Palacio del Duque de Granada de Ega, Madrid

Palacio del Duque de Granada de Ega is a 19th-century palace in Madrid that today houses the five-star Gran Meliá Palacio de los Duques hotel, standing on Cuesta de Santo Domingo in the historic Habsburg quarter.

Where exactly is it located?

The building sits in the most representative part of old Madrid, just steps from the Royal Palace, the Teatro Real opera house, and Almudena Cathedral. This makes it an ideal base for travelers who want to explore the city's landmark sights on foot, since the oldest squares, narrow streets, and viewpoints of the historic center are all within a short walk.

What is the history behind this building?

The palace was designed in 1851 by architect Matías Laviña Blasco and completed during the 1850s for the family holding the title of Duque de Granada de Ega. What makes the site unusual is that the current hotel complex actually combines two distinct historical layers: the 19th-century palace itself and the remains of a convent dating back to the 13th century, on whose grounds the palace was later built. This rare blend of medieval and 19th-century architecture gives the building an unusually layered character.

In 2015 the property underwent a complete renovation costing 30 million euros, and on December 1, 2016, it reopened as the five-star Gran Meliá Palacio de los Duques, a member of the prestigious Leading Hotels of the World group.

What will you see inside?

The hotel offers 140 rooms, including 20 suites and 20 elevated Red Level rooms, with part of the property specifically designed for families traveling with children. Inside, look out for nine reproductions of paintings by Diego Velázquez displayed throughout the reception areas — a tribute to the painter whose original works hang in the nearby Prado Museum.

The real highlight, though, is the 1,000-square-meter historic garden, a genuine rarity in the dense urban fabric of Madrid's old town. It offers a green escape from the bustle of the city center. The hotel also runs three restaurants, two cocktail bars, and a dedicated tea corner, so guests can easily spend an entire evening on site without ever stepping outside.

When is the best time to visit?

The Habsburg quarter, where the palace stands, is appealing year-round, but spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) bring the most comfortable temperatures for walking through the surrounding squares and streets. Summers in Madrid can get quite hot, which makes the hotel's evening garden an especially pleasant place to unwind.

How do you get there?

Thanks to its location on Cuesta de Santo Domingo, the easiest way to arrive is on foot from Puerta del Sol or Plaza de Oriente, just a few minutes' walk away. The nearest metro stations are Ópera and Santo Domingo, served by lines 2, 5, and R. This is one of the best-connected parts of the city center, so a taxi ride from Madrid-Barajas Airport is also straightforward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you visit the palace without booking a room? The building operates as a working hotel, so access to the interiors is largely limited to guests staying there or using its restaurants and bars.

What sets this building apart from other palaces nearby? It stands out for combining 19th-century palatial architecture with the remains of a 13th-century convent, and for its status as a member of The Leading Hotels of the World.

Are there other attractions worth visiting close by? Yes — within a few hundred meters you'll find the Royal Palace, the Teatro Real, Almudena Cathedral, and Plaza de Oriente.

Is the hotel garden open to non-guests? The 1,000-square-meter garden is part of the hotel's private facilities and is intended mainly for guests using the property's services.