Claudia Eleuterio
Owner & Founder
After studying in Madrid, I arrived in Barcelona in 1995. Since I was just new to the city myself, I noticed first-hand the lack of accommodation options for anyone who wanted an alternative to a hotel. That’s what inspired me to start the company and our first website, Oh-Barcelona.com.
Even today, more than 15 years later, Barcelona still strikes me as incredible. It’s a city that never seems to sleep, but at the same time it’s got little hidden corners where you can happily spend half an hour and barely see a soul. My favourite place is the Gothic quarter, especially at daybreak, when you can walk through the heart of the old town just drinking in the history and atmosphere.
Barcelona has all the advantages of a major city. Yet at the same time it’s so intimate and personal, it’s easy to fit in and feel a part of everything.
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Jörg Lahmann
CEO and Owner
After studying engineering for six years in Hamburg, Germany, I decided to escape the rain and head south. I fell in love with Barcelona straight away, and despite intending to stay for only two years, I’ve been here for 15, complete with wife, kids and dog. I joined Open House Group in 2002 and have poured all my energy into it ever since. Although the tan I was seeking when I headed south seems to have got lost somewhere along the way…
When I’m not in the office or one of the other cities we work in, you might see me jogging along the beach first thing in the morning or cycling through Montseny Natural Park – the lungs of the city. Among my favourite places to eat are Ciutat Comtal, Koyshunka or any of the tapas bars that abound in the city. And if you fancy escaping the tourist trail while you’re here, head up to Montjuïc first thing in the morning to watch the sunrise. It’s an unforgettable sight.
Initially I was attracted to Barcelona by the sun and the sea, however as soon as I arrived I could see it has so much more to offer. Now I consider it home.
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Carlos del Campo
IT Director
I’ve been part of Open House Group for over three years now, after spending a decade living in different cities and gaining a range of personal and professional experiences.
I love living in such an open and cosmopolitan city, where you can enjoy the beach, the amazing culture, and the party atmosphere. Being so close to the Costa Brava and the Pyrenees is another advantage for anyone who’s into sunbathing or skiing.
I can recommend a ton of places to you, but it’s better if you discover them for yourself via our online guides and social networks. I hope you enjoy the city, and remember we’re here if you need any help!
The diversity of Barcelona is incomparable to most other cities. You can find something here for you, whatever your interests.
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Antje Rudolf
Contracting Director
I still remember the first day that I visited Barcelona as a tourist, completely impressed by the magnificent architecture of the old buildings in the city centre. Since I’ve been living here, I haven’t stopped discovering the fascinating variety of leisure options that Barcelona and the surrounding area has to offer. It is more than simply following the different works of Gaudí; it’s enjoying the seafood at a beach bar, savouring the cuisine of the city, visiting the Cava cellars, being left impressed by the mountains or enjoying a drink on a terrace after watching a musical. Just as diverse and international is the work at Open House Group, where the atmosphere and the mix of employees mirror the diversity of the city.
I have a special place in my heart for Vienna, a city where romance and elegance are combined. Furthermore, it is the perfect spot for a long weekend away given that the Old Town, with the city’s most elegant and interesting sights, is best discovered by foot. A MUST is an afternoon in one of the typical Viennese cafés, followed by a walk around the Naschmarkt market, which is guaranteed to surprise you. Curiosities such as the Hundertwasserhaus or the majestic Schönbrunn Palace seal the deal.
Vienna and Barcelona have something beautiful in common – they are both fascinating cities that are worth visiting more than once, in any season of the year.
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Isabel Martinez
Finance Director
I joined Open House Group over four years ago, to take up my role as Finance Director. The team here is a real mix of people from different backgrounds and cultures – I suppose you could say it’s like a reflection of Barcelona itself.
Barcelona is my city. Full of moments, places, people and experiences. Over the years it has reinvented itself and it never fails to surprise.
It’s hard to pick out just one favourite moment, but I’ve settled on early mornings in the city. First thing, on a winter’s morning, when the city is still waking up, I love going for a solitary walk along the beach. The sun is just starting to warm up and it’s a great time to have a coffee at a pavement café and settle down to read the newspaper or your favourite book. It’s just the perfect start to the day.
Even though I’ve lived in Barcelona for years, it is always full of surprises. The smallest moments remind me what a fantastic city it is.
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Joan Armela
Client Service Director
I’m a native Barcelonan, and grew up here. It’s also where I’ve been able to learn and further my professional development. Working with Open House Group has allowed me to meet people from lots of different countries, which is really enriching, as well as make some great friends.
Travelling is my passion and every city I visit, I immerse myself in its culture, history, food and especially its people. Both my team and I always try to give you the best, so that when you visit Barcelona your experience will be the best and your holiday apartment comes to feel like your own home. So I recommend you don’t waste any time in getting over here!
In particular, I can recommend timing your stay for the Sant Joan holidays at the start of the summer, or when Gràcia’s street festival is on in August. And there’s nothing better than savouring a good Spanish wine, surrounded by good company.
Travelling is my passion, but Barcelona always draws me back. Growing up in this multi-cultural place has taught me so much and given me so many different experiences.
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Magdalena Kaczmarek
Product Director
I began my adventure with Open House Group three years ago, when I moved to Barcelona from Seville while studying for my Master’s. As Head of Product Management, I work together with my team to improve the quality of our accommodation and offer the best service to our clients. We want each of our clients to feel like they’re at home in their holiday accommodation, so that they are free to really get the most out of their stay in the city.
My academic background in languages has allowed me to travel and live in various European countries, and to be completely honest, there’s no other city that has fascinated and inspired me so much as Barcelona. I can recommend loads of places and events to you. The Festa Major de Gràcia, which takes place in August each year, is a must – it has great entertainment, with concerts and dancing in the streets till dawn. Where I spend most of my time is on the beach, where you can relax with a good wine, good company, just taking it all in and forgetting the daily routine.
Of the various cities I’ve lived in, Barcelona is my favourite place to be. There’s so much to experience and discover, you can never get enough.
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You can find out more about the different individuals in our team via our Linkedin company profile. It's also a useful way to stay up-to-date with developments in our products, services and the positions we're currently recruiting for.
Another resource you might be interested in is our Oh-Barcelona.com Facebook page, which has over 7,000 fans. It's a talking point for all Barcelona enthusiasts - whether they're looking for advice on planning their trip, recommending secret bars or just wanting to reminiscise over some happy holiday memories. Join the conversation yourself today.