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HOSPES PALACIO DE LOS PATOS GRANADA, SPAIN |
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ARCHITECTURE / INTERIOR DESIGN |
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| Hospes Design team |
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Located at the foot of the awe-inspiring Sierra Nevada in Andalusia, Granada is a city known for its fervour and fire. The interlacing of Arabic influences and native Iberian tradition brands the atmosphere of the region. Part of the cultural and architectural heritage of Andalusia, the Hospes Palacio de los Patos is an oasis for renewal amidst the urban animation of Granada. The hotel is set in the core of the city’s commercial centre, close to the many shops of the Calle Recogidas, prominent since the days of Arab rule. The famous cathedral, the Capilla Real, Judería and the celebrated Alhambra are just a stone’s throw away.
Converted from a reconstructed 19th Century town palace in the historic centre, the hotel combines classic architecture with industrial elements. The singular building occupies a considerable area in the Barrio de la Magdalena, a central commercial fixture ever since its establishment by the Arabs.
Historically, the building successfully combines components of classical design such as the façade, which also showcases elements of industrial architecture. Built in an H-shape and surrounded by gardens, the property got its name from a fountain located at the entrance of the palace, adorned with two white swans.
It was built between 1885 and 1890 by Spanish architect Francisco Giménez Arévalo in celebration of marriage between two of the children of one of Granada’s most prominent families. Landowners, bankers, industrialists and politicians used to display their wealth through the size of their homes. Spacious and representative palaces of stunning architectural design and surrounded by gardens mirrored the exclusive taste, lifestyle and power of their owners.
Reflecting the bourgeoisie’s past desire for distinction and innovation, the new interiors of the hotel have been appointed in a sleek modernist style. Due to its rich history, the architects and designers have focused on keeping the splendour of the original elements, such as the roofs, floors and the grand staircase, whilst introducing highly contemporary design features aimed to break the uniformity of the classical construction.
Forty-two rooms make sure any visitor will feel at home in Granada, ready to explore the very essence of Spanish culture in an environment of visual contrasts. The hotel is made up of two distinctive buildings, one classical part in the heart of the palace and a new construction. Connecting both parts by a tunnel, the Hospes Design team covered the passage with glass ceilings to allow natural light to shine through glass water tanks. However, guest’s initial impression will inevitably be one of historic impact when taking the magnificent imperial staircase leading to the grand hall. The monumental construction is also the centrepiece of the frontal part of the building, which directs most of the movement throughout the hotel.
The language of the interior design chosen for the rooms reflects the desire to highlight the original proportions of the building, integrating them with a new, distinctive identity of multicultural progressive design. White or black coconut leather is used throughout the interiors, combined with silver and stainless steel details. Light materials and shades are added to weightless textures of wood and stone, fitting in perfectly with the symmetrical compositions of the rooms. In the five suites, a veritable overflow of silver has been introduced as a key unifying element in the design. Silver curtains, carpets, chairs and details contrast brilliantly with the bright purple chaise-longues that breathe life into the almost monochrome surroundings.
Another strong focal point of the palace is the Arabic garden, showcasing the strong influences left behind by former rulers of the region and adding to the contrasting cultural accents that are so typical for Granada. The restructured version of the palatial facilities includes a spa and treatment areas, an indoor swimming pool and the hotel’s own gourmet restaurant, serving local cuisine.
Modernised to incorporate all the conveniences of contemporary living, guests can use the Hospes Palacio de los Patos as their springboard into the city and the region of Andalusia, entering an enchanted world of historic highlights and forward-looking design. |
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