In 1870, Mr. Josep Maria Serra Muñoz and Mrs. Dorotea de Chopitea y de Villota, both born in Chile and descendants of Spanish aristocratic families, commissioned master builder Jeroni Granell Mundet to construct their stately residence in Barcelona’s new Eixample district; specifically on Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, right next to Passeig de Gràcia.
Jeroni Granell Mundet (Barcelona 1834–1889) qualified as a master builder in 1854 and also worked as a craftsman and decorator. In addition, he held the title of surveyor, equivalent to today’s land surveyor, and from 1855 the role of director of rural roads, comparable to a modern civil engineer specialized in roads, canals, and harbors. He carried out several projects in Barcelona, such as the now-demolished Granvia art exhibition building (1869), the altar of the Church of the Concepció (1871), and the core of Hospital del Sagrat Cor (1885), among others.
He is a typical representative of the medievalist generation that evolved toward eclecticism.

In 1873, the Serra-Chopitea family, principal shareholders of Maquinista Terrestre y Marítima and founding partners of the first Banco de Barcelona in 1845, settled in the Gran Via mansion in the heart of the Eixample district together with their six daughters.

In 1882, Doña Dorotea de Chopitea was widowed. From that moment on, she strengthened her social commitment to improving the quality of life of Barcelona’s residents. She became one of the women who contributed the most to the city, earning the honorary title of “Mother of the Poor.”

Doña Dorotea maintained correspondence with Saint John Bosco and his successor, Blessed Michael Rua. She also contributed to the establishment of other Salesian charitable works in Chile and Barcelona, promoting the construction of churches, schools, hospitals and residences, including the Temple of Tibidabo, Sant Joan de Déu Hospital, and Sagrat Cor Hospital.

She was declared Venerable by Pope John Paul II on 9 June 1983, and her life is currently under study for her future beatification. More recently, Salesian historian Ramón Alberdi published her biography Dorotea de Chopitea y de Villota (1816–1891). Building a Barcelona for Everyone (Fundación Edebé, 2009).

Years later, the mansion was sold and became one of the headquarters of the Círculo Artístico de Barcelona (Barcelona Artistic Circle)—founded in 1881 and also known as the Centro de Acuarelistas (Watercolorists' Center)—before reverting to its original name, Círculo Artístico, three years later following a reorganization. In 1916, King Alfonso XIII granted it the title of Real Círculo Artístico de Barcelona (Royal Artistic Circle of Barcelona). The organization's primary objective has always been to promote and support all forms of artistic and cultural expression.
The institution played a prominent role in Barcelona's artistic and social life—particularly between the late 19th century and the early decades of the 20th century—by organizing social events, dances, and public festivities, most notably the ball held in the Gran Salón del Palco and the Gran Teatro del Liceo.

Following a comprehensive renovation, the palace reopened as the Hotel Granvia. The refurbishment preserved the façade, the main staircase—topped by a colonnaded gallery and a glass vault—one of the grand halls (the Gran Salón Don Bosco), the chapel, and the room of Doña Dorotea de Chopitea.
It became a fashionable hotel where members of the Real Círculo Artístico de Barcelona and the Gran Teatre del Liceu held meetings, balls, and parties. Its regular clientele included actors, politicians, military figures, and members of the Catalan and Spanish social elite.

In 1986, Grup Núñez i Navarro acquired the hotel with the aim of renovating it and transforming it into a modern luxury hotel.

Throughout its long history, Hotel Granvia has served as the setting for numerous films, television series and editorial features. Some of the most notable productions include:

• “11-11-11” (Darren Lynn Bousman, 2011). A horror thriller written by Bousman himself, director of three sequels to the acclaimed Saw franchise (II, III & IV) and Repo! The Genetic Opera.
• “23-F: El día más difícil del Rey” (RTVE, 2009). A two-part historical miniseries produced by Spanish Television, starring Lluís Homar as King Juan Carlos I, Juan Luis Galiardo as Alfonso Armada, and José Sancho as Jaime Milans del Bosch.
• “La silla” (Julio D. Wallovits, 2006). A Spanish film internationally released under the title The Chair.
• “Inconscientes” (Joaquín Oristrell, 2004). An international co-production, released internationally as Unconscious, filmed and set in modernist Barcelona in 1913.
• “Un papillon sur l’épaule” (A Butterfly on the Shoulder, Jacques Deray, 1978). A French feature film.

The hotel has also been an ideal location for fashion editorials and photo shoots for magazines and fashion catalogues such as Sposa Bella, Woman, Hola, and El País Magazine... Particularly noteworthy are the sessions by the renowned photographer Outumuro, who has immortalised countless models and actresses in the hotel’s elegant lounges.

Renovation work began in October 2012—well into the 21st century—and was completed in May 2013. Hotel Granvía offers 58 unique rooms, including family rooms and a magnificent Junior Suite. A period-style lounge, complete with a library and business center, provides access to a splendid 500 m² garden terrace—a space to be enjoyed in the very heart of L’Eixample.

A historic palace for a hotel that is making history.