History of GHT Balmes Hotel, Aparthotel & Splash***
A third generation hotel with family treatment

GHT Balmes Hotel, Aparthotel & Splash*** in Calella (Barcelona) was built at the beginning of the 20th century. For years it has welcomed guests from all over the world who have enjoyed its familiar treatment. The building where the hotel is located has undergone several renovations over the years, but still maintains its traditional charm and character. Today it is a popular destination for both tourists and business travelers.

Below we explain our history, will you join us to know it?

History of GHT Balmes Hotel, Aparthotel & Splash***A third generation hotel with family treatment

Our history

Origins of the Hotel Balmes GHT: from a hosiery factory to a family residence

The history of the GHT Balmes begins in 1956 with our grandparents, who at that time had a JAVI brand socks and hosiery factory, in a basically industrial Calella, when they bought a land next to the factory, to build a small residence with 2 floors, called “Mercedes Visa Pension”. At that time, the grandparents really liked to travel, and they thought it could work.

So it was!

Origins of the Hotel Balmes GHT: from a hosiery factory to a family residence

The first Hotel Balmes

The first residence grew gradually until, over the years and with a lot of effort, it became the 2** Hotel Balmes, which was efficiently managed by our parents. Later, after several good stages and others of crisis, in 1994, they decided to convert some rooms into apartments, as the British were looking for this type of accommodation to spend their holidays on the coast. And it was in 1998 when, after an important reform, they remodeled and turned the establishment into a 3*** family hotel. Up to what it is today, a 3*** hotel with 168 double rooms, family rooms and apartments.

A story full of dedication and effort

It was managed from the beginning and for years by our parents, doing all the chores and all hours of the day, with the help of their respective wives, our mothers, without forgetting that our grandmother went every day and until the body accompanied her, to doing cleaning work with the chambermaids, teaching them how to clean rooms, showers and bathtubs, sinks, toilets, or how to take care of bedding and towels. It is an image that, no matter how much time passes, is not erased or forgotten.

From generation to generation

As time passed, we, the cousins, joined the hotel. Although, in fact, we had always lived it since we were little, first as tourists during the school holidays in the pool, in the dining room and with the dances on hot nights of summer, to later begin to help with small tasks, to work firmly when we had already finished our studies, going through different sections, until reaching the present, now directing it as a third generation, with the incorporation of the fourth as well.

Pioneers in Calella

We are the hotel with one of the largest gardens in Calella and the first to build a swimming pool (when it was done, our grandfather was told he was crazy; that it was not necessary, as the sea was already there to bathe in) and also the first from Calella to build a pool with water games called Splash.

The first to incorporate private bathrooms

Our hotel was also a pioneer by building bathrooms in the rooms, since from the beginning, the bathrooms were general on each floor and the rooms only had a small sink.

First, also, to offer animation and shows

And one of the first to offer animation live music groups, such as "The Polits" or "Paco Martin", or also to offer Spanish and flamenco dance shows and also traditional Catalan dances, by a group of very young dancers from a school of Arenys ballet that we danced in exchange for raising money to go on dance exchange trips with the Warsaw Opera. What a good times!

Or one of the first to offer an entertainment program, and many other things.

First, also, to offer animation and shows

67 years of family tradition and teamwork

Many years have passed since those beginnings, many efforts by grandparents, parents and the following generations. First building and then improving and maintaining this family business that has been and is our life. Without forgetting all those people who have been working for 67 years, some for 35 and 40 years, to make this ship work and for the client to enjoy a very good vacation. Always accompanied by so many people who have worked there tirelessly, dedicated, as if it were their own. Without them, the ship would never have worked!

We invite you to know a little more, if you wish, by viewing these photos.