Caro Hotel by Francesc Rifé

FECHA

09.09.2024

The renowned and award-winning interior designer and MArch speaker Francesc Rifé has projects all over the world. In the case of Valencia, one of the most emblematic is the Caro Hotel.

It is a hotel located in a historic building where architectural and cultural elements from different periods have been merged and revealed over time. One of the highlights is an imposing 12th century Almohad wall, approximately 15 meters high, which crosses the building longitudinally, from the restaurant to the first level of rooms. This wall is complemented by a 19th century staircase, which acts as a central axis in the generation and organization of the spaces. Next to the staircase, there is a mosaic from the 1st century BC, considered the oldest in the city of Valencia. In addition, a segmental arch gives access to the bar area, adjacent to the lobby and the outdoor terrace.

The lobby is configured as a distribution space that connects with several areas of the hotel: the reception, which is integrated into the original wall as a light box; the staircase, which leads to the first rooms and the library; the access to the restaurant, today known as Alma del Temple, and, in the opposite direction, the metabar and the terrace.

For the interior decoration, natural materials were used, such as resin floors in very light tones and arabescato marble in the bar counter. The walls were painted in the same tone as the floors to achieve maximum integration with the furniture, specifically designed by the studio and complemented with other signature pieces. The hotel’s 26 rooms are unique and different from each other, due to the complexity of the spaces, which required a special and personalized treatment for each one.

Francesc Rifé’s designs are characterized by a clear simplicity and minimalist elegance, where pure lines, geometric volumes and the balanced use of natural materials predominate. His approach always seeks a harmonious connection between spaces, prioritizing functionality and comfort, but without renouncing sophisticated aesthetics. Rifé stands out for his ability to integrate light and textures in a subtle way, creating serene and timeless environments that invite contemplation. In addition, his style shows a deep respect for traditional craftsmanship, fusing contemporary techniques with a clean and rational design.