In the very heart of Barcelona, between Plaza de Cataluña and Passeig de Gràcia, a scene has unfolded that would intrigue even the most seasoned bargain hunters. The 45 Times Barcelona hotel, set for major renovations to move up to five-star status, has thrown open its doors—not for overnight guests, but for everyone seeking something unique. The hotel has launched a sale of its furniture and interior decor, pieces that until yesterday defined comfort for visitors from all around the world. Now anyone can take home a piece of luxury—at prices so low that even regulars of local flea markets are left astonished.
Three days—that’s how long this unique market lasts. Admission is strictly by ticket, and all tickets were snapped up well before opening. Inside, it’s a true kaleidoscope of treasure-seekers: designers, tourism industry employees, young couples, groups of friends, and even solo visitors armed with suitcases. Everyone is after something different: some want the perfect pillow for five euros, others a guest room chair for fifty, and some come just for the atmosphere and the chance to own a piece of history.
The hunt for a bargain
Inside the former Banesto bank building, with its panoramic windows overlooking the city center, absolutely everything is for sale. Candles go for 2 euros, coffee machines for less than 20, vintage trunks for 50, while stools and coat racks disappear within minutes. Even the small things—outlets and light switches—find new owners. The organizers have capped entry at no more than 40 people per hour to prevent chaos. Yet despite these measures, the excitement doesn’t die down—people race in hopes of grabbing a desired item before the shelves are bare.
The crowd is diverse—some are looking for budget-friendly options for a new apartment, others are seeking unique interior details, while some simply can’t resist the chance to buy something with a story. Shoppers carry bags, suitcases, and sometimes even trolleys. There’s a sense of excitement in the air: every new find feels like a small victory.
A second life for things
Larger items draw particular attention—mirrors, metal structures, designer chairs. Some are not yet for sale—their fate will be decided later, once the main renovation phase begins. Even so, the selection is impressive: from bedding to decorative pillows, from bar accessories to children’s chairs. Everything that was recently part of hotel life can now find new purpose in someone’s home.
The organizers emphasize: this is not about liquidation or bankruptcy. The hotel is changing its concept to meet new standards and guest expectations. All staff will keep their jobs, and items that might have ended up in a landfill are getting a second chance. This approach is not only environmentally friendly, but also allows locals and visitors to Barcelona to become part of this place’s story.
Unusual finds
On the terrace where guests usually relax, rows of armchairs, sofas, and potted plants now stretch out. Here you’ll find people who have just bought an apartment in Spain and are now furnishing it from scratch. For example, a couple from Russia, recently relocated to Alicante, are enthusiastically picking out furniture for their new life. The prices encourage impulse buying: folding screens — 45 euros, trays — 7, fabric bags — 1, and the ladders disappeared from the shelves within 20 minutes of opening.
Shoppers show no restraint in their excitement: some snap photos of great bargains, others argue over whether a chair will fit in the elevator, and some are simply thrilled to refresh their homes for next to nothing. Even the smallest items—like shampoos, decorative flowers, bar tongs, and poufs—are swept up. If you can carry it out, someone does—sometimes with difficulty, but always with clear delight.
Eco-friendly approach
The organizers—the Arquitectura del Orden team—are holding such a clearance in a major hotel for the first time. Their aim is not only to make room for future luxury but also to give items a chance at a second life. According to one of the founders, Astrid Romero, demand for such events is huge: people are tired of disposable goods and increasingly seek out unique pieces with a story.
There’s an especially wide selection of textiles: pillows, mattresses, and sheets. But dishes, mirrors, and lamps also find new owners. Anything left unsold this weekend might turn up at the next sale—a major renovation lies ahead, and more changes are still to come.
