The Luxury Collection, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, today announces the debut of The Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Madrid into its prestigious global portfolio, followingan 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 center of Madrid’s artistic and cultural legacy.
“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. “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.”
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. 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 colors. The stunning glass palm tree chandelier, once a centerpiece of the hotel lobby, has been lovingly restored to its original place beneath the dome, bringing the historic destination back to life
Sophisticated Elegance Reimagined in the Heart of Madrid
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.
Guests are greeted by wool carpets intricately woven with mythical creatures and optical illusions, guiding them into the hotel through a custom-made wooden boiserie that evokes the feeling of stepping into an enchanted forest. The walls are adorned with a series of bespoke paintings that cleverly alter their form depending on the viewer’s perspective, revealing either depictions of animals such as deer, birds, or butterflies, or robotic versions of these animals made of wheels and steel, and infusing the space with an element of surprise and wonder.
The redesign of the 470 guest 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.
The style and elegance of the interiors are echoed in the newly designed staff uniforms, created by renowned Spanish designer Juanjo Oliva. His designs bring a touch of modern refinement, perfectly complementing the hotel’s renewed identity.
Savor the Legacy: 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 alike. 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 classic 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 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 by classics from the Pre-Prohibition and Prohibition eras, reinterpreted with a contemporary approach. 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
At The Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Madrid, guests are invited to immerse themselves in the heart of Madrid through exclusive, guided experiences that bring the city’s rich history and culture to life. The hotel’s signature concierge team leads an enchanting tour of the Las Letras neighborhood, Madrid’s historic Literary Quarter, where literary giants like Cervantes and Lope de Vega once roamed. Guests are invited to stroll through its narrow, cobbled streets, soaking in the bohemian ambiance of quaint boutiques, century-old shops, and lively taverns.
For art lovers, the hotel offers an unparalleled opportunity with an exclusive, private early-morning tour of the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. Before the crowds arrive, guests can explore its vast collection, spanning from the 13th to the 20th century, and enjoy a special visit to the museum’s restoration workshop to observe the meticulous work of art conservation. These curated experiences allow guests to connect with the local culture in a truly authentic and unforgettable way.
Hotel website
The Palace, a Luxury Collection HotelPl. de las Cortes, 7,CentroMadrid, 28014Spain
