Palace Hotel is located in the artistic heart of Madrid (Photo: Marriott)
The Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection hotel of Marriott, a leading hospitality firm, has opened its doors to customers in central Madrid in Spain.
In a press statement, Marriott says that the Palace Hotel joins its global portfolio, following an extensive two-year restoration and refurbishment. Formerly known as the Westin Palace, Madrid, the hotel has a charming new identity that seamlessly blends rich historical heritage with innovative design, unparalleled luxury, and impeccable service, says Marriott.
An overarching stained glass dome is a highlight of Palace Hotel (Photo: Marriott)
The statement adds that that located in the heart of Madrid’s Barrio de las Letras, the hotel is surrounded by some of the city’s most renowned cultural institutions, including the Prado and Thyssen Bornemisza Museums, as well as Retiro Park and Plaza Mayor. This prime location, part of the Paisaje de la Luz, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, places the hotel at the centre of Madrid’s artistic and cultural legacy, says the hospitality giant.
Bruce Rohr
“The debut of the Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection hotel, Madrid, represents a significant addition to our global portfolio in one of Europe’s most culturally rich cities. 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,” says Bruce Rohr, Vice President and Global Brand Leader, the Luxury Collection.
The statement adds that the restoration of the hotel’s façade has revived its original 1912 splendour, thanks to the thorough work of Ruiz Larrea Arquitectura. This process spanned 8,000 sqm, revealing the “Palace colour”, a warm beige contrasted terracotta, and uncovering intricate floral ornaments and garlands that had remained hidden for decades.
The hotel says that the project saw the restoration of the hotel’s iconic stained glass and iron dome, a masterpiece designed in 1912 by Eduardo Ferrés i Puig and executed by master glasiers Maumejean. This monumental structure, composed of 1,875 glass panes, has regained its former magnificence through a meticulous process that involved over 100 specialists working together. The stained-glass dome was dismantled and restored to recover its original colours. The stunning glass palm tree chandelier, once a centrepiece of the hotel lobby, has been lovingly restored to its original place beneath the dome, bringing the historic destination back to life.
The statement adds that the redesign of the 470 rooms and suites, each bathed in natural light, honors the timeless elegance and vibrant spirit of both historic and contemporary Madrid. Hand-painted wallpapers set within the boiseries draw inspiration from the landscapes of El Retiro Park, while the bathrooms mosaics depict an aerial view of the Royal Botanical Gardens. Thoughtfully chosen elements, including marble fireplaces, mid-century style chandeliers, and luxurious fabrics, create a distinguished, residential ambience in each room.
Helen Leighton
The hotel offers a variety of dining options and also offers exclusive, guided experiences that bring the city’s rich history and culture to life. The hotel’s concierge team leads an enchanting tour of the Las Letras neighbourhood, Madrid’s historic Literary Quarter, where literary giants like Cervantes and Lope de Vega once roamed, it adds.
“The Palace, a Luxury Collection hotel, has been significant in Madrid’s cultural tapestry for more than one hundred years. 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 will be loved by locals and travelers alike, we can’t wait to usher in this new chapter,” says Helen Leighton, Vice President, Luxury Brands, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International.
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