Behind The Reinvention Of The Palace, Madrid

Forbes

19-04-2025

From The Gritti Palace in Venice to The Savoy in London, some of the world's most sought-after hotels date back many years. They may ooze heritage from their walls, yet they remain relevant in a modern climate due to their continual reinvention. One such hotel is The Palace in Madrid, recently metamorphosed as a Luxury Collection Hotel after a two-year renovation.
The restored facade has been an important part of the renovation.
Dating back to 1912, The Palace is one of Spain's most important hotels. Not only was it the first to have telephones in its rooms (you can see one of the original, white 'listening devices' in the bar) but it was also the first in the country (and the second in the world) to have private toilets in the bedrooms. From the minute it opened its doors, the hotel, found in the heart of Madrid's Barrio de las Letras district, attracted the world's glitterati, with names such as Salvador Dalí, Mata Hari, Ernest Hemingway and. Federico García Lorca checking in and hanging out here.
The bar, 27 Club, takes you back to the Roaring 20s.
Off the lobby, the 27 Club is an atmospheric, wood-panelled bar that pays tribute to this era. Once called the Museo Bar, it retains its feel as a 'living museum', with 70 illustrations inspired by the hotel's historical archives on the walls and memorabilia and original guest books housed in glass cases. Look closely at one of the books and the vintage, looped handwriting reads 'Pablo Ruis Picasso' followed by 'Marquis de Arneva' to give a snapshot of the calibre of guests that were guests at the hotel. From a 1912 John Collins to a Whisky Sour 1927—the cocktail list is a celebration of the classics from the pre-prohibition and prohibition eras, reinterpreted with a contemporary approach. Deep velvet armchairs, wooden tables and honey-hued lighting also give a nod to the Roaring 20s; yet a modern-day soundtrack and the buzz of tourists enjoying pre-dinner drinks feels 'of the moment'.
Check in to The Palace and stay in a landmark building in Madrid.
Taking two years to complete, much of the hotel's important architectural restoration work was overseen by Ruiz Larrea Arquitectura. The hotel's grand façade was taken back to its original 1912 splendour. Spanning 8,000 square metres, experts returned the building back to its 'Palace colour', a warm beige, which is contrasted with terracotta details. Also unveiled are floral ornaments and garlands that haven't been visible for decades: the result is a grand, wedding-cake-like aesthetic.
The iron and stained glass dome over La Cupula restaurant has been meticulously restored.
Inside the building, meanwhile, the grand lobby features restored leaded glass and marble panels; while wooden desks and booths hark back to the 1920s roots. Most spectacular of all is the restoration of the hotel's iconic stained glass and iron dome that presides over the hotel's La Cupula restaurant. The masterpiece was designed in 1912 by Eduardo Ferrés i Puig and was executed by master glaziers Maumejean. This monumental structure, composed of 1,875 glass panes, was restored through a painstaking process that involved over 100 specialists dismantling each piece and restoring each to their original colours. Now taking pride of place under the dome is a stunning glass palm tree chandelier, that once stood in the hotel lobby, and which has returned to its original position.
The rooms and suites have been inspired by the nature and culture of Madrid.
When it comes to the hotel's reimagined interiors, acclaimed designer Lázaro Rosa-Violán was at the helm. Inspired by the famous artists that once stayed here, as well as celebrating the artistic vibrancy of the city of Madrid, rooms feel sumptuous with elegant finishings and a rich colour palette. Underfoot, the hotel's corridors have wool carpets which are adorned with mythical creatures and optical illusions so it feels like you are walking through an enchanted forest. On the walls there is a series of bespoke paintings that also play with the viewer's perception, revealing animals or machines depending on the viewing angle, adding an element of surprise as you approach your room.
The feel is like a refined, private apartment.
All of the 470 guestrooms and suites have been redesigned and are an ode to the spirit of Madrid. Dreamy, hand-painted wallpapers, for example, that sit behind the bed, and are found in lounge areas, depict the trees and landscapes of the nearby El Retiro Park; while the mosaics in the bathrooms show an aerial view of the Royal Botanical Gardens. Elements, such as marble fireplaces, parquet flooring, Mid-Century-style chandeliers and velvet textiles, in gold, russet and petrol blue, add a layer of finesse, as if you've arrived in a distinguished home. Some suites feature 'hidden' gold bath-tubs that you can access from the bedroom; while others have pink marble vanities. Frette sheets and toiletries from Aqua di Parma and Byredo also bring a touch of luxury to a stay at The Palace.
The grand lobby transports you back in time.
Facing the city's recently restored Neptune Fountain, with the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum and the Prado museum within walking distance, The Palace is located within the Paisaje de Luz, or Landscape of Light, which has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. In short, Madrid's rich sense of history is all around you, with many of the city's must-sees on the doorstep. The 300-year-old Sobrino de Botin–the oldest restaurant in the world, serving its famous suckling pig—is a 15-minute walk away; while the oldest bakery in the city, Antigua Pasteleria del Pozo, which has served traditional pastries wince 1830, is a five-minute stroll away.
The character of Madrid is unmistakeable and it remains a city that exudes its own unique charm with many of its historic shops not priced out by big high street chains. Seek out La Violeta, which dates back to 1915 and still serves beautifully-packaged violet candies (a Madrid speciality); and restaurants, such as the Bodega de Las Ardosa, founded in 1892.
La Cupula celebrates the culinary heritage of Madrid.
The Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, feels like a witness to the real story of the city. Dining in The Cupula, this ambiance comes alive, with walls hung in 16th-century tapestries and a menu that references Madrid's deep-rooted culinary traditions. Standout dishes, made with locally sourced ingredients, are inspired by the hotel's past guests, including Pablo Picasso's Waldorf Salad and Julio Camba's Steak Tartare. Starters include a platter of Iberian Ham and a Tomato and Lobster Salad; while the stars of the mains are made for two: such as The Palace Beef Wellington and a classic Prawn Paella. Make sure you leave room for the unique, retro wooden dessert trolley—with drawers that open to reveal handmade truffles, macarons and sweet specialities.
The Palace, a luxury Collection Hotel, Madrid, combines heritage with modernity.
Based in its central location, it doesn't take much to get under the skin of Madrid, but if you are looking for recommendations or a booking to an authentic Flamenco performance, such as at Tablao de la Villa, ask one of the concierge team, headed up by David Fernando. They are dressed, like all front-of-house staff, in smart, royal blue uniforms, in an almost-Wes Anderson-style. Designed by Spanish fashion designer, Juanjo Oliva, they are effortlessly stylish yet rooted in tradition, much like the hotel itself.