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. Friedrich von Schönburg
Joined El Palace Barcelona February of 2019. Prior to that he has worked in different European Capitals in renown establishments such as Le Bristol in Paris, Marbella Club Hotel, The Metropolitan London (Como Shambala), The Savoy London, Rosewood London, The Connaught London, Claridge´s London, and has been instrumental in creating new service standards and a fresh sense of style for the hotel.
Hotel Positioning
5-STAR GRAND LUXURY HOTEL
Five-star, four diamond grand luxury property in the city with 120 rooms. Grand spaces, personalized service and boutique feel.
Development Strategy
El Palace Barcelona remains an independent, five-star luxury hotel in the heart of Barcelona. Formerly The Ritz, it opened its doors back in 1919 as the first five star property in the city. Nowadays, it creates a new identity for itself as” El Palace Hotel”, full of flair, elegance, energy and dynamism. The property engages loyal repeat guests as well as new generations through activations that capture passion and imagination, with entertainment, culinary or beverage offers, art partnerships or leisure activities. With ongoing upgrades and renovations, the hotel lives up to its legacy as a city icon and center of leisure.
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. Born as Hotel Ritz, El Palace Barcelona embodies grand Spanish style, blending timeless glamour with contemporary experiences and impeccable service, creating a truly elegant and memorable stay in one of the world’s most historic properties.
El Palace Barcelona is by far the most celebrated hotel in the city, epicenter of social activity, gatherings and one of Europe´s most iconic hotels. While honoring its rich past, this iconic luxury property is rich in history; nobility, celebrities, artists or all genres and socialites have graced its halls over many decades.
Host of iconic and historic events, it is a well-documented property with its history intertwined with that of the city.
All 120 rooms and suites are designed in the hotel’s signature neoclassical-inspired style. Step into one of El Palace’s six signature Art Suites inspired by a former prominent guest artist and their artistic preference including painting dance, architecture, literature, sculpture or music and you enter the worlds of Ronnie Wood, Salvador Dali, Joan Miro and Josephine Baker.
Date Renewal
The hotel was completely renovated from 2007 to 2009 by Chilean decorator Jaime Beriestain. In 2015 the rooftop garden was built and in 2017 our main suites were renovated to create our six Art Suites. In 2020 the ballroom was renovated improving lighting, look and feel. And finally in 2021 we started the creation of a new gastronomic restaurant with celebrity Chef Rafa Zafra, Michelin rated chef.
Main Strengths, Special Touch
El Palace Barcelona is the only 5-star traditional property in the city, which is one of the main key points of differentiation relative to our competitors. Built in 1919 by the Ritz Company as intended by Cesar Ritz, it features grand spaces and neo-classical architecture with Belle Epoque and Art Decó details, making it a rich blend of timeless elegance and flair.
Our Rooftop garden is the largest of any five-star hotel in the city, with 1,500m2 distributed in two floors and 360-degree views of the entire city. Our rooftop garden features a bar, restaurant, and seasonal outdoor dining areas.
Our dining options are many and varied. From Rafa Zafra´s newest culinary experience at AMAR Barcelona, to The Hall Gastro Bar or our rooftop restaurant with its Secret Garden, the hotel attracts both locals and visitors alike for truly unique culinary experiences.
Location
It is located on Gran Via 668, an ideal location, as intended back in 1919, when the city´s new master plan and city grid was created. The property is located two blocks from Paseo de Gracia and Plaza Catalunya, very close to the Gothic Quarter, and within easy reach of Sagrada Familia and other famous Gaudí buildings.
Key sites/activities in the area
• La Pedrera
• Casa Batlló
• Basílica 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. At his insistence, they enabled rooms 108 and 110 (the current The Art Suite Salvador Dalí), reserved for a guest who was in Paris. 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 go.
• The scene happened in March 1987, Freddie Mercury met the soprano Montserrat Caballé in person at El Palace, whom he deeply admired. After his show, the soprano accepted delighted to join him on stage back then in the current Cugat Hall. And that cassette would lead to an alliance that would unite classical and contemporary music in the iconic Barcelona anthem, created just before the 1992 Olympic Games and that would mark its inauguration in the minds of all Barcelonans creating history.
• As a pet friendly hotel we do have a Pet Relations Manager named Lulu.
Children’s Corner
As part of our personalized guest programming, we cater to families and children in different ways. We can highlight the following:
• 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 that can be used for a nanny or an additional family member. Total occupancy of seven people.
• Babysitting services can be arranged via our concierge.
• Our Pet Relations Manager Lulu (miniature Daschund) is the hotel mascot and greets kids and adults when on duty. Young children receive a stuffed animal replica of Lulu to take home. In room amenities can include tipi hut and toys for kids.
• The property maintains activations for children throughout the year, especially during the holidays. Christmas features Santa’s visit, holiday classic movies, outdoor cinema, outdoor
• Markets with unique artisanal products, Three Kings Day celebrations, Easter egg hunt, Halloween activities and much more.
Pet-Friendly Hotel
In our hotel we also take care of pets (only dogs allowed). They have the best care and we have several services for them.
HOTEL FEATURES
Accommodation
Number of suites: 41
• Our 24 Junior Suites truly offer everything in one. These peaceful rooms have a combined bedroom and sitting room, complete with sofa bed, to ensure that you have the space you require. The large desk is perfect for working or writing on. The windows of the suite overlook a traditional interior courtyard from the Eixample district. Up to 58m2 / 624sq. ft. In-room complimentary coffee and tea service.
• The Superior Suites offer guests a most tranquil stay with windows overlooking a traditional interior courtyard from the Eixample district. Both the suite itself and the large bathroom have been completely remodelled and decorated in the classic modern style to offer the luxury we are known for with modern conveniences you crave. Some of the Superior Suites are even equipped with a double shower, for even further luxury.
55 m 2 / 592 sq ft. In-room complimentary coffee and tea service.
• Art Suites and Palace Suite. Spacious suites located on the main facade of the building overlooking Gran Vía and the city of Barcelona. These suites offer 2 spacious bedrooms with their Roman bathroom connected by a large 50 m2 living room. Exclusive, original and unique, these suites are inspired by a discipline (painting, dance, architecture, literature, sculpture and music) through a character who
• Represents a reference in it and who maintained a close relationship with the hotel. These rooms offer the exclusivity of a bathroom inspired by the Roman baths decorated with mosaics and completely restored together with a modern “rainshower” style shower.
150 m2 / 1.614 sq ft. In-room complimentary coffee and tea service.
Number of Luxury Rooms: 79
• Classic and Superior rooms. These exterior facing rooms benefit from the natural light of the city.
Decorated in the classic modern style, they have been soundproofed so that you can enjoy your views of the city without being disturbed by the sound. The original 1919 fireplace is the focal point of the room, which we have filled with all of the necessary items you need to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Large bathrooms with double sinks, separate shower and tub, minibar, hidden mirror TV. In-room complimentary coffee and tea service.
38 m2 / 409 sq ft 3-person capacity. King- or twin-size bed(s). Exterior view to Barcelona
Number of romos, in all: 120
Restaurants & Bars
• Rooftop Garden, both interior and exterior with bar and “Secret Garden” seasonal restaurant with Sagrada Familia views.
• The Great Hall – Main hotel lobby bar, lounge and “The Hall” restaurant, with international cuisine and unique activities such as classic afternoon tea and live music.
• aMar – Gastronomic experience by Rafa Zafra. The famous chef opens its new restaurant at El Palace in the first quarter 2022 and enriches our culinary offers.
• Rooftop bar with pergola and summer cocktails and activations such as Bruch & Vinyls
• Bluesman Bar and Cigar lounge, our “speakeasy” or secret iconic bar.
• El Jardin – The breakfast room at El Palace Barcelona is black, white – and green. The wrought iron touches are offset by the verdant beauty of the plants that line the walls of the room.The extensive breakfast that our staff prepares every morning contains dishes from all around the world.
Wellness
• Rooftop pool
• Mayan Spa featuring a Temazcal (sauna)
• Fitness room with personal trainer
Corporate & Celebration Events
• The ballroom – Renovated in 2020, this gorgeous 253 m2 (2723 sq ft.) room is bathed in natural light. The six-metre (19.6-foot) ceilings, magnificent one-piece carpet, classic mouldings, and gold touches make this room a special venue for any occasion.
• Dalí Meeting Room – A more intimate space, with enough space for up to 110 guests and measuring 138 m2 (1485 sq ft.), the Dalí Meeting Room has direct access to both the Gran Vía Ballroom and the main hall of the hotel, making it the perfect location for smaller events or as an additional room in larger events, corporate or private.
• Winter Garden – With its enormous windows looking out over the hotel’s pool and the city of Barcelona, the Winter Garden offers guests the sensation of being outdoors with the security and protection of having a roof over your head. With enough space for 25 guests, this 100 m2 (1076 sq ft.) space is perfect for lunches, dinners, or cocktails in petit comité.
Extra Notable Features
• Rooftop cinema, outdoor yoga and fitness activities with 360 degree views, culinary activations in the Rooftop Garden such as “Brunch and Vinyls” or “Rumba and Petardeo”, or at “The Hall” with afternoon tea or “Cake and Bubbles” .
• Rotating pop-up experiences throughout the year, such as Perfumes and cocktails, Arts and Drinks, Candlelight concerts.
• Mayan Spa with Temazcal
Hotel and restaurant Awards
• 2022: Rafa Zafra, celebrity chef, to open new restaurant at the hotel in Q1.
• 2021: Conde Nast Traveller #7 ranking Spain and PortugalForbes 4 diamond property
• 2019: Forbes 4 diamond property. Number 1 LQA property in Barcelona.
Number of employees
175