First Look: The Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Madrid
This celebrated city landmark has undergone a meticulous restoration that fuses modern sophistication and historic elegance
Formerly known as The Westin Palace, Madrid, this exquisite hotel has embraced a charming new identity that seamlessly blends its rich historical heritage with innovative design, unparalleled luxury, and the highest standards of impeccable service. Standing proudly in the heart of Madrid’s vibrant 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 magnificent Prado and the exceptional Thyssen Bornemisza Museums, as well as the expansive Retiro Park and the bustling Plaza Mayor.
Image Courtesy: The Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Madrid
This prime location, which is part of the esteemed Paisaje de la Luz, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, places the hotel at the very center of Madrid’s rich artistic and cultural legacy, making it an exceptional destination for discerning travelers seeking to soak in the city's beauty.
The revitalized interiors at The Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Madrid, were masterfully crafted by the Lázaro Rosa-Violán studio, seamlessly merging classic luxury with modern design. At the core of the design are elements of glamour and sophistication, paying homage to illustrious guests such as Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, Mata Hari, and Ernest Hemingway. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed by intricately woven wool carpets featuring mythical creatures and optical illusions, which lead them into the hotel through a bespoke wooden boiserie that evokes the sensation of entering an enchanted forest. The walls showcase a collection of custom paintings that change in form based on the viewer's angle, revealing either graceful representations of wildlife like deer, birds, or butterflies, or whimsical robotic interpretations constructed from wheels and steel, adding an unexpected element of intrigue.
Image Courtesy: The Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Madrid
The redesign encompasses 470 guest rooms and suites, each illuminated by natural light, celebrating the enduring elegance and lively spirit of both historic and modern-day Madrid. Hand-painted wallpapers incorporated within the boiseries draw inspiration from the stunning landscapes of El Retiro Park, while mosaic patterns in the bathrooms give a bird’s-eye view of the Royal Botanical Gardens. Carefully selected features, including marble fireplaces, Mid-Century style chandeliers, and luxurious textiles, cultivate a distinguished, residential feel in every room. The style and sophistication of the interiors are mirrored in the newly designed staff uniforms by esteemed Spanish designer Juanjo Oliva, whose creations add a modern refinement that aligns perfectly with the hotel’s revitalized identity.
La Cúpula, the culinary centerpiece of The Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Madrid, resides under a striking glass dome and ornate iron structure that lends it its name. This lively all-day dining venue and cocktail bar serves as a gathering spot for both guests and locals. While honoring its historic essence, modern touches have been seamlessly incorporated, featuring Castilian leather-upholstered stools, carefully selected artwork, and custom 16th-century tapestries. The menu at La Cúpula melds the hotel's rich culinary heritage with a contemporary twist on traditional recipes. Signature dishes highlight locally sourced ingredients and pay homage to past patrons, including Pablo Picasso’s Waldorf Salad and Julio Camba’s Steak Tartare, blending history and innovation in every mouthful.
Image Courtesy: The Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Madrid
Among the hotel’s most unique spaces is 27 Club, previously known as Museo Bar, now renamed to honor the poets of the Generation of ‘27, who were frequent visitors. The cocktail bar continues to function as a living museum, showcasing the hotel's legacy through original guest books and an impressive assembly of over 70 illustrations created by Lázaro Rosa-Violán’s team, inspired by the hotel's historical archives. The drink menu revisits classics from the Pre-Prohibition and Prohibition periods, offering a modern interpretation. Noteworthy concoctions include the 1912 John Collins, 1927 Whisky Sour, an Old School twist on the Old Fashioned, the exotic Caribbean Cocktail Champagne, and the sophisticated Negroni dubbed Un Americano en el Prado.
At The Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Madrid, guests are welcomed to delve into the essence of Madrid via exclusive guided experiences that illuminate the city's rich tapestry of history and culture. The hotel's dedicated concierge team orchestrates a captivating tour of the Las Letras neighborhood, known as Madrid's historic Literary Quarter, where literary luminaries such as Cervantes and Lope de Vega made their indelible marks. Guests can meander through its narrow, cobblestoned streets, absorbing the bohemian atmosphere filled with quaint boutiques, storied shops, and vibrant taverns. For those with a passion for art, the hotel presents an unmatched opportunity through a private early-morning tour of the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. Before the influx of visitors, guests are invited to discover its extensive collection, which spans from the 13th to the 20th century, and enjoy an exclusive visit to the museum’s restoration workshop where they can witness the art conservation process firsthand. These tailored experiences enable guests to engage with the local culture in a genuinely authentic and memorable manner.