Welcome Back | The Barcelona EDITION

Dear Guests,

Happy New Year and welcome back to La Recepción! It’s been a bit so let me catch you up and get you checked in. 

New Publishing Schedule: 

New issues will be posted on Tuesday mornings. I love writing each issue but trying to write an update every week was too much. This is a hobby for me so I am adopting a hobby frequency of twice a month-ish. Could be more could be less. 

New Format: 

I updated the format of the newsletter to better capture and present the holistic hotel lobby experience. There will still be plenty of lobby pictures but I have added sections about food & drink, music, and starting conversations. Expect a lot of hamburgers and martinis to be featured in the food & drink section. It’s quite possibly my favorite food pairing and the most consistent food option on hotel bar menus.

With that out of the way let’s dive into the first issues of La Recepción in 2024!

In today’s issue:

• The Barcelona EDITION

• Grooves from Peur with Axel Haxel

• History of the Nic & Nora Glass

As always, I am delighted to be back in your inbox! I hope you enjoy today’s scroll.

 - Scott, Head of Guest Services

A request from management. If you find this newsletter, relaxing, leisurely, or inspiring please share it with a friend, co-worker, or internet friend!

FEATURED LOBBY
Barcelona EDITION

Located on an unassuming corner in Barcelona’s El Born district, is the lobby of The Barcelona EDITION. It is a long, slim space, reflective of city living. Guests are welcomed with oak floors, high ceilings, and wood-paneled walls. 

The focal point of this lobby is Bar Veraz with its double-height, all-brass cage that is suspended from the ceiling. 410 backlit liquor bottles line this hanging structure and are meant to resemble a Mediterranean sunset. 

It’s an urban resort, that creates a bubble of tranquility in a bustling city. An ideal spot for a cocktail or a crisp local vermouth on the rocks.

 LOBBY SOUNDS
Grooves from Peru with Axel Haxel

Kick back with some Peruvian beats and south-of-the-equator disco vibes.

CONVERSATION STARTERS
The History of The Nick & Nora Glass

The credit for naming this cocktail glass goes to bartender Dale DeGroff, who in 1987 took over the management of the famous Rainbow Room at Rockefeller Center in New York City. 

At the Rainbow, Room DeGroff introduced a new menu, one that focused on classic and forgotten pre-prohibition cocktails. The type that was traditionally served in smaller more elegant glassware vs. the swimming pool style martini glass that defined the 80s cocktail era. 

In his hunt for the perfect glass, DeGroff reached out to Minners Design. He requested a glass that was similar in style to the ones used by famously well-liquored detective duo Nick & Nora Charles, from the 1934 comedy-mystery The Thin Man. 

Minner Design sent over their 1930s catalog and inside DeGroff discovered a glass called the “Little Martini”. He worked with Minner Designs to produce new molds and started serving cocktails in the glass at the Rainbow Room in 1987. Whenever DeGroff needed a restock of glassware he would order them using the name “Nick & Nora” and it stuck.

Years later the product’s name was officially changed from “Little Martini” to Nick & Nora by Steelite International after purchasing Minner Design’s catalog. It’s a fitting tribute to the debauchees Nick and Nora Charles.

Below is a YouTube clip that gives you a little sip of Nick & Nora in their element - at a bar swimming in copious libations. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9cnYeFFeC4

LOBBY FOOD & DRINK
Jamón Ibérico

This was the Jamón Iberico served at the lobby bar in the EDITION. Hands down the best plate of meat I have ever had, 12/10. It’s a must. Also, the tomato con pan in the back was to die for.

LOBBY VIEWS
Take A Look Around

FROM MANAGEMENT
Enjoying Your Stay?

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