The Luxury Collection, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, announces the debut of The Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Madrid into its prestigious global portfolio, following an extensive two-year restoration and refurbishment. Formerly The Westin Palace in Madrid, this hotel has a charming, new identity that seamlessly combines rich historical heritage, innovative design, unsurpassed luxury, and impeccable customer service.
The Palace, an Luxury Collection Hotel, Madrid, is proudly located in Madrid’s Barrio de las Letras. The Palace is surrounded with some of the most renowned institutions of the city including the Prado Museum, the Thyssen Bornemisza Museum, Retiro Park and Plaza Mayor. This prime location is part of Paisaje de la Luz – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and places the hotel in the heart of Madrid’s artistic heritage.
“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.
Located in the heart Madrid this hotel invites global guests to fully embrace the city’s distinguished cultural heritage and vibrant energy. This hotel’s thoughtful blend of historic allure and contemporary luxury is poised to provide a unique gateway to explore the city’s most iconic cultural treasures, as well as its vibrant, creative energy.
Reviving Grandeur: The Restoration of a Timeless Landmark
The restoration of the hotel’s façade has revived its original 1912 splendor, thanks to the thorough work of Ruiz Larrea Arquitectura. This process spanned 8,000 square meters, revealing the “Palace color” – a warm beige contrasted terracotta – and uncovering intricate floral ornaments and garlands that had remained hidden 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. The 1,875 panes of glass in this monumental structure have been restored to their former glory through a meticulous restoration process that involved more than 100 specialists. The stained glass dome was dismantled to restore the original colors. The stunning glass palm-tree chandelier, which was once a focal point of the hotel lobby has been lovingly restored beneath the dome to bring the historic destination back into life.
Madrid: Sophisticated Elegance reimagined
The redesigned interiors at The Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Madrid were led by Lázaro Rosa-Violán studio, which perfectly blended classic luxury with contemporary design. Glamour and sophistication are at the heart of the design, honoring wonderful figures who once stayed including Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, Mata Hari, and Ernest Hemingway.
The wool carpets are intricately woven to create optical illusions and mythical creatures. They lead guests into the hotel via a custom-made wood boiserie, which evokes a feeling of entering an enchanted woodland. The walls are decorated with a series bespoke paintings which cleverly change their form depending on how the viewer looks at them. They reveal either deer, birds or butterflies or robotic versions made of steel and wheels.
The 470 guest rooms, suites and public areas, all bathed in light, have been redesigned with a timeless elegance that reflects the vibrant spirit and history of Madrid. The hand-painted wallpapers in the boiseries are inspired by the landscapes found in El Retiro Park. The bathroom mosaics show an aerial view of Royal Botanical Gardens. The carefully chosen elements, such as marble fireplaces and chandeliers of the Mid-Century Style, create a residential atmosphere in each room.
The new uniforms for the staff, designed by the renowned Spanish designer Juanjo Oliva, reflect the style and elegance of interiors. His designs have a modern refinement that perfectly complements the hotel’s newly redesigned identity.
Savor the Legacy: A Gastronomic Jewel
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 lively all-day cocktail bar and restaurant is a popular destination for locals and guests alike. While preserving the historical character of the building, contemporary elements such as upholstered leather stools in Castilian leather, curated art, and bespoke 16th century tapestries have been added.
The menu at La Cúpula combines the hotel’s deep-rooted culinary traditions with a modern approach to classic recipes. The hotel’s guests have inspired the creation of some standout dishes using locally sourced ingredients, including Pablo Picasso’s Waldorf Salad or Julio Camba’s Steak Tartare. One of the hotel’s most distinctive spaces is 27 Club, the former Museo Bar, renamed 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 from classics of the Pre-Prohibition Era and Prohibition Era, reinterpreted in a contemporary way. Signature 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.
Destination discovery: Immersive cultural Experiences
The Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Madrid, invites guests to immerse themselves into the heart of Madrid with exclusive guided experiences that bring to life the rich history and cultural heritage of the city. The hotel’s concierge team takes guests on a tour of the Las Letras district, Madrid’s historic Literary Quarter where literary giants Cervantes, Lope de Vega, and others once lived. Guests can stroll along its narrow cobbled streets and soak up the bohemian atmosphere of its quaint boutiques, historic shops, and lively bars.
Art lovers will be able to enjoy a private tour of the Thyssen Bornemisza Museum early in the morning. Guests can enjoy an exclusive tour of the museum before the crowds arrive. They can also visit the museum’s restoration workshops to see the work of art conservation. These experiences will allow guests to connect authentically with the local culture.
“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, the team has been able to embrace the building’s eclectic history as portrayed in the meticulous restoration. The Palace, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Madrid is sure to be a hit with locals and visitors alike. We are excited to begin this new chapter.
