
Marriott Bonvoy’s distinguished collection of over 30 exceptional hotel brands proudly introduces The Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Madrid, to its global portfolio. After a meticulous two-year restoration, the iconic property, previously known as The Westin Palace, Madrid, now boasts a refined new identity that beautifully fuses its historic legacy with contemporary design, exceptional luxury, and world-class service.
Nestled in Madrid’s vibrant Barrio de las Letras, The Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Madrid stands at the crossroads of the city’s rich cultural heritage. Surrounded by iconic landmarks such as the Prado and Thyssen-Bornemisza Museums, as well as Retiro Park and Plaza Mayor, this exceptional location is within the Paisaje de la Luz, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it a prime spot to experience Madrid’s artistic and historical treasures.
“The debut of The Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Madrid, represents a significant addition to our global portfolio in one of Europe’s most culturally rich cities,” said Bruce Rohr, Vice President and Global Brand Leader, The Luxury Collection. “Situated in the heart of Madrid, this hotel invites our global guests to fully immerse themselves in the city’s distinguished artistic heritage and vibrant spirit. With its thoughtful blend of historical allure and modern luxury, this hotel is poised to offer a one-of-a-kind gateway to explore the city’s most iconic cultural treasures and its lively, creative energy.”
Restoring Grandeur: The Revival of a Historic Landmark
The grand façade of the hotel has been meticulously restored, bringing back its 1912 magnificence through the expert efforts of Ruiz Larrea Arquitectura. The extensive restoration covered 8,000 square meters, unveiling the “Palace color” – a soothing blend of warm beige and terracotta – alongside delicate floral motifs and garlands that had been hidden for decades.
The project also encompassed the revitalization of the hotel’s iconic stained glass and iron dome, originally designed in 1912 by Eduardo Ferrés i Puig and created by the skilled artisans at Maumejean. This monumental structure, featuring 1,875 individual glass panes, has been fully restored, requiring the coordinated efforts of over 100 specialists. The stained-glass dome was carefully dismantled and reassembled, restoring its original vibrancy. The beautiful glass palm tree chandelier, once the centerpiece of the hotel lobby, has been returned to its original location beneath the dome, reawakening the hotel’s storied past.
Sophisticated Luxury Redefined in Madrid
The interiors of The Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Madrid, have been transformed under the direction of Lázaro Rosa-Violán studio, combining timeless luxury with modern design elements. The result is an atmosphere of glamour and sophistication that pays homage to the iconic figures who once stayed here, including Pablo Picasso, Salvador DalĂ, Mata Hari, and Ernest Hemingway.
Upon entering, guests are greeted by intricately woven wool carpets depicting mythical creatures and optical illusions, leading them into the hotel through custom-designed wooden boiserie, which evokes the feel of an enchanted forest. The walls are adorned with bespoke paintings that shift their form depending on the viewer’s perspective, revealing either animals like deer, birds, or butterflies, or mechanical versions made of wheels and steel, adding an element of surprise to the space.
The redesign of the 470 guestrooms and suites embraces the rich history and vibrant spirit of Madrid, blending natural light with the elegance of both the city’s historic and modern facets. Hand-painted wallpapers, inspired by the landscapes of El Retiro Park, adorn the boiseries, while bathroom mosaics offer a bird’s-eye view of the Royal Botanical Gardens. Thoughtful touches, such as marble fireplaces, Mid-Century chandeliers, and luxurious fabrics, create a refined, residential ambiance.
The interior design extends to the hotel’s staff uniforms, crafted by renowned Spanish designer Juanjo Oliva. His creations reflect modern sophistication, perfectly complementing the hotel’s renewed identity.
A Culinary Tribute to History and Innovation
La Cúpula, the gastronomic centerpiece of The Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Madrid, is located beneath the stunning glass dome and wrought iron structure that inspired its name. This vibrant restaurant and cocktail bar serve as a gathering place for both hotel guests and locals. While retaining its historic charm, the space has been updated with modern elements, such as Castilian leather stools, curated artwork, and bespoke 16th-century tapestries. The menu at La Cúpula blends the hotel’s deep culinary traditions with a contemporary twist on classic recipes. Notable dishes, such as Pablo Picasso’s Waldorf Salad and Julio Camba’s Steak Tartare, infuse legacy with innovation in every bite.
Another iconic space is the 27 Club, formerly known as Museo Bar, which now honors the poets of the Generation of ’27 who frequented the bar. It remains a living museum, with original guest books and a stunning collection of over 70 illustrations by Lázaro Rosa-Violán’s team, inspired by the hotel’s history. The cocktail menu, featuring reinterpretations of Pre-Prohibition and Prohibition-era classics, includes signature drinks such as the 1912 John Collins, the Whisky Sour 1927, an Old School Old Fashioned, the Caribbean Cocktail Champagne, and the refined Negroni, “Un Americano en el Prado.”
A Gateway to Madrid’s Cultural Wonders
At The Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Madrid, guests can immerse themselves in the cultural richness of Madrid through exclusive guided experiences. The hotel’s concierge team offers an enchanting tour of the Las Letras neighborhood, Madrid’s historic Literary Quarter, where literary giants like Cervantes and Lope de Vega once walked. Guests can explore its narrow streets, dotted with quaint boutiques, historic shops, and lively taverns, all while soaking in the area’s bohemian charm.
For art enthusiasts, the hotel provides a unique opportunity to embark on an exclusive, private early-morning tour of the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. Before the crowds arrive, guests can wander through its extensive collection, spanning centuries of art from the 13th to the 20th century. A special visit to the museum’s restoration workshop offers insight into the meticulous work involved in preserving masterpieces, offering a deeply immersive and unforgettable cultural experience.
“The Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, has been significant in Madrid’s cultural tapestry for more than one hundred years,” said Helen Leighton, Vice President, Luxury Brands, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International. “Joining The Luxury Collection has allowed the team to truly embrace the building’s eclectic history, portrayed throughout the meticulous restoration. The unique charm of The Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Madrid will be loved by locals and travelers alike, we can’t wait to usher in this new chapter.”Â
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