PALACE HOTEL MADRID – THE CITY'S ICON REIMAGINED
words by NATALIE GAL
The Luxury Collection, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s distinguished portfolio, announces the grand debut of The Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, in Madrid. This comes after an extensive, two-year restoration that has revived the hotel’s historical grandeur.
“The arrival of The Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, in Madrid marks a remarkable expansion of our brand in one of Europe’s most culturally vibrant cities,” said Bruce Rohr, Vice President and Global Brand Leader, at The Luxury Collection. Rohr’s sentiment is understandable, Madrid is undoubtedly one of Europe’s authentic treasures: at once cosmopolitan and deeply rooted in history, a city that always feels alive but somehow manages to carry a calm, serene energy. Madrid excites and buzzes with joy, yet it never rushes, never feels harsh.
The hotel’s façade has been carefully restored to its original 1912 grandeur under the expert care of Ruiz Larrea Arquitectura. They have restored the elegance of a time when Art Nouveau and Beaux-Arts grandeur met with futurism in Europe, an era of architectural boldness that remains observable and preserved on the streets of Madrid.
Inside, the redesign of the interior has been led by the renowned Lázaro Rosa-Violán studio. They have elegantly intertwined timeless luxury with modern sophistication. The interiors pay homage to the many iconic figures who once walked its halls, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, Mata Hari, and Ernest Hemingway among them. As Hemingway once observed: “When you get to know Madrid, it is the most Spanish of all cities — the best to live in, with the finest people and, month after month, the finest climate. It is in Madrid only that you get the essence.”
The hotel’s 470 guestrooms and suites have been reimagined to capture the historic charm and the contemporary spirit of Madrid. Soaked in natural light, the rooms feature hand-painted wallpapers and mosaics depicting aerial views of the Royal Botanical Gardens. With additional carefully selected touches such as marble fireplaces and mid-century chandeliers.
Culinary excellence is central to the experience at The Palace, just as it is an essential element of Spain. At La Cúpula, the hotel’s gastronomic centre is located beneath an impressive glass dome. The menu honours the hotel’s past iconic guests while reinterpreting classic Spanish dishes. Signature creations include Pablo Picasso’s Waldorf Salad and Julio Camba’s Steak Tartare.
Beyond luxurious accommodations and exceptional dining, The Palace invites guests to immerse themselves in Madrid’s artistic scene through curated cultural experiences. The hotel’s expert team offers exclusive guided tours of the Barrio de las Letras — Madrid’s historic Literary Quarter — each Thursday. Visitors can wander cobbled streets once frequented by Cervantes and Lope de Vega, discovering artisan boutiques to antique taverns, all carrying Madrid's bohemian charm.
