic but comfortable style, except the Suites (restored in 2013) which have got a boutique style and lot of personality.

Hotel Praktik Garden

What is the most preferred service in Hotel Praktik Garden?

Probably it is the free Wifi!

What are the most famous attractions near you?

Sagrada Familia, Casa Batllo, La Pedrera, Catalunya Square, Las Ramblas.....

What kind of additional services do you offer for business travelers?

We offer to all our guests free wifi pocket, an internet and printing point and of course, free Wifi.

Hotel Praktik Garden

How can business travelers make their individual or group reservations? Do you have any advantage packs that you offer to business guests?

Actually, we do not have a fixed package, we always offer the best possible price when we receive group requests.

Which is the top season for travelers who want to visit Barcelona? What is the reason?

The main months the travelers choose to visit us are May-June and September-October, because we have a nicer weather, no so warm, and also because the most of the events take place.

Hotel Praktik Garden

If you have only one weekend in Barcelona as a first-time visitor, in this limited time, what are the best things to do?

Go for a walk, really, the best thing you can do in Barcelona is walking along and get lost among its streets, discovering the great and historical buildings, the fantastic restaurants, the little shops, and see how the city is moving.

How do you describe Barcelona in one sentence?

In one word: Welcoming!

Thank you María.

For more information, please visit website of Hotel Praktik Garden

This interview was conducted in a Question-and-Answer format. The answers were checked for grammar and punctuation and published without any additional editing. Thursday, July 19, 2018. All photos are the property of their respective owners.