In Madrid's Palace, an aged spirit is revitalized
Hanging out in the classy Atocha neighborhood of Madrid, The Palace Hotel was my very first taste of extravagance. It wasn't the swanky facade that initially grabbed my attention—a blend of modernism and Belle Epoque design—but rather the uniformed porters in flowing capes, skillfully guiding gleaming luggage carts into the grand lobby.
With over a century brimming with tales, it's no wonder that this iconic hotel played host to the likes of Pablo Picasso, Mata Hari, Federico García Lorca, Luis Buñuel, and Salvador Dalí. Now a part of Marriott's Luxury Collection, a meticulous four-year restoration by Lázaro Rosa-Violán Studio aimed to give the property a fresh, sophisticated twist while preserving its original charm.
Checking In at The Palace
Join me for a taste of Madrid's privileged lifestyle as we check into The Palace Hotel, conveniently situated in the Centro district. Enjoy the hotel's prime location, nestled right next to the Paseo del Prado and Buen Retiro, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and just steps away from the coveted Golden Triangle of Art, home to the Museo del Prado, Reina Sofía, and Thyssen-Bornemisza museums.
The Brains Behind the Design
The hotel's stunning architecture was masterminded by Catalan architect Eduardo Ferrès y Puig, who designed the building in 1910. At the time, it was Europe's largest hotel and boasted a pioneering feature—a bathroom in every guest room. It was also the first hotel in Spain to come equipped with a telephone in each room.
Fast-forward a century, and Lázaro Rosa-Violán Studio was entrusted with painstakingly renovating the facade, stripping back layers of paint until the original pigment showed through. The guest rooms and common areas were then fully renovated, while modern amenities and day-to-day needs for contemporary travelers were seamlessly integrated.
'The revitalized Palace Madrid is designed to be a stimulating space for a new generation of intellectuals and travelers who seek a place to call home—where stories, culture, and conversation thrive,' shares Lázaro Rosa-Violán.
Paying homage to the hotel's artistic roots and cultural surroundings, the hotel subtly incorporates elements such as intricate patterns inspired by the Royal Botanical Garden of Madrid. A confident material palette of rich woods, elegant metals, and textured fabrics creates a harmonious blend of timeless elegance and modern textures. The studio even hand-selected the hotel's art collection, featuring pieces from their private gallery and original works from their graphic design team.
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The Room to Book
The hotel offers 470 refined guest rooms and suites, each offering spectacular views of Plaza de las Cortes or Plaza Cánovas del Castillo. Ranging from Deluxe and Premium rooms to the coveted Royal Suite, the suites feature breathtaking one-bedroom configurations and bespoke furnishings that exude an Old-World feel while incorporating modern flair. High-end finishes, such as marble, brushed brass, and textured glass, were deliberately employed to elevate the luxury experience. The original bathroom marble, an elegant Navona, was meticulously repaired, re-polished, and preserved.
The enchanting 1,700 sq. ft. Royal Suite boasts a grand dining room, a library with a bar, and a fully-equipped chef's kitchen. A sense of Old-World opulence fuses seamlessly with modern comforts, thanks to refined materials like sculpted marble and rich millwork, colorful accents, and contemporary chandeliers. The suite's charming headboard, seen throughout the hotel's suites, is a tapestry designed by Lázaro’s atelier of graphic artists, featuring vivid imagery of local landscapes and classical scenes, like the vibrant greenery of Casa de Campo.
Dining at The Palace
Experience the exquisite La Cúpula Restaurant & Bar, a space lovingly revamped by Lázaro Rosa-Violán to resemble the glamour of the Roaring Twenties. The restaurant presents an imaginative spin on Spanish classics and perennial favorites, under the accomplished guidance of Executive Chef Nuno Matos. Don’t miss out on the inventive takes on iconic dishes, such as Pablo Picasso’s celebrated Waldorf salad and Julio Camba's timeless steak tartare.
Each Thursday, join the Epicurean Moment, a festive event celebrating Spain's versatile vermouth, with paired tapas offerings for an immersive journey through Spanish flavors.
As part of the renovation, the monumental dome – painstakingly restored and consisting of 1,456 individual pieces – was revitalized, with rich, luxurious furnishings from the Art Deco period completing the space.
A Hidden Retreat
Escape the hustle and bustle in the cozy confines of Club 27, where history and hedonism intertwine. While the classic wood paneling is protected by the Heritage Commission, the bar emanates old-world charm with a dash of zest. The bar's design team mined the hotel's century-old register books and archives to bring the bar's storied past to life. Gather around to savor a La Violetera cocktail, a nod to Madrid's beloved violet candies.
The Verdict
Grand hotels of today's hospitality landscape don't come by often, especially when they maintain a captivating connection to the city's historical and artistic past. The Palace Hotel's recent revitalization delicately blends the past with the present, showcasing respect for timeless architecture while incorporating modern twists. Offering a rich peek into Madrid's storied past and the promise of an exciting future, The Palace remains a timeless cornerstone, ripe for a new generation of travelers to uncover its enchanting stories.
The Palace, a Luxury Collection HotelFind us at Plaza de las Cortes, 7, Centro, 28014 Madrid, Spain.
- After exploring the art and history of Madrid, spend an evening unwinding in the luxury of The Palace Hotel, situated in the Centro district and offering a variety of home-and-garden inspired details that seamlessly combine Old-World charm with modern amenities.
- As you plan your next getaway, consider The Palace Hotel in Madrid for an unparalleled travel experience that promises a taste of the city's privileged lifestyle, surrounded by stunning architecture, art, and history, making it a perfect home base for your home-and-garden, travel, and lifestyle adventure.
