SimplyAbuDhabi XLVI

Guest Rooms There are 120 guest rooms and suites at El Palace and each one is a study in classic luxury, blending period details with modern comforts. Many of the incredibly spacious suites retain original features such as mosaic-walled deep baths and antique furnishings, while recent renovations have introduced plush bedding and state-of-the-art technology such as complimentary smart boxes for accessing movies and TV series. El Palace is generous to allocate SimplyAbu Dhabi one of the finest of the art suites in the property, the one dedicated to César Ritz himself. It is enormous, with two separate entrances, a dining area, lounge, and a beautiful bedroom all flooded with natural light and offering sweeping views of the neighbourhood and GranVia. The bathroom is also huge, and features an original sunken bath that was uncovered in one of the renovations. Four paintings feature the famous Ritz hotels in Paris, London, Madrid and Barcelona, are a fitting tribute, as is the portrait of César, which crowns the room above the office area. The painting suite is dedicated to the master of Surrealism, Salvador Dalí, who once found a home at El Palace Barcelona. For the dance-inspired suite, the legendary Josephine Baker is celebrated. Baker, a dazzling star of stage and screen, also made El Palace her sanctuary during visits to the city. The sculpture suite is a tribute to JoanMiró, the artist who came to El Palace for inspirational conversations with fellow intellectuals. The literature suite is for the remarkable author Carlos Ruiz Zafón, who mentioned the hotel in the pages of his work. Finally, the music suite is dedicated to the legendary RonnieWood, the incomparable guitarist of The Rolling Stones. Not only did Ronnie live and perform here, he also played a pivotal role in designing this unique space that bears his name. Hospitality Service at El Palace is guided by the philosophy of César Ritz: “Never say no when a client asks for something, even if it is the moon.” This ethos is evident in every interaction, from the concierge’s insider suggestions to the restaurant staff’s intuitive service. The rest of the quote goes, “You can always try, and anyhow there is plenty of time afterward to explain that it was not possible.” But I was fortunate to find that every request during my stay could be graciously accommodated. All the staff are well-versed in the art of hospitality, striking a balance between formality and genuine friendliness. I encountered a dedicated teamwho went above and beyond to ensure my comfort. Whether it was the Spa therapist recommending specific stretches or the housekeeping team leaving thoughtful notes alongside daily treats, the hospitality was consistently warm and attentive. The team is multilingual, professional, and genuinely invested in creating memorable experiences for each guest. As Tatiana Stafne said, “Our meticulous attention to detail makes guests feel truly special, while our personalised services guarantee that each visit is one-of-a-kind. Thoughtful touches, such as child-sized bathrobes, delightful treats, and spacious family suites, are just a few of the many things that we offer.” Dining &Culinary El Palace’s flagship restaurant,AMAR Barcelona, is a partnership with acclaimed chef Rafa Zafra, specialising in seafood andMediterranean cuisine with a modern twist. The focus is on local, seasonal, ingredient-driven dishes served in an elegant setting, making it a destination for both guests and locals alike.As Domingo commented, “Amar, with its fresh quality products and celebrity chef Rafa Zafra, offers a contemporary feel in a unique and classic space, attracting celebrities, politicians, football players, nobility, and anyone else in between.” I was spared the difficult task of choosing from the diverse menu as the chef selected a tasting menu that involved fresh oysters, caviar, and an array of different fish, all served in distinctive dishes that were at times wonderfully simple, and at others original and surprising. Simply Abu Dhabi | 159