El Palace Barcelona Spain
El Palace Barcelona
Gran Via de les Corts catalanes, 668, 08010 Barcelona
www.hotelpalacebarcelona.com
HOTEL INFORMATION
Group
Royal Blue Bird S.L.U.
Shareholders
Privately owned, independent hotel. Member of Leading Hotels of the World.
Date of Creation
1919
Hotel General Manager
Mr. Pedro Rodríguez Madrigal
Joined El Palace Barcelona in February of 2024 as General Manager. Prior to that he began his career at Hotel Alfonso XIII, A Luxury Collection Hotel, progressing through multiple departments before becoming Rooms Division Manager. He has since held leadership roles at renowned international properties such as The St. Regis New York, The Westin Saraya Aqaba Resort & Spa, and Al Manara, a Luxury Collection Hotel, where he served as General Manager and was awarded Best General Manager of the Year across all Luxury Collection properties worldwide.
Hotel Positioning
5-STAR GRAND LUXURY HOTEL
A five-star luxury hotel in the heart of Barcelona, offering 114 rooms and suites where grand spaces, personalized service, and a refined residential feel define the experience.
Development Strategy
El Palace Barcelona remains an independent five-star luxury hotel at the heart of the city. Formerly The Ritz, it opened in 1919 as Barcelona’s first five-star property and continues to evolve with a renewed sense of elegance, energy, and cultural relevance. The hotel engages both loyal guests and new generations through thoughtfully curated experiences—from culinary and cultural activations to artistic collaborations and leisure programming. With ongoing upgrades and renovations, the hotel continues to live its legacy as a true city landmark, deeply connected to Barcelona’s social and cultural life.
EL PALACE BARCELONA
History & Story
El Palace Barcelona opened its doors in 1919 as Barcelona’s first five-star hotel and is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World. Originally inaugurated as the Hotel Ritz, it stands today as a landmark grand address in the city, embodying timeless elegance and a distinctly European style. Blending historic grandeur with contemporary experiences and impeccable service, El Palace Barcelona offers a refined and memorable stay in one of the city’s most storied hotels.
El Palace Barcelona stands as one of the city’s most celebrated hotels—an enduring epicenter of social and cultural life. While honoring its rich past, generations of nobility, artists, celebrities, and cultural figures have passed through its halls over many decades. Host to iconic and historic events, its story remains closely intertwined with that of the city of Barcelona.
All 114 rooms and suites are designed in the hotel’s signature neoclassical-inspired style, offering a sense of light, calm, and residential comfort. Step into one of the six signature Art Suites, each a tribute to an iconic figure closely connected to the hotel—from painting, through the legacies of Dalí and Miró, to literature, honored through Carlos Ruiz Zafón, and hospitality itself, embodied by the visionary César Ritz. No two suites are alike, and each tells its own story.
Both the Art Suites and the two exclusive El Palace Suites—Joséphine Baker and Ronnie Wood—are available as one- or two-bedroom configurations, located on the main façade overlooking Gran Vía, and feature expansive living areas and Roman-inspired bathrooms that blend heritage, grandeur, and contemporary comfort.
Date Renewal
The hotel was completely renovated between 2007 and 2009 by Chilean decorator Jaime Beriestain. In 2015, the Rooftop Garden was introduced, followed in 2017 by the transformation of the main suites into the six signature Art Suites. In 2020, the ballroom was enhanced with improvements to lighting and design. In 2021, the hotel introduced a new gastronomic concept led by Spanish Chef Rafa Zafra.
Main Strengths, Special Touch
El Palace Barcelona stands as the city’s only true five-star traditional grand hotel, a defining point of distinction. Built in 1919 by César Ritz, it features grand spaces and neoclassical architecture enriched with Belle Époque and Art Deco details, creating a rich blend of timeless elegance and flair.
The Rooftop Garden is the largest of any five-star hotel in the city, spanning 1,500 m² across two levels with 360-degree views, and features a bar, dining areas, and seasonal outdoor experiences.
Dining is woven into the rhythm of the hotel—from Rafa Zafra’s culinary concept at Amar Barcelona, to The Hall Gastro Bar and the rooftop’s Secret Garden—attracting both locals and visitors for distinctive gastronomic experiences.
The hotel is also home to one of the most distinguished concierge teams in Barcelona, holding the highest number of Les Clefs d’Or members in the city, offering exceptional access, insight, and personalized guidance.
Location
Located on Gran Via 668, the hotel occupies a privileged position envisioned in the city’s original master plan. Just steps from Passeig de Gràcia and Plaça Catalunya, it sits at the crossroads of Barcelona’s historic and contemporary life, within easy reach of the Gothic Quarter, Sagrada Familia, and Gaudí’s most iconic landmarks.
Key sites/activities in the area
• La Pedrera
• Casa Batlló
• Basílica de la Sagrada Familia
• Palau de la Música Catalana
• Gothic Quarter
• Las Ramblas
• Port Vell
• Parc Güell
• Camp Nou
• Passeig de Gràcia
Fun Facts
• Frank Sinatra stopped by the hotel several times, and until today he holds the record for the shortest stay. The actor visited the hotel for the first time in the late 1950s due to a breakdown in his plane. Upon arrival, there were no rooms available, and at his insistence, rooms 108 and 110 (today the Art Suite Salvador Dalí) were prepared. The stay was short-lived: they arrived at midnight, ordered a paella, and during dessert came the notice that the plane was repaired and ready to depart.
• In March 1987, Freddie Mercury met soprano Montserrat Caballé at El Palace Barcelona. After his show, she joined him on stage in what is today the Cugat Hall, marking the beginning of a collaboration that would lead to the iconic “Barcelona” anthem ahead of the 1992 Olympic Games.
Children’s Corner
As part of its personalized guest programming, the hotel caters to families and children in different ways:
• Children under 11 stay free in room when sharing with parents, based on room occupancy guidelines
• Unique “Family Suite” accommodations, with up to three bedrooms linked by a common hall, offering two junior suites with pull-out sofas and an additional single room. Total occupancy of seven guests
• Babysitting services can be arranged through the concierge
• The property maintains activations for children throughout the year, especially during holidays, including Christmas celebrations, outdoor cinema, artisanal markets, Three Kings Day, Easter activities, and Halloween
Pet-Friendly Hotel
HOTEL FEATURES
Accommodation
Number of suites: 41
• Junior Suites offer a combined bedroom and sitting area with sofa bed, work desk, and views over a traditional Eixample courtyard. 40 to 51 m². Marble bathrooms feature a freestanding bathtub, walk-in rain shower, and twin washbasins.
• Superior Suites feature a separate living room, offering added privacy and an inviting residential feel, with views over the interior courtyard. 50 m². Marble bathroom with freestanding bathtub, walk-in rain shower, and twin washbasins.
• Deluxe Suites provide more generous space with a separate living room, sofa bed, and guest powder room for added comfort. 55 m². Overlooking the Eixample courtyard, these suites include a marble bathroom with freestanding bathtub, walk-in shower, and twin washbasins.
• Family Suites combine two Junior Suites and one Single Room, connected by a private corridor to create a three-bedroom layout ideal for families. 140 m². Featuring three bathrooms, seating areas, and courtyard views, these suites offer both space and privacy.
• Art Suites and El Palace Suites are located on the main façade overlooking the city. These signature suites offer one- or two-bedroom configurations, connected by spacious living and dining areas, and feature original Roman-style bathrooms with mosaic detailing and rain showers. 110 to 150 m²
Number of Luxury Rooms: 73
• Classic and Superior Rooms offer city views, abundant natural light, and a fully soundproofed setting. Decorated in a classic modern style, they feature a French balcony, original 1919 fireplace, spacious bathrooms with double sinks, separate shower and bathtub, minibar, and in-room tea service. 35 m², up to 2 guests.
Restaurants & Bars
• Rooftop Garden – A 1,500 m² rooftop oasis unfolding as a series of distinct settings, offering panoramic views across Barcelona, including the Sagrada Família. A lush pergola, surrounded by tropical plants and orchids inspired by the greenhouses of Ciutadella Park, invites relaxed drinks and light dining, while the Secret Garden, lined with orange blossoms and jasmine, offers unobstructed views over the city. With a swimming pool and sun loungers, the space evolves throughout the year with seasonal menus, sunset cocktails, and a curated program of social and cultural experiences
• The Grand Hall – The social heart of the hotel, this historic space brings together a lobby lounge and restaurant serving international cuisine. A vibrant meeting point for guests and locals alike, it hosts afternoon tea, live music, and an ever-present sense of occasion throughout the day and evening
• Amar Barcelona – A high-end Mediterranean restaurant with a contemporary touch, led by Spanish chef Rafa Zafra, who was part of the El Bulli team and has worked closely with Ferran Adrià. Inspired by his passion for the Mediterranean, the restaurant is shaped by a strong connection to the sea, seasonality, and a focus on product quality.
• Bluesman Bar – A discreet, speakeasy-style cocktail bar and cigar lounge, offering an intimate and sophisticated atmosphere with a curated selection of classic and signature cocktails, fine spirits, and premium cigars
• El Jardín – A bright and elegant breakfast room serving an extensive international selection alongside local Spanish specialties, offering a calm and refined start to the day
Wellness
• Rooftop Pool – An open-air pool inspired by classical Roman baths, set within the Rooftop Garden and offering a relaxed setting with sun loungers and panoramic views across the city
• Mayan Luxury Spa – A serene wellness space inspired by ancient Mayan traditions, featuring a Temazcal steam bath alongside a curated selection of treatments and rituals designed for relaxation and rejuvenation
• Fitness Room – A dedicated fitness space with the option of personal training sessions, tailored to individual routines and wellbeing goals
Corporate & Celebration Events
• El Palace Barcelona offers a collection of elegant venues for corporate meetings, private celebrations, and social events, combining historic character with modern comfort:
• The Gran Via Ballroom – renovated in 2020, 253 m², natural daylight, six-metre ceilings, classic mouldings, and gold detailing
• Dalí Meeting Room – 138 m², capacity up to 110 guests, with direct access to main event areas
• Winter Garden – 100 m² space with large windows overlooking the city, ideal for private dining and intimate gatherings of up to 25 guests
Extra Notable Features
• Rooftop cinema and seasonal outdoor wellness activities with 360-degree city views
• Cultural events, concerts, and art exhibitions
• Culinary activations and rotating pop-up experiences
• Mayan Spa with Temazcal
Hotel and restaurant Awards
2025
• Condé Nast Traveller Reader’s Choice Awards – #4 hotel in Spain; only hotel in Barcelona in the Top 10
• Best Gastronomic Hotel in Condé Nast Traveler Spain Awards
2023
• Best Room Service Award – Condé Nast Traveler Spain’s Hotel & Mantel awards
• Beyond Luxury Awards: Winner Best Gastronomic Restaurant (Amar Barcelona); #8 Best Spanish luxury hotels; Finalist for Best Luxury Urban Hotel, Best Luxury Hotel Experience, and Best Luxury Hotel Terrace
Number of employees
175