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César Ritz, the father of the modern luxury hotel industry, originally planned to establish his prestigious hotels exclusively in capital cities. There were Ritz hotels in Paris, London and Madrid, each renowned for exceptional luxury, service and sophistication, both within the hotels themselves and their restaurants.
Following the First World War, Francesc Cambó, a Catalan politician, visited the Ritz in Madrid and envisioned the future he believed in.
Barcelona deserved a Ritz of its own. Francesc Cambó persuaded César Ritz to establish one of his hotels in the city, confident it would enhance Barcelona’s profile and become a gathering place for distinguished guests.
With the 1929 Barcelona International Exposition approaching, construction of the hotel began. Sadly, César Ritz passed away in 1918, before the Barcelona Ritz was completed.
1919 - 2020
El Palace Barcelona: witness to over 100 years of local and international history.
1919 - present
El Palace Barcelona is the city’s oldest luxury hotel. Our histories have been intertwined from the very beginning, and together we continue to shape history.
Since opening in 1919, El Palace Barcelona has been part of many significant moments in the city’s history. Shortly after its involvement in the 1929 Barcelona International Exposition, the Spanish Civil War broke out.
On 22 July 1936, the hotel was seized by the FOSIG (Federación Obrera de Sindicatos de la Industria Gastronómica) and placed under union control. Their aim was to socialise the hotel industry and eliminate ostentation, renaming it Hotel Gastronómico No. 1. The basement was converted into a bomb shelter, and the guest rooms were transformed into a blood hospital for the Red Cross.
The government regained control of the hotel in 1937, using it to accommodate official visitors. It also served as the headquarters for the health subsection of the social services department.
Thanks to Josep Tarradellas, President of the Generalitat of Catalonia, the Ritz of Barcelona was ultimately able to reclaim its original spirit and purpose, rather than being converted into the headquarters of the Finance Department.
The 1992 Summer Olympics, held in Barcelona, marked a significant milestone in the city’s history. It was then that Barcelona secured its place on the international tourist map, with El Palace Barcelona welcoming both visitors and locals to experience the very best the city has to offer.
1919 - present
1919 - present
Art and the human experience can be expressed in many different ways. Throughout its history, El Palace Barcelona has had a deep connection with a wide range of art forms and artists. In 2017, this bond was honoured with the creation of the Art Suites and the recently renovated El Palace Suites, each dedicated to a different artistic discipline and inspired by a historical figure closely linked to the hotel.
The legendary Rolling Stones guitarist, Ronnie Wood, spent long periods at the hotel, performed here, and was actively involved in designing the suite dedicated to music: El Palace Suite by Ronnie Wood.
El Palace Suite dedicated to dance is inspired by star performer Joséphine Baker, who graced the stage several times at what was then known as the “Parrilla del Ritz.”
Salvador Dalí, one of the most renowned surrealist artists, stayed for extended periods at El Palace Barcelona. He is the inspiration behind the Art Suite Salvador Dalí, dedicated to painting.
The architecture suite pays tribute to César Ritz, the father of modern hotel architecture and founder of the Ritz of Barcelona, the precursor to what is now El Palace Barcelona.
The sculptor Joan Miró often visited the former Ritz with fellow intellectuals for long, thoughtful conversations. He is honoured in the Art Suite dedicated to sculpture.
Several of the wonderful novels by internationally acclaimed Catalan writer Carlos Ruiz Zafón mention the Ritz of Barcelona. He is the protagonist of the Art Suite dedicated to literature.
1919 - present
Over the years, El Palace Barcelona has maintained a strong connection with both local and international culture, welcoming guests from all over the world and from diverse backgrounds. Since their inception, the prestigious Premio Nadal and Ramon Llull Awards have been held at the hotel.
Among the distinguished guests who have stayed here, each bringing their unique cultural legacy, are John Knittel, Severo Ochoa, Josep Pla, Umberto Eco, and Salvador Dalí.
FASHION
In addition to the many artists who have visited us, El Palace Barcelona has hosted numerous fashion shows, especially during the celebrated era of the “Fashion Afternoon Teas.”
MUSIC
What is now known as the Sala Parrilla was, for many years, home to the prestigious “Parrilla del Ritz,” held every weekend. It was the meeting point for Barcelona’s high society, who gathered to enjoy music, fine dining and vibrant social life.
Right next to it is the Bluesman Cocktail Bar, a speakeasy that still occasionally hosts live music and once had the honour of a spontaneous performance by Ronnie Wood.
The current Cugat Room once housed the hotel’s piano and witnessed the first meeting between the great soprano Montserrat Caballé and the legendary Freddie Mercury.
A long list of internationally renowned music figures have passed through the hotel’s doors, including Maria Callas, Arthur Rubinstein, Ella Fitzgerald, Josephine Baker, Duke Ellington, Margot Fonteyn, Xavier Cugat, Robert Plant, Alfredo Kraus, Enrique Iglesias, Montserrat Caballé, Freddie Mercury, Frank Sinatra, Christina Aguilera, Paul McCartney, Ronnie Wood, José Carreras and Whitney Houston.
El Palace Barcelona has long shared a profound connection with the world of gastronomy. From the moment we first opened our doors, grand banquets, weddings and celebrations have been a hallmark of the hotel’s legacy.
One of the earliest notable banquets took place in early 1920, when the Ritz of Barcelona hosted employees of the Noticiero Universal newspaper to celebrate the introduction of Sunday as a day of rest.
From that moment, the Ritz name became synonymous not only with luxury but also with exceptional cuisine. As the hotel’s gastronomic reputation grew, so did its reach, catering banquets beyond the hotel’s walls and even outside Barcelona. In one year alone, the hotel served 288 banquets for a total of 10,234 guests.
Today, alongside our renowned banquets, El Palace Barcelona is celebrated for its exquisite local and seasonal cuisine. Our diverse menus showcase regional delicacies alongside international flavours, blending classic and contemporary creations. British afternoon tea, gourmet coffee and elegant surroundings complete the dining experience, making every visit truly exceptional.
The timeless architecture and classic elegance of El Palace Barcelona have made it a sought-after location for films, advertisements and television series.
Beyond its on-screen appearances, the hotel has welcomed numerous stars of the silver screen, including John Wayne, Anita Ekberg, Cary Grant, Anthony Quinn, Sean Connery, Sophia Loren, Luis García-Berlanga, Gina Lollobrigida, Joseph Cotten, Roman Polanski, Woody Allen, Rock Hudson, Alain Delon, Patrick Swayze, Roger Moore, Michael Douglas, David Carradine, Diane Keaton and Pierce Brosnan.
FUTURE
History never ends, it is constantly being written. That is why El Palace Barcelona stands as a place where the past meets the present, where history and the future go hand in hand.
After more than a century in existence, El Palace Barcelona remains a place where art, culture, gastronomy, and life all come together. The hotel embraces a young and innovative spirit, constantly evolving to offer unforgettable experiences while honouring its rich heritage.
It is always coming up with new ideas to offer its guests and the city exciting new experiences and possibilities. There is always something happening at El Palace Barcelona.
1919 - present