El Palace Barcelona

The hotel was founded by the politician Francesc Cambó, who with the help of King Alfonso XIII convinced the prestigious Swiss hotelier César Ritz to open an establishment with his signature in Barcelona. Sadly, Ritz passed away in 1918, before the hotel was completed. The official inauguration was scheduled for October 22, 1919, but sabotage in the plumbing and a strike by the kitchen staff, coupled with the general strike sweeping Barcelona, delayed the opening until November 23, 1919, with 190 rooms and 400 employees. On July 22, 1936, during the Civil War, the hotel was taken over by the FOSIG and renamed Hotel Gastronomic Nº 1. In 1940 it housed Nazi leader Heinrich Himmler. It was later acquired by Julio Muñoz Ramonet and in 1975 it passed to Joan Gaspart, becoming part of Husa Hoteles.

The building was designed by Eduard Ferrés Puig, a leading figure of Catalan architecture of the early twentieth century, known for its neoclassical style with modernist influences in line with the taste of the Barcelona bourgeoisie. It was built on the site of the old Tivoli Theater. Art Nouveau architecture characterizes the exterior facade with intricate balconies, windows and ornamentation. The most impressive space is the Palm Court, an iconic element present in all Ritz hotels, designed with a masterful glass dome roof that provides abundant natural light. The interiors maintain the classic elegance of grand European hospitality.

The hotel is located on Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, a few steps from Passeig de Gràcia with its modernist buildings, Casa Batlló and Gaudí's La Pedrera. Plaza Catalunya, the heart of Barcelona, is nearby. The Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas are within walking distance. The hotel has hosted the prestigious Premio Nadal and Ramon Llull literary awards since its inception.