13 March 2023 , 14:52
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An abandoned train station has been transformed into a luxury five-star hotel, complete with a spa and wellness centre.
Canfranc Station, located in the Spanish Pyrenees near the French border, opened as a rail hub in 1928 and during World War II witnessed arrests, espionage as well as gold trafficking.
However, by 1970 the station had closed its doors and it lay dormant for decades until work began to transform the building into a hotel operated by the Barcelo Hotel Group.
After being restored for years, Canfranc Station welcomed its first guests back in January, with residents welcoming the innovation that is believed to boost the local economy.
The station was abandoned in 1970 (Alamy Stock Photo)María Bellosta, hotel manager at Canfranc, said "special attention" was paid to every detail in the renovation project.
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She explained the company wanted to keep the station's "DNA, its international railway spirit" while transforming it into a luxurious building.
Following the renovation, there are 104 rooms in the hotel, including four suites, a wellness area, a pool and three restaurants.
The former ticket hall has become the hotel lobby (Barceló Hotels & Resorts)The part of the building that was once the station concourse has now become the hotel reception.
Fernando Sánchez Morales, mayor of Canfranc, told CNN he is "very happy" that the history of the station and the railway environment are reflected by the hotel's design elements.
He added: "We are very satisfied to have the station alive and bright again. We hope it will be the consolidation of Canfranc as a tourist destination."
There are 104 rooms in the hotel (Barceló Hotels & Resorts)Hotel guest Thomas O'Hare, from Northern Ireland, said: "The rooms and bar and restaurant follow this nice feel of modern interior with a heavy gesture towards its history of rail travel."
He had previously stumbled across Canfranc Station a couple of years ago and vowed to return upon completion.
Since it opened, the hotel has received several reviews with a guest describing it as a "top" holiday spot.
Locals hope the renovation will attract more tourists (Barceló Hotels & Resorts)Stephanie Mutsaerts wrote on Google Reviews: "We loved everything about it. The decor is tasteful, the service impeccable and the location fabulous for enjoying the Spanish and French Pyrenees."
Another guest added: "We had a great weekend, the staff was very friendly and the stay was very pleasant. The restaurant is very good too. Incredible what they have done with the station!"
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One more, Elena Lafuente, wrote: "Hotel that has managed to preserve the essence of the old station.
"Even keeping old elements such as the use of the old windows as decoration of the rooms. Very good treatment by the staff and very good food."