A sumptuous palace where history meets contemporary elegance and gourmet cuisine.
The hotel
In the heart of Madrid, just a few steps from the majestic Royal Palace and the lively Gran Vía, there is a place where time seems to stand still and elegance is evident in every detail: the Palacio de los Duques, a Gran Meliá Hotel. This jewel of Spanish hospitality is not simply a luxury hotel, but a true sensory and cultural experience, blending art, history, and contemporary comfort in a setting of remarkable charm.
The palace is the result of the union of two historic buildings: the 14th-century Convent of Santo Domingo, a symbol of ecclesiastical power, and the sumptuous Palace of the Dukes of Granada de Ega, an elegant Isabelline-style residence that belonged to one of the most influential aristocratic families of the 19th century. This encounter between different eras and styles gives rise to a coherent and fascinating architectural narrative, which restores the splendor of Madrid's nobility with a touch of refined modernity. At the heart of the hotel's aesthetic vision is the artistic legacy of Diego Velázquez, master of Baroque painting and central figure of the Spanish Siglo de Oro. His most iconic works—Las Meninas, Venus at her Mirror, The Surrender of Breda—become the leitmotif of the interior design, curated by Adriana Sans, who has transformed the rooms into living tributes to the art of the great painter. Guests can thus immerse themselves in a constant dialogue between past and present, between Velázquez's luminous brushstrokes and the comfort of a noteworthy welcome.
The renovation, directed by architect Álvaro Sans, has enhanced the original features—from the spectacular wrought iron and wood staircase to the cloister with its glass roof—by placing them in a contemporary luxury setting. The result is a harmonious, elegant, and evocative environment, where every space tells a story. Don't miss the historic garden, where you can find peace and quiet in the heart of the city, and the Mirador de los Duques panoramic terrace, from which you can admire the regal skyline of the capital while sipping a cocktail. All this is accompanied by excellent cuisine in the former noble stables: the Jardín de los Duques.
The dining
The hotel is not only a destination for those seeking luxury and comfort, it is also a Madrid landmark where you can enjoy a delicious dinner. Once the stables of the nobility, now a haven of authentic flavors, this restaurant offers simple fare, a contemporary “neo-taberna” that celebrates the roots of Castilian cuisine with a modern twist and quality ingredients. An ambitious project, overseen by chef Manuel Arenilla, who has created a menu linked to Madrid tradition but capable of expressing it with technique, delicacy, and respect.
The entrance is discreet, on Calle de la Bola 6, but once you cross the threshold, three distinct areas open up, designed to accommodate different experiences. It starts with the historic garden, a terrace nestled in the quiet of the hotel, where you can dine outdoors in a relaxed atmosphere in the summer. Here, the offering is more informal: ranging from traditional dishes revisited with a light touch, such as cod fritters or Iberian ham croquettes and salt-roasted beets with pickled carrots and orange, to breaded lamb sweetbreads and Madrid-style tripe -casquería- reinterpreted with elegance, without losing its true soul. The menu follows the seasons and changes with market availability, a sacred principle for those who believe in respecting the product. Inside, the main dining area is on the ground floor, the perfect place for a more intimate but convivial dinner, immersed in the refined atmosphere of the 19th-century building. Going upstairs, you finally arrive at Las Caballerizas, the former noble stables, now transformed into a private room for groups of up to 22 people.
Chef Arenilla's signature style comes through loud and clear: in the aromas, in the precise cooking times, in the desire to let the region speak for itself without flaunting it. The result? A culinary journey that brings the gastronomic identity of the Spanish capital back to the table, elevating it without distorting it. Chef Arenilla began in 2012 in the kitchens of the famous Spanish restaurant Echaurren, obtained a master's degree in Culinary Management and two diplomas from Le Cordon Bleu, moved to Alicante and worked at Nou Manolín, recognized as the best tapas bar in Spain; he returned to Echaurren, this time as chef de partie in the two-Michelin-starred restaurant and as head of the meat department at Tradición. As part of Francis Paniego's team, they worked on a summer pop-up at the Luxury Collection Hotel María Cristina in San Sebastián. He worked for two years as a private chef on several estates, while also joining the Dani García Group, first as a cook and then as head chef, and with them he participated in the openings of Leña Madrid and Smoked Room. Not content with this, he decided to pursue a master's degree in Food & Beverage Management at the Basque Culinary Center, and today he is here at the Palacio de los Duques.
Chef Arenilla told us a little more about his work.
How and to what extent can traditional cuisine be served in a luxury hotel?
To offer traditional cuisine in a luxury hotel, it is essential to understand the environment, the clientele, and the history of the place. In our case, we reinterpret Madrid cuisine with respect, enhancing its flavors, using seasonal products and appropriate techniques, without losing its essence. Our goal was to open up to the local community and break the idea that dining in a luxury hotel is an inaccessible experience. That's why we offer an intimate and authentic gastronomic experience, with direct access from Calle de la Bola through a beautiful historic garden that connects to the heart of Madrid de los Austrias, reinforcing that sense of accessibility without sacrificing elegance.
Are you able to attract locals, or do you only cater to tourists? How do you attract customers from outside the hotel?
Our main goal is to attract as many local customers as possible. While we appreciate hotel guests and tourists, our goal is to reach a wide local audience. To achieve this, we use clear and accessible gastronomic language, allowing diners to find exactly what they are looking for while enjoying a moment of relaxation in the heart of Madrid. We also promote collaborations with local chefs, participate in culinary competitions and food festivals, and engage in targeted communication.
What are the most popular dishes at Jardín de los Duques?
Our crispy pork ear mille-feuille with brava sauce is a unique interpretation that fully captures the essence of Jardín de los Duques: a traditional dish revisited with a new perspective.
Will the menu evolve?
Our intention is to continue evolving, offering what each season—and our trusted suppliers—have to offer. In fact, this year we are fully embracing seasonal products and game, especially as October approaches, with a particular focus on hearty, comforting dishes with strong ties to the flavors of our land.
CONTACTS
Palacio de Los Duques
Cuesta de Sto. Domingo, 5, Centro, 28013 Madrid, Spagna
Phone: +34 915 41 67 00
