Where heritage meets the future of luxury
THE PALACE HOTEL, MADRID
If there is a hotel that captures the essence of Madrid, it is The Palace Hotel. A symbol of international luxury and sophistication, blending its historic legacy with modern elegance. A meeting place for cultural and artistic luminaries.
Following a meticulous restoration completed in 2025, the hotel has been reimagined as part of The Luxury Collection, setting a new standard for refined luxury hospitality in the Spanish capital.
Discover the history of an icon.
THE PALACE HOTEL, MADRID
The visionary King Alfonso XIII, great-grandfather of the current King of Spain, Felipe VI, recognized the need for a luxury hotel in Madrid in response to the growing demand, driven by the evolution of transportation.
During his time at the horse races in Deauville, where European high society often gathered, he met Belgian entrepreneur Georges Marquet, whom he convinced to embark on the project. Marquet's team moved to Madrid, acquired the plot previously occupied by the Palace of the Dukes of Medinaceli, and began the construction of the iconic hotel.
The first stone of the hotel was laid in March 1911, and in just 18 months, the building was completed. When it opened its doors on October 12, 1912, it was the largest and most modern hotel in Europe and the first in Spain to offer a bathroom and telephone in every room.
In 1914, the Madrid City Council awarded it the prize for the best building in the city. It was the first building in Madrid constructed using reinforced concrete, a technique that, more than a century later, still shows its effectiveness. As a curiosity, the first guest to stay at the hotel paid 7 pesetas, which today would be equivalent to 0.047 euros.
The inauguration on October 12, 1912, was a grand event, with a celebration attended by personalities from all walks of life. Later, the royal family raised a toast to the success of the project with silver cups, which are now part of our historical legacy.
When the hotel opened, it had 800 rooms; today, it offers 470 rooms and suites. Among the most prominent architectural features is the magnificent glass dome, a masterpiece designed in 1912 by Eduardo Ferrés i Puig and executed by the master glassmakers Maumejean. This monumental structure, made up of 1,875 panes of glass, has been restored to its original glory thanks to a meticulous restoration process that combined traditional craftsmanship with advanced technology. The stained glass was completely dismantled, catalogued, and restored to its original colours, while the metal structure supporting it was renewed to ensure its preservation for future generations. As a final touch, the iconic palm chandelier was reinstalled in its original position beneath the dome, restoring the space to its historical configuration and reaffirming its status as one of Madrid's cultural heritage icons.
2025, THE YEAR OF THE PALACE
This is more than a renovation: it's the reinvention of an icon. Declared an Asset of Cultural Interest within the Landscape of Light, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Palace is not just reclaiming its place in the heart of Madrid; it is reclaiming its place at the pinnacle of global luxury.
With its grand return to The Luxury Collection in 2025, The Palace is setting an entirely new standard for luxury in Madrid—where heritage, artistry, and contemporary hospitality converge like never before.
LEGENDARY GUESTS
Over the years, the hotel has hosted illustrious guests. Among them was the painter Pablo Picasso, whose name appears in our guest books. At least in 1917, he stayed several times while designing sets for the Russian Ballet in Madrid. Writer Ernest Hemingway also frequented the hotel, and even mentioned it in his novel Fiesta, referring to its famous dry martini.
A Landmark since 1912
