In the very heart of Barcelona, at Plaça de Catalunya, one of the city’s most iconic hotels—45 Times—is preparing for a major transformation. Its doors are about to close to guests, making way for a grand renovation. This spring, a new luxury hotel under the Bless Hotel brand will open here, promising to impress even the most discerning fans of modern comfort and style. But before the building gets a new lease on life, residents and visitors have a rare opportunity—to literally take home a piece of this location’s history.
From January 16 to 18, the former 45 Times hotel will host a unique market where anyone can purchase designer furniture and decor pieces that once adorned guest rooms and public spaces. Admission was available only by prior registration, and tickets sold out instantly. Among the lots are velvet armchairs, stylish lamps, outdoor rockers, and even exclusive pillows that, until recently, were part of the hotel’s luxurious and cozy atmosphere.
The economy of a new era
The organizers of the sale—Arquitectura del Orden, led by Astrid Romero and María López—are no strangers to hosting such events. Their approach is rooted in the principles of conscious consumption and the circular economy. They call themselves “treasure hunters” and believe that every item deserves a second chance. This time, their project goes beyond private apartments and, for the first time, encompasses an entire hotel, turning it into a real treasure trove of unique finds.
The idea is simple yet brilliant: giving a new life to items that might otherwise end up in a landfill after renovations. Instead, they find new owners who appreciate not only their design but also their story. This approach reduces waste and allows every participant to feel like part of a larger city renewal process.
Second life for things
The story of Arquitectura del Orden began with organizing home sales for people moving or getting rid of unwanted items. Over time, the project evolved into an independent business, helping city residents let go of the past without regret or chaos. Their expertise is now in demand in the hospitality sector as well, where interiors are regularly updated and furniture and décor are often left unused.
This time, the market at 45 Times promises to be more than just a sale—it’s a true event for anyone who values creative solutions and cares about the environment. Each item here is not just an object, but a piece of history you can take home. And pleasantly, many lots are priced well below market rates, making designer finds accessible to a wider audience.
Experience and emotion
For many visitors, the market will be a chance to glimpse behind the scenes of a hotel that is usually reserved for guests only. You’ll be able to walk through the corridors, study the details of the interior, soak up the atmosphere, and perhaps discover the perfect item to complement your own home. It’s not just shopping—it’s an adventure, where everyone leaves with more than a purchase, but lasting memories as well.
Last year, a similar sale in Madrid sparked real excitement: thousands lined up for the chance to buy furniture from the iconic Reina Victoria hotel. Barcelona now looks poised to repeat that success. Organizers are confident that interest in conscious consumption and unique finds is only growing—so events like this will become even more common.
The city is changing
The rebranding of 45 Times as Bless Hotel is part of a global trend as pop-up hotel projects give way to major chains, offering not just comfort but a unique atmosphere. The new hotel promises 119 rooms, including exclusive suites with terraces and panoramic city views, as well as a restaurant, patisserie, and a luxurious rooftop for relaxing above Barcelona.
But before the music plays here again and the doors open for new guests, everyone has a chance to take home a unique piece that was recently part of this legendary hotel. This is more than just a purchase—it’s a way to preserve the memory of a place that’s evolving together with the city.
