Barceló Hotel Group has opened Palacio San Juan, a Royal Hideaway Hotel, following an extensive restoration of the historic Palacio de Floridablanca in Murcia.
Owned by Grupo Fuertes, the 70-room hotel is the city’s first five-star property and marks the debut of Barceló Hotel Group’s Royal Hideaway Hotels & Resorts brand in the Region of Murcia.
The restoration has retained significant architectural features including the San Juan Arch and elements of the building’s original neoclassical design.
Located in Murcia’s historic centre, the property comprises 70 rooms and suites alongside dining venues and a rooftop with a swimming pool and views across the city.
Gaspar Sáez, COO for Southern Spain and the Algarve at Barceló Hotel Group, said: “Palacio San Juan, a Royal Hideaway Hotel was created with the aim of becoming one of those places capable of defining a destination.
“The restoration of the historic Palacio de Floridablanca offers us the opportunity to present a unique concept that combines heritage, contemporary luxury, and a deep connection to Murcia’s identity.
“Gastronomy is a key pillar of this vision. With Ocra, we have created an experience that celebrates local produce, talent, and the richness of the Murcian huerta — designed not only for hotel guests but also for the people of Murcia seeking new venues to enjoy fine dining and a style of hospitality that is both authentic and exceptional.”
The building was formerly the city residence of the Count of Floridablanca, a prominent figure in Enlightenment-era Spain.
Architect Jesús Zafra, who is from Murcia, led the restoration, combining original architectural elements with woods, marble, natural textures and contemporary materials.
Tomás Fuertes, President of Grupo Fuertes, said: “Restoring the Palacio de Floridablanca is a hugely rewarding project and represents a firm commitment to the city of Murcia.
“Restoring this jewel of Murcian heritage and transforming it into the city’s first five-star hotel allows us not only to celebrate our history but also to boost high-quality tourism in the Region of Murcia, in partnership with a world-class operator like Barceló Hotel Group.”
Food and beverage forms a central part of the new hotel through Ocra, a restaurant developed around produce from the Region of Murcia.
Its menu has been created by chef Juanlu Fernández, who holds two Michelin stars and two Best Chef Awards Knives.
The hotel’s rooftop venue, Royal Heaven, incorporates a panoramic swimming pool, cocktail offer and views towards Murcia Cathedral.
Barceló Hotel Group expects the property to support nearly 100 additional jobs and said approximately 80% of its suppliers are expected to be based locally, with 22% sourced from the immediate area.
The opening strengthens Barceló Hotel Group’s existing presence in Murcia while introducing its Royal Hideaway Hotels & Resorts brand to the region for the first time.
Associated Articles
Hotel Amigo Unveils New Grand Place Suites and Redesigned Blaton Suite
Provides a close heritage-hotel comparison, with Hotel Amigo in Brussels recently completing the transformation of three suites using Belgian craftsmanship, locally sourced materials and design references drawn from the city’s artistic and architectural history.
Hotel Amigo Unveils New Grand Place Suites and Redesigned Blaton Suite
Montcalm Royal London House Joins Marriott’s Autograph Collection
Adds further heritage-led hotel context, with Montcalm Royal London House using its former life as Royal Mail headquarters to shape a newly refurbished 253-room property built around local history, contemporary art and a distinctive sense of place.
Montcalm Royal London House Joins Marriott’s Autograph Collection
Experience Hospitality Service Robotics Live in Action at Robot Week
Hospitality and catering operators can explore emerging service technology during Robot Week in London, with dedicated sessions on 9 and 10 September covering robotics across food and drink service, coffee, cooking, cleaning and back-of-house operations.
Experience hospitality service robotics live in action at Robot Week
