El Palace Barcelona opened its doors in 1919 as the first five-star hotel in Barcelona and is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World. Born as the Ritz of Barcelona, El Palace Barcelona combines timeless glamor with contemporary experiences and impeccable service, a project first led by Catalan politician Francesc Cambó and was inspired by the Ritz in Madrid to position Barcelona among Europe’s leading capitals.
César Ritz, widely regarded as the father of modern luxury hospitality, supported the project, bringing his philosophy of service, comfort, and social life to the hotel. His influence helped shape what would become one of the city’s most significant meeting points for both local society and international travellers.
From its earliest years, El Palace Barcelona established itself as a centre of social and cultural life. It became a preferred setting for gatherings, celebrations, and events that defined the rhythm of the city. Royal visits marked its opening, with King Alfonso XIII and Queen Victoria Eugenia among its first distinguished guests.
Throughout the years, El Palace Barcelona has had a deep connection with a wide range of art forms and artists and harnessed its reputation as a cultural icon in the city – from Josephine Baker who graced the stage several times at what was then known as the “Parrilla del Ritz”, to legendary Rolling Stone guitarist, Ronnie Wood who spent long periods at the hotel, performed there, and was actively involved in designing his eponymous suite, to Salvador Dalí who stayed for extended periods at El Palace Barcelona.
The Art Suites are all inspired by a former guest and their creative world. These include the César Ritz Art Suite, the Salvador Dalí Art Suite, the Joan Miró Art Suite, and the Carlos Ruiz Zafón Art Suite, each reflecting a different artistic and visionary perspective connected to the hotel.
Complementing them, the El Palace Suites have been created in collaboration with notable cultural figures, including the El Palace Suite by Joséphine Baker and the El Palace Suite by Ronnie Wood.
CÉSAR RITZ ART SUITE
The César Ritz Art Suite is dedicated to the creator of El Palace Barcelona and the hotel’s former namesake. The visionary Swiss hotelier introduced innovations that transformed hotel design and service. The suite reflects this legacy through a refined and detailed design. Pearl and sand tones are complemented by accents of red, visible in embroidery and velvet upholstery. Gold leaf details add depth and richness throughout the space. Louis XVI-style furniture, draped fabrics, and detailed finishes complete a setting defined by depth and character.
SALVADOR DALÍ ART SUITE
The Salvador Dalí Art Suite reflects the artist’s connection to the hotel and his distinctive creative world. This suite was Dalí’s residence in Barcelona, where he stayed with his wife, Gala. El Palace Barcelona forms part of the backdrop to many moments associated with his distinctive presence. A sense of imagination and theatricality runs throughout the space, expressed through restored antiques, detailed craftsmanship, and layered textures. Handmade rugs, nineteenth-century desks and chairs, and fabrics inspired by seventeenth-century Italian damask patterns are complemented by a canopy bed and a chinoiserie-style wardrobe. The marble bathroom, inspired by Roman baths and finished with mosaic details, remains one of its most defining features.
JOAN MIRÓ ART SUITE
Joan Miró was one of the most influential artists of the twentieth century. The colour palette in his work is characterised by a vivid use of primary colours, reflected in the suite’s design alongside subtle references to his sculptural work. Warm yellow tones are combined with dark wood elements, creating a balanced and expressive space. Louis XVI-style furniture and delicate fabrics introduce a classical structure to the interior. During his time at El Palace Barcelona, Miró was known to meet with fellow artists and intellectuals, reinforcing the hotel’s role as a place of cultural exchange.
CARLOS RUIZ ZAFÓN ART SUITE
The Carlos Ruiz Zafón Art Suite reflects the world of one of Spain’s most internationally renowned contemporary novelists. A palette of warm tan and sandy tones is contrasted with touches of turquoise, creating a rich and atmospheric setting. The suite features Louis XVI-style furniture, wing chairs, velvet upholstery with geometric patterns, and handmade rugs, alongside the original Roman bath with mosaic details from the hotel’s early years. Literature plays a central role in the design, most notably through a dedicated bookcase housing the author’s works, creating a space that reflects both his writing and his connection to the hotel.
EL PALACE SUITE BY JOSÉPHINE BAKER
El Palace Barcelona was a residence for Joséphine Baker during her visits to the city. A celebrated performer of jazz, dance, and cinema, her presence brought energy to the hotel, particularly through her performances in the Grill Room. The suite reflects a feminine and elegant atmosphere, inspired by the artist’s château Les Milandes. Soft pastel tones define the living spaces, while delicate red accents appear in the bedrooms, complemented by Louis XVI-style furniture, floral fabrics, and silk finishes. An original Louis XVI table anchors the living room, while lamps and wall sconces have been faithfully reproduced from historic models, preserving a sense of continuity throughout the space.
EL PALACE SUITE BY RONNIE WOOD
The legendary Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood has spent extended periods at El Palace Barcelona and has been closely involved in designing this suite. Inspired by Art Deco, the space is defined by geometric forms and clean lines, with materials such as ebony, maple, and rosewood shaping the interior. Antique Art Deco pieces are complemented by contemporary elements, creating a distinct and character-driven setting. A curated selection of Ronnie Wood’s paintings is displayed throughout the suite, alongside an original restored Wurlitzer jukebox in the main living room, complete with his personal selection of music. Purple, the artist’s preferred colour, is woven throughout the design and balanced with silver and silver leaf finishes, adding contrast and depth.
El Palace Barcelona has also maintained a longstanding connection to fashion. In the 1940s, the Grand Hall became a prominent stage for fashion shows and social events, including the celebrated “Fashion Tea” gatherings, which brought together designers, creatives, and Barcelona society.
Today, El Palace Barcelona continues to play an active role in the city’s social and creative life, maintaining its relevance while preserving the character and spirit that have defined it since its opening.
About El Palace Barcelona:
El Palace Barcelona opened its doors in 1919 as the first five-star hotel in Barcelona and is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World. Born as the Ritz of Barcelona, El Palace Barcelona combines timeless glamor with contemporary experiences and impeccable service, creating a truly elegant and memorable stay in one of the most historic hotels in the world. Its 120 rooms and suites are designed with the hotel's characteristic neoclassical-inspired style, while each of the six exclusive Art Suites is inspired by a discipline (painting, dance, architecture, literature, sculpture, and music) through a character that be a benchmark in it and show a close relationship with the hotel. The 1500m2 Rooftop Garden with its pool and panoramic views and the Bluesman Cocktail Bar with live music and renowned cocktails, as well as the gastronomic offering in Amar Barcelona, run by esteemed Chef Rafa Zafra, make El Palace Barcelona the place perfect to feel the rhythm of vibrant Barcelona.
