Palacio Solecio Málaga announces autumn 2019 opening
Marugal has announced that Palacio Solecio will open its doors this autumn. Billed as Málaga’s first luxury boutique hotel and situated in the heart of the historic old town, the property is a stone’s throw from Museo Picasso, the Roman amphitheatre, local artisan shops and restaurants.
The palace, originally built in the 18thcentury by nobleman Felix Solecio, lay derelict for 80 years before architect and designer Antonio Obrador was enlisted to restore it. Spanish laws currently dictate that the footprint of listed buildings must remain unaltered; in this respect, the details of the inner courtyard will be exactly the same as when the palace was first constructed. Other original features, such as the window grills, pilasters, garlands and main staircase have also been retained, while the façade has been repainted to return the palace to its original appearance.
Comprising 68 guestrooms, a restaurant, bar, fitness room and three meeting spaces, the hotel takes its inspiration from Andalucía’s history, with interiors rich in Moorish influences, such as wall-mounted Cordobanes painted leatherworks – popular in the 16th and 17th century – with striking patterns and a deep colour palette. The rooms, some of which overlook the Cathedral, the Santiago Apostol church and Alcazaba, combine comfort with authentic charm by mixing neutral colours with bold prints and local Andalusían artwork. Textiles, including the espiga fabric with its herringbone design, have been reproduced from old photos of the palace interiors and used throughout. Close attention has been paid to small details such as door handles and bedside tables, to subtly reinforce the original character of the building.
Meanwhile, the hotel’s restaurant will be headed by Michelin-starred chef José Carlos García, a pioneer of modern Andalusian cooking and Málaga’s thriving gastronomy scene. Palacio Solecio will serve local Andalusian cuisine prepared with a fresh twist by García, while the setting will be casual with additional access from a separate street entrance.
The second phase of the hotel opening will see a further 49 guestrooms, rooftop bar and pool to follow in 2021.
