In the heart of Barcelona’s historic quarter, where Gothic façades meet Mediterranean sophistication, Grand Hotel Central stands as a symbol of elegant revival.
Having recently completed a full refurbishment in 2024, the hotel is writing a new chapter—one led by Maria Contreras, a seasoned hotelier with over 20 years of international experience and a deep-rooted passion for service.
From Soho House in Miami and Barcelona to Palihouse in Los Angeles and leadership roles at Majestic Hotel Group, Maria’s career has taken her across continents and hospitality styles. Now, as General Manager and the driving force behind Grand Hotel Central’s rebranding, she leads a 120-person team with vision, energy, and a strong sense of purpose.
Multilingual, multicultural, and relentlessly guest-focused, Maria brings strategic agility and a deeply personal understanding of luxury to one of Spain’s most iconic destinations.
In up to 200 words, tell us about yourself, your education, prior background etc.
I am a hospitality professional with over two decades of international experience, currently serving as General Manager of Grand Hotel Central in Barcelona. I hold a degree in Hotel Management from ESHD, affiliated with the University of Barcelona, and completed the Soho House & Co. Leadership Programme with Bentley Management Inc.
Throughout my career, I’ve worked across a wide range of properties and cities, including iconic roles at Soho House in Barcelona and Miami, Sunset Beach in New York, Palihouse in Los Angeles, and Majestic Hotel Group in Barcelona. These experiences have shaped my expertise in pre-opening strategy, operations, brand positioning, and team leadership.
Since joining Grand Hotel Central, I’ve led the rebranding and reopening post-refurbishment, managing a team of 120 and developing strategies across operations, marketing, and guest experience.
I speak five languages—English, Spanish, Catalan, German, and French—and pride myself on a people-first leadership style rooted in creativity, empathy, and a commitment to excellence. My goal is always the same: to create experiences that resonate with guests and empower teams to grow and thrive.
What inspired you to pursue a career in hotel management?
My grandfather, Salvador Palmada, was a true inspiration. He was one of the pioneers of national tourism in Spain in the 1950s and a charismatic hotelier in every sense. His stories and spirit instilled in me the belief that hospitality is about more than service—it’s about creating moments, memories, and meaningful connections.
From early on, I was drawn to the energy, creativity, and international flavour of hotel life. I’ve always believed hospitality is a field full of opportunity: a chance to grow, to travel, to create, and to serve with heart. It’s demanding, yes—but it’s also one of the most rewarding professions in the world.
How do you balance emerging trends and evolving guests’ preferences?
Staying agile is essential. We monitor trends in design, dining, tech, and wellness, but we never lose sight of our identity. At Grand Hotel Central, we adapt with purpose—combining innovation with authenticity.
Guest feedback plays a key role. We listen actively and adjust our offerings to reflect evolving expectations, whether it’s greater personalisation, sustainability, or the rising importance of wellness.
Ultimately, it’s about knowing who you are as a brand and evolving in a way that complements—not compromises—your core values.
Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently?
I’ve loved this profession wholeheartedly, but one personal regret is the time sacrificed with family. In the early years, we didn’t watch the clock—we stayed until everything was perfect, often missing precious family moments. I came home when the children were asleep and left before they woke up. Hospitality can demand that kind of dedication.
Professionally, I also wish we had changed the culture around hospitality employment sooner. This industry deserves more respect—it’s not just a job; it’s a vocation. The way we treat employees today must evolve to reflect the value they bring to the guest experience.
What defines your management style?
As a leader, I act as a coach. I focus on keeping energy high, morale strong, and everyone moving in the same direction. Change is constant in this industry, so I aim to be a pillar of stability, always helping the team navigate it together.
As a manager, I’m highly organised, focused on execution, planning, and clear communication. I believe in empowering my department heads and supporting them as they grow. When people are trusted and encouraged, they do incredible things.
I try to balance inspiration with structure—creating a culture where creativity thrives, but goals are always clear.
What are your strategic goals and vision for the hotel, and how does that integrate with the group’s aims?
In today’s uncertain global climate, my key priorities are improving profitability while maintaining strong performance in our established markets. At the same time, I’m looking to diversify our client base, especially through targeted outreach in the Asian market.
With cruise tourism set to grow in Barcelona, we’re refining our strategy to appeal to that demographic, offering pre- and post-cruise experiences tailored to luxury travellers.
A major milestone ahead is the launch of Casa Cambo—a newly restored heritage space located at the top of the hotel. This venue, once home to the building’s original founder, is being transformed into a cultural and culinary hub for high-end events. It’s part of our long-term strategy to position Grand Hotel Central as not only a hotel, but a destination in its own right.
What advice would you give to someone starting out?
Be passionate. The demands of this industry are high, but so are the rewards. You’ll face long hours, complex guests, and constant change—but if you love it, it won’t feel like a burden.
Never give up. Resilience is everything.
And finally, listen more than you speak. Start on the floor, learn from every department, and remember that one day, you’ll be shaping someone else’s career—just as others helped shape yours.