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El Palace Barcelona
Barcelona, Spain · Independent · High Luxury
Barcelona's first grand hotel opened in 1919 as the Ritz, after politician Francesc Cambó persuaded César Ritz to put his name on Eduard Ferrés i Puig's building on Gran Via. A 2005 legal fight stripped the Ritz title; it has operated since as El Palace, still independent, still LHW. Suites honor guests who actually stayed, including Salvador Dalí and Josephine Baker, and chef Rafa Zafra runs Amar Barcelona downstairs.
- 120 rooms
- Opened 1919
- Neighborhood: Eixample
- Rooms from 409 sq ft (38 m²)
- Architect: Eduard Ferrés i Puig
About El Palace Barcelona
- It opened in 1919 as Hotel Ritz Barcelona, the city's first grand hotel in the Ritz mold, on Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes.
- Catalan architect Eduard Ferrés i Puig designed the building; politician Francesc Cambó helped bring César Ritz's name to Barcelona, though Ritz died before opening.
- After litigation it lost the Ritz name in 2005 and has traded as El Palace ever since, remaining independent and a Leading Hotels member.
- Named suites remember guests who stayed, including Salvador Dalí (his suite keeps the look of his visits) and Josephine Baker; chef Rafa Zafra runs Amar Barcelona.
- Entry-level rooms start at 409 sq ft (38 m²).
History
El Palace Barcelona opened in 1919 as Hotel Ritz, Barcelona's first grand hotel, in a building by architect Eduard Ferrés i Puig on Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes. Politician Francesc Cambó helped persuade César Ritz to lend his name; Ritz died before the doors opened. After a legal fight the hotel lost the Ritz title in 2005 and has operated as El Palace, remaining an independent Leading Hotels of the World member.
Today it has about 120 rooms. Suites honor past guests including Salvador Dalí and Josephine Baker. Chef Rafa Zafra's Amar Barcelona is the hotel restaurant. Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star, 2026.
The setting
1 km from Museu Picasso.
Experiences
- Rooftop Garden — A 1,500 m² open-air garden with panoramic city views, pergolas and terraces.
Amenities
- Spa
- Pool
- Hot tub
- Fitness center
- Pet-friendly
Awards
- Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star (2026)
- Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards (2025)
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