Opening its doors in December 2019, Palacio Solecio is set to be Málaga’s first true luxury boutique hotel, located in the heart of the historic Old Town, just steps away from the Museo Picasso and the Roman Amphitheatre.
With Málaga nominated for Best European Destination 2019, the transformation of this historical landmark is set to be a milestone in the development of the city.
Palacio Solecio will be the latest opening from Pablo Carrington of Marugal Hotel Management – joining his portfolio of properties in Spain and France such as Cap Rocat, Torralbenc and Le Barn.
Pablo Carrington, founder of Marugal Hotels explains:
“Palacio Solecio is one of the finest examples of 18th century domestic architecture in Málaga, so our restoration has been incredibly sensitive. We’ve been able to incorporate the wonderfully decorative originals architectural elements – pilasters, garlands, Tuscan columns topped by vases, the original staircase – into the design of the hotel. For the interiors, we’ve been led by old photos of the palace. The idea was to be authentic, but not folksy.”
THE RESTORATION
Sitting in the heart of the city centre, surrounded by world renowned museums, local artisan shops and restaurants, Palacio Solecio was built in the 18th century by Felix Solecio, a nobleman from Italy, and the façade of the building became a masterpiece of architecture for its time.
Having been derelict for 80 years prior to the restoration, the iconic building has now been given new life by architect and designer Antonio Obrador, whose other hotels in the Marugal portfolio include Cap Rocat in Mallorca and Urso in Madrid.
The palace has been transformed, whilst maintaining the essence of its architecture and decorative details, creating a hotel where old meets new. Due to it being a Listed building, many original details, such as the inner courtyard, remain exactly as they would have been when the palace was new.
Original features – the old grills over the windows, elements of the main staircase (including the decorative arch and columns) – have been meticulously restored, and the façade has been re-painted and returned to its original appearance.
THE INTERIORS
In a deft and subtle acknowledgment of Andalucía’s history, the decorative details are rich with Moorish influence.
Painted leatherworks – Cordobanes, – which became popular in Andalucía in the 16th and 17th century will adorn the walls, bringing their striking patterns and deep colour palettes to the interior.
Fabrics have been reproduced from old photos of the palace interiors, such as the typical espiga fabric with its herringbone design, used in the guestrooms. Even the smallest detail – door handles, the bedside tables – are subtly redolent with local character to brilliant effect.
The guestrooms will meld quiet sophistication and comfort with the authentic charm of the building. The interiors are both rustic and modern, a combination of neutral colours with splashes of bold prints and local Andalusian artwork.
RESTAURANT BALAUSTA
Palacio Solecio’s restaurant, Balausta, will be headed up by Michelin-starred chef, José Carlos García, a pioneer of new-look Andalusian cooking and Málaga’s thriving gastronomy scene.
Garcia’s dishes are, nonetheless, firmly rooted in Andalusian gastronomy, showcasing the very best flavours the region has to offer.
The menu will feature simple, local Andalusian food – such as Salmorejo – prepared with a fresh twist by García – in a casual setting with a street entrance.
PALACIO SOLECIO will open on 2 December 2019 with 68 rooms and suites, a restaurant, bar and fitness room and three meeting spaces, with a further 49 rooms, rooftop bar & pool to follow in 2021. Rooms from €200
