The Gran Melia Palacio de los Duques has opened in Madrid in a renovated 19th century palace that was the home to the Dukes of Granada de Ega y Villahermosa – art collectors and members of Madrid’s intellectual society in the 19th century. It was also the site of the former convent of Santo Domingo and was previously the Hotel Ambassador.

The new Gran Melia hotel takes its inspiration from works of art by Diego Velazquez; a total of nine reproductions inspire the suites and public spaces.

The hotel’s 180 bedrooms feature Clarins beauty products, and its Thai Room Wellness spa focuses on oriental rituals such as herbal steam baths, facial treatments with silkworm cocoons, and natural body scrubs.

The building retains some of its original 19th century features, such as an Isabelline facade, a central wrought-iron and wooden staircase and a cloister with a glass dome, which is now the hotel lobby.

A 1,000sq m (10,764sq ft) historical garden offers both green space and a restaurant.

A seasonal swimming pool and whirlpool on the rooftop terrace offer panoramic views over the Royal Palace, the Almudena Cathedral and the Austrias neighbourhood, as well as a solarium area and cocktail bar. The hotel also has a 24-hour fitness centre.