The Luxury Collection proudly welcomes The Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Madrid, into its prestigious global portfolio, following an extensive two-year restoration and refurbishment. Formerly 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.
Standing proud in the heart of Madrid’s Barrio de las Letras, The Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Madrid 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 heritage.
“The Palace 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 travellers alike, we can’t wait to usher in this new chapter.”
Architectural Renaissance
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 square metres, uncovering the “Palace colour”, a warm beige contrasted terracotta and unveiling floral ornaments and garlands that haven’t been visible for decades.
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 glaziers Maumejean. This monumental structure, composed of 1,875 glass panes, has regained its former grandeur through a painstaking 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 that once stood in the hotel lobby has returned to its original position under the dome, recreating the historic destination.
A Journey to the Essence of Madrid
The redesigned interiors at The Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Madrid were led by Lázaro Rosa-Violán studio, which has perfectly blended classic luxury with contemporary design. Glamour and sophistication are at the heart of the design, honouring wonderful figures who once stayed including Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, Mata Hari, and Ernest Hemingway.
Wool carpets adorned with mythical creatures and optical illusions lead guests into the hotel framed by a custom-made wooden boiserie, evoking the sensation of walking through a magical enchanted forest. Gracing the walls is a series of bespoke paintings that play with the viewer’s perception, revealing animals or machines depending on the viewing angle, adding an element of surprise and wonder to the experience.
The redesign of the 470 guestrooms and suites, all flooded with natural light, pays tribute to the classic elegance and vibrant past and present spirit of Madrid. Hand-painted wallpapers embedded in the boiseries are inspired by the landscapes of El Retiro Park, while the mosaics in the bathrooms depict an aerial view of the Royal Botanical Gardens. Elements such as marble fireplaces, Mid-Century style chandeliers and rich fabrics give the rooms a distinguished, residential ambience.
The style and elegance of the interiors are reflected in the new design of the staff uniforms, created by the renowned Spanish designer Juanjo Oliva, bringing a touch of contemporary sophistication that fits perfectly with the hotel’s renewed identity.
A Gastronomic Gem
La Cúpula, the gastronomic heart of The Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Madrid is located within the glass dome and wrought iron structure that gives it its name. This vibrant all-day restaurant and cocktail bar is a rendezvous for guests and locals. While preserving its historical character, contemporary elements have been introduced such as Castilian leather upholstered stools, curated artwork, and bespoke 16th-century tapestries. The menu at La Cúpula combines the hotel’s deep-rooted culinary traditions with a modern approach to timeless recipes. 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, fusing legacy and creativity in every bite.
One of the hotel’s most distinctive spaces is the former Museo Bar, now renamed 27 Club, in tribute to the poets of the Generation of ‘27, who frequented it. The cocktail bar retains its reputation as a living museum, telling the hotel’s history through its original guest books and an impressive collection of over 70 illustrations created by Lázaro Rosa-Violán’s team inspired by the hotel’s historical archives. The menu is inspired by classics from the Pre-Prohibition and Prohibition eras, reinterpreted with a contemporary approach. Favourite drinks include a 1912 John Collins, Whisky Sour 1927, an Old School – a take on an Old Fashioned, the exotic Caribbean Cocktail Champagne, and the refined Negroni called Un Americano en el Prado.
The Luxury Collection is part of Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel programme from Marriott International offering an extraordinary portfolio of over 30 global brands. For more information or reservations, visit https://www.marriott.com/en-gb/hotels/madcl-the-palace-a-luxury-collection-hotel-madrid/overview/.
