Alicante’s venerable tourist past has been recreated in 21st century boutique style with the inauguration of Casa Alberola – part of the exclusive Curio Collection by Hilton.
During the final decades of the 19th century, with Alicante enjoying an era of prosperity driven by development of the port’s commercial area, tourists and foreign investors were drawn to the city’s burgeoning urban renewal.
Leading architect and town planner José Guardiola Picó built several buildings for the flourishing middle class, including Casa Alberola, an iconic structure located between the new promenade and Canalejas Park that became an integral part of Alicante’s architectural heritage.
In the 1960s, its traditional aesthetic suffered as a result of the demolition of a key central structure and its replacement with a building which, critics lamented, “broke the harmony of the landscape”.
Now, Balazs Companie SL, developer of the project with Hilton Hotels, has restored its neo-classical splendour, creating a new link between the allure of the past and the modern demands of tourism.
Hilton’s Curio Collection is “an upper-upscale, global portfolio of more than 90 one-of-a-kind hotels and resorts… offering travellers authentic, curated experiences through distinctly local offerings and elevated amenities”.
Offering 45 rooms and convenient access to the city centre, historical landmarks and Postiguet beach, Casa Alberola Alicante highlights the elegance of the 1920s with touches of velvet, intricate mouldings and marble.
“The opening of Casa Alberola Alicante, Curio Collection by Hilton signifies an exciting new chapter for this architectural gem as well as for Alicante,” says general manager Carlos Alberto Cardona. “The hotel is nestled in the heart of the city, and is steeped in culture and history. We seek to provide the hospitality of the warmth of home to all our guests, adding value to their experience through the elegance, glamour and history that inspires the hotel. I am confident that the presence of Curio Collection by Hilton will set the standard for international hospitality in the city and will be the point of reference for those eager to experience Alicante.”
Casa Alberola Alicante’s neoclassical design is highlighted in the rooms by a work desk, organic amenities and high ceilings, complemented by sea and city views and ample natural light. The restaurant offers a Mediterranean dining experience, as well as refreshing drinks and snacks in a relaxed bar atmosphere.
The bedroom names have been created based on the Alberola family’s history, with each room featuring wall art that pays tribute to each family member. The lounge area was family patriarch Joaquín Alberola’s former living room, located on the first floor and evoking intimacy and comfort to make guests feel they are in “a home away from home”. There is also a small business centre in the lounge area, as a nod to contemporary travel lifestyles and requirements.
For more information about other hotel options in Alicante, click here.