From RTVE Staff Residence to Tourist Centre: The Transformation of Hotel Xorret de Catí

Countdown to the reopening of the former Hotel Xorret de Catí, located in the municipality of Castalla, as it prepares to welcome activity once more. Originally built in the 1970s as a holiday residence for employees of Radio Televisión Española, the facility is now set to embark on a new chapter as a hub for tourism development.

The plan, spearheaded by the Alicante Provincial Council, involves the commencement of rehabilitation works on the property in October, with a budget allocation of 2.3 million euros. The project is currently open for public consultation and is expected to be tendered at the beginning of July.

The rehabilitation works on the former hotel complex are expected to last around eight months, affecting 1,400 square metres above ground and 800 square metres in the semi-basement. The project includes interventions in various hotel buildings, including the module referred to as "Masía"—a name given due to its resemblance to an old farmhouse—where versatile general-use spaces will be established.

The ground floor will be allocated for more public services such as a snack bar and training rooms, among others. On the first floor, the south wing will house two large training rooms, while the north wing will feature both indoor and outdoor gym facilities with a large terrace overlooking the natural surroundings, complete with changing rooms.

Additionally, the hotel-residence, referred to as the "Claustro Module" in the renovation project, will undergo changes. This area will maintain its lodging function and will see interventions in the courtyard and its western side to spatially connect it with the rest of the property. Furthermore, updates will be made to the facilities in six dormitory units for staff accommodation, with the remainder to be addressed in a subsequent phase.

Finally, several interventions are planned for the so-called "Connection Module," a third structure that serves as a link between the two previous buildings. This space will become a large visitor reception area, a bright space that traverses the entire building and connects the two adjoining modules.

In this case, the current double-height space will be enhanced by creating two large windows to the natural surroundings through glass panels on each side of the connection module. This reception and welcome area will incorporate universal accessibility features, including a ramp to access the Claustro Module's upper level.

"It will be a continuous effort over the coming years, not without challenges, given the interventions in fragile natural environments, many of which are protected. However, the Alicante Provincial Council is committed to its development, convinced of the benefits this initiative will bring to the municipalities and residents of the province's interior," highlighted the Deputy of Architecture, Carmen Sellés.