The five-star luxury hotel Gran Meliá Palacio de los Duques presents itself as an oasis of luxury in the heart of historic Madrid. After an extensive renovation that cost around 19 million euros, the former and prestigious Ambassador Hotel on Cuesta de Santo Domingo celebrated its grand reopening in the summer of 2016.
The new luxury hotel in the historical heart of the Spanish capital has already been included in the renowned club of “Leading Hotels of the World” and is located directly on the route of the popular Madrid-Velázquez city tour, in close proximity to the Royal Palace, the Senate, and the Teatro Real. It is housed in a 19th-century palace that was once the residence of the Dukes of Granada de Ega and Villahermosa, who were known as art collectors and members of Madrid’s intellectual scene. Their passion for the works of Velázquez is palpable in every corner of the palace, making art an essential part of the hotel experience. Some elements of the former palace, such as the central staircase and a small private salon, have been preserved in their original condition.
The Gran Meliá de los Duques features 180 exquisitely furnished rooms and suites, adorned with replicas of Velázquez’s paintings, and equipped with sophisticated technology (including a 59-inch LED TV and iPhone docking station) and Clarins bath amenities. Some of the rooms and suites are part of the RedLevel, a highly exclusive VIP service that includes numerous extra services, such as a private check-in, a personal butler service, or the use of the RedLevel Lounge, the private garden, and the rooftop pool terrace. The RedLevel service is like a boutique hotel within the hotel, where the discerning guest can enjoy the utmost privacy. The pinnacle of luxury at the hotel is the spectacular penthouse suite with a large rooftop terrace.
The ubiquitous art of Velázquez is a hallmark of the iconic building with an Elizabethan façade, which has been skillfully incorporated into an interior design that blends history with modernity. For example, dark oak floors and heavy velvet curtains meet playfully light furniture by Italian designer Molteni and an elegant purism.
The Gran Meliá de los Duques is an oasis of tranquility in the midst of the lively metropolis. During the warm months, guests can relax in the swimming or whirlpool on the rooftop terrace while enjoying a stunning view of Madrid. The same applies to the Asian-inspired wellness and beauty area “Thai Room” or the 1000 square meter garden, which was designed according to historical models and is also perfect for celebrations. With this urban resort hotel, the leading Spanish chain Meliá Hotels International is offering another urban resort hotel within Europe, which redefines luxury and appeals to both leisure and business travelers. For events of all kinds, nine daylight-flooded rooms equipped with high-tech are available on a conference area of 800 square meters.
For those who want to indulge in culinary delights, there are three exceptional restaurants and a tea corner with French patisserie to choose from. The Montmartre offers a gastronomic journey through Spanish and French cuisine, while the Coroa Royal Gallery & Garden serves Mediterranean specialties and avant-garde dishes accompanied by modern cocktail art. In the coming winter, the restaurant Dos Cielos Madrid by Hermanos Torres will open in the former palace stables, which also includes an outdoor area in the garden. Here, the two-Michelin-starred Hermanos Torres will present creatively reinterpreted Castilian cuisine.