I’ve stayed in many hotels over the years for business and events, but few have left me as genuinely awestruck as The Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Madrid.
From the moment I stepped through its grand doors, I felt like I was entering a living museum—one that also happens to be a five-star haven.
A Legacy of Elegance
The Palace isn’t just a hotel—it’s a piece of Madrid’s soul. Built in 1912, it was one of the first hotels in Europe to offer private bathrooms and telephones in every room. They still have an original on display. Over the years, it’s welcomed legends like Hemingway and Picasso, and the original hotel register is on show adding to the sense of history that lingers in the air. The recent renovation has been masterfully executed, preserving the building’s Belle Époque charm while elevating it to modern luxury standards. The façade glows in warm beige tones, and inside, restored marble, woodwork, and leaded glass whisper stories of a bygone era.
My Suite: A Personal Sanctuary
My suite was nothing short of breath taking. Opening the door, I was greeted by a hallway that led into a nearly circular living room—elegant, inviting, and bathed in natural light. Beyond that, an office area provided the perfect nook for catching up on emails, and then came the bedroom, complete with a cosy window seat overlooking the majestic Neptune Fountain.
The bathroom was a sanctuary in itself: a freestanding tub framed by marble, a separate WC, a shower with a Hamman-style steam feature, and a spacious dressing room. The toiletries – Aqua di Parma and Byredo Le Chemin were indulgent touches that made every moment feel like a spa experience.
What truly made the suite feel like home were the thoughtful details: a minibar and coffee machine, a record player with a curated selection of vinyl’s, shelves of books, and a warm palette of mustard, orange, brown, and beige. The artwork throughout the suite added depth and personality, making it feel more like a private residence than a hotel room.
Art Around Every Corner
Walking through the corridors of The Palace felt like strolling through an art gallery. Original pieces line the walls, each telling its own story. Then there’s the dinosaur skeleton looking down at the reception area —a whimsical, unexpected touch that somehow fits perfectly into the hotel’s eclectic elegance.
Hidden Gems for MICE Events
As someone who travels frequently for business, I was especially impressed by the hotel’s meeting spaces. Hidden behind mirrored glass doors, these rooms are as beautiful as they are functional. The design is sleek and discreet, allowing for privacy without sacrificing style. Whether you’re hosting a board meeting or a full-scale conference, the spaces are equipped to handle it all with grace and efficiency.
Dining Under a Masterpiece
La Cúpula restaurant is, quite simply, spectacular. The stained glass dome overhead is a masterpiece—restored to its original glory and casting a kaleidoscope of light across the dining room. It’s hard to decide what’s more impressive: the setting or the food. Breakfast was a refined affair, with staff in crisp jackets that subtly shift for dinner service, adding a touch of ceremony to the experience.
The cuisine was exquisite, with a menu that celebrates Spanish flavours while offering international finesse. The staff were warm, knowledgeable, and effortlessly professional—always ready with a recommendation or a story about the hotel’s rich history.
The fitness room (although under renovation) will offer modern cardio machines, free weights, and yoga mats—perfect for squeezing in a workout between meetings or unwinding after a long day. It’s tucked away in a quiet corner of the hotel, ensuring privacy and calm. For those who prefer relaxation over reps, in-room spa treatments are available, and the concierge can arrange access to nearby wellness centres. The hotel also offers valet parking, 24-hour room service, and a business centre, making it as practical as it is luxurious. Every detail is designed to support both productivity and indulgence.
Concierge Excellence
The concierge team were incredibly knowledgeable and offered a short orientation tour of the local area—either on foot or by car, depending on the weather. It was the perfect way to get my bearings and discover hidden gems around Madrid. Their insights made me feel instantly connected to the city.
Final Thoughts
The Palace Hotel Madrid is more than a destination – it’s an experience. Whether you’re in town for a conference, incentive trip, or simply seeking a luxurious base for business travel, this hotel delivers on every front. From its historic grandeur and stunning renovation to its thoughtful amenities and world-class service, I was truly blown away. It’s rare to find a property that feels both timeless and tailored to the modern traveller, but The Palace manages it with effortless charm.
I’ll be back—and next time, I hope to stay a little longer.