SimplyAbuDhabi XLVI

History &Architecture O riginally built as the Ritz in 1919, El Palace Barcelona was the first luxury hotel in the cosmopolitan capital of Spain’s Catalonia region, and it has maintained its status as a symbol of sophistication and refinement ever since. Aliving monument to the city’s gilded past, the Belle Époque façade and opulent interiors of El Palace have witnessed more than a century of Barcelona’s evolution, from the roaring 1920s through the turbulence of the Spanish Civil War, when the hotel was seized and repurposed as a hospital and bomb shelter. The architecture is a masterclass in early 20th-century grandeur, with soaring ceilings, marble columns, and ornate mouldings that evoke the glamour of a bygone era. César Ritz, the Swiss pioneer of luxury hospitality who is often called “the hotelier of kings and the king of hoteliers” never actually got to see the hotel completed, as he died in 1918. However, his influence can be appreciated in the Barcelona outpost of his luxury hotel empire, in the sumptuous interiors and the impeccable hospitality of the staff. This Louis XIV-inspired “Grande Dame” was rebranded to El Palace Barcelona in 2005 and, despite its advanced age, it remains as glamorous as ever. Original features such as the grand staircases, fireplaces, and lavish ballrooms are wonderfully preserved. Walking through its corridors, echoes of Barcelona’s high society can be heard if you listen carefully enough. The building’s heritage is not just a backdrop but an integral part of the guest experience, with curated art and architectural details that celebrate its storied past. El Palace’s architecture is more than decorative; it is immersive. The hotel’s public spaces, including the Great Hall and the rooftop garden, are designed to transport guests to the city’s golden age, while subtle modern interventions ensure comfort without compromising authenticity. The result is a marriage of history and contemporary luxury, ensuring that El Palace remains a leader in Barcelona’s hospitality landscape. Arrival Experience Arriving at El Palace is an exercise in old-world elegance. The doormen, immaculately dressed, greet guests at the antique revolving doors, setting the tone for a stay defined by attentive service and refined ambiance. The lobby, with its marble floors and glittering chandeliers, immediately impresses, offering a sense of occasion that is rare even among five-star properties. I’mmet by Pedro Rodríguez Madrigal, General Manager, DomingoVelasco, Director of Sales &Marketing, and Tatiana Stafne, Front Office Manager, who all add to the warmwelcome. My luggage was whisked away discreetly and the check-in was seamless, then Tatiana kindly gave me a tour of the hotel, just scratching the surface of the hotel’s rich history. The atmosphere is appropriately formal yet genuinely warm. When I commented on this Tatiana said, “Yes, our entire team is united like one large family, and we ensure that the families who stay with us feel the same warmth.” Simply Abu Dhabi | 157