| WEDNESDAY
MARCH 25, 2009 |
| It's
a Flat World |
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Every
region has its share of entrepreneurs. Silicon
Valley has its high tech wizards, Milan its
couturiers, and Nigeria its money transfer-challenged
businessmen. Here, meanwhile, there's
been no shortage of holiday flat renters. |
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No
wonder, either. A quick trip to IKEA, a light
dusting off, and voilà, you were in business
- bargain-hungry discount tourists and
inflated hotel rates ensured that only the pickpockets
on Las Ramblas did a brisker trade. Well, those
days may now be over.
Until recently, for anybody who wanted a designer
flat with full hotel services, there'd
be Hotel Arts and its EUR 1,300+ studios. Even
for the keenest of cooks, that might be indigestible
for access to a stove.
But this week sees the Toyo Ito-designed Suites
Avenue opening on Passeig de Gracia. Combining
the best of private home comforts (a BBQ zone,
for example) and five star hotel services, rates
start at just EUR 220. And, when it opens in
May, Majestic's much-delayed Kelly Hoppen-designed
Murmuri Residence will offer rates from EUR
150.
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That's similar to many bare bone
rentals. And with Muji having also taken
the step from selling value-for-money
interiors to a value-for-money holiday
flat project, Whotell, starting at EUR
90 per night, then even our local entrepreneurs
might have to get creative.
Suites
Avenue - now open
Pg de Gracia 83 - 93 366 8800. From EUR
220 per night
Murmuri
Residence - opening May 2009
Ptge de la Concepció - 93 550 0600.
EUR 150-479.
Whotells.
From EUR 90 per night
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COMMENT
ON THIS FEATURE |
by
AAl |
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