Time Travel with the Retrome
Time travel is real and the co-founder of the Retrome hotel Moti Erdeapel showed us how to do it — and he does it well. Located in Barcelona and in Rome, this hotel is not only a self-acclaimed urban retreat, but also a time capsule that takes form in contemporary spaces and withdraws both inspiration and materials from the 1900’s mid-century. Combining clean and white walls with splashes of color, the inherent nostalgia and romanticism of past decades is tangible in every single detail.
What first got you interested in the hotel business?
I went to Italy to study Political Science. During that time, I got a job in a small hotel in Rome: that was my way in. I was overtaken by the number of interesting people you meet working in such a dynamic place. The international atmosphere and the positive energy that people on holidays boost is incredible. And after some time, I knew that this was what I wanted to do.
What is the most important thing that you’ve learned about your business?
That when you inspire people you have acceded yourself. It doesn’t happen every time, but when it does we feel that we have completed our mission. It can be through design, service or just being there for your guests. But when people feel inspired they take what they have experienced with them.
How would you describe your approach to design?
We create spaces that are comfortable, contemporary and minimal. The 1950’s 60’s & 70’s designed items and materials to create islands of color and inspiration, kind of like time capsules that aim to take you on a time travel when you travel to a new city.
What are your inspirations?
Great Italian and Scandinavian mid-century designers like Ettore Sottsass and Henningsen, but we actually take most of our ideas from the cities we are in, their pop culture and identity. In Rome we celebrate the Golden/Dolce Vita era of the Italian Cinema, in the 50’s and 60’s, while in Barcelona the Modernism style strongly dictates our identity.
In your opinion, what is the essential element of every room?
There are three, equally important: comfort, practicality and light.
What would you say is the core aesthetic of the Retrome hotel, in both Barcelona and Rome?
Minimalist, functional and with a dash of vintage that serves as a time capsule.
What three elements do you do you think are critical regarding the envelope of the interior space, to take into consideration before styling a room?
The ease and natural flow of movement in the room. From the first time a new guest enters a hotel room his movements within it should be natural and without obstacles.
What is one of your favorite places to visit when in Barcelona? And in Rome?
In Barcelona I really enjoy an early morning jog from the hotel to the seashore, and then back. By doing this I get to pass by both the beach and the city center. At night I love to hang out in Gracia, an area that is young at heart and liberal, not yet overrun by the mass tourism. Here you can get a real feel of the Barcelona spirit. In Rome, I love to stroll through the center, admire the ancient architecture and go into the hidden churches I’ve never been before. At night, I enjoy Celio, the area where Retrome is located. It has a village atmosphere even though it is right in the city center.
What is the one thing you’d love to do but haven’t yet got round to?
From a professional point of view, we have never experimented serving food as part of the Retrome formula – except for breakfast. I think that it would be an interesting challenge and I think that we will soon have the chance to try it!
