A Baroque palace transformed into a luxury hotel experience
In the heart of Haro, the historic capital of Rioja Alta, stands the Palacio de los Ángeles, a 17th-century gem of civil Baroque architecture that, after decades of disuse, has been reborn as a five-star boutique hotel. This architectural project, led by Inarsa—with Trenchs Studio responsible for the interior design and managed by the Majestic Hotel Group—transforms a historic building into a new benchmark for luxury hospitality, blending architectural heritage with a sophisticated, contemporary design.
Creative Concept: A Dialogue Between History and the Present
The design is rooted in a deep respect for the palace’s cultural and architectural heritage. The renovation does not seek to compete with the original Baroque style, but rather to reinterpret it through a timeless lens, incorporating fine materials, natural textures, and carefully curated lighting that reveals the building’s history without sacrificing modern comfort.
Haro’s winemaking tradition also takes center stage. Wine, the soul of the region, inspires details in the common areas and is embodied in the wine-gastro bar and the underground cellar—a unique space designed for events and sensory experiences connected to the world of wine.
A Tour of the Spaces
The lobby is designed as a grand, romantic hall that preserves the palatial essence while incorporating domestic elements to make it warm and inviting. The coffered ceilings in dark wood create a visual rhythm that lends character and depth to the space, while the original stone walls interact with the contemporary furnishings in a respectful and elegant contrast.
In the center, a unique piece—an antique table—welcomes and greets guests, guiding the eye toward the lit fireplace in the background, which serves as a focal point and evokes the palace’s former private salons. On both sides, seating areas have been arranged with sofas upholstered in shades of olive and beige, accompanied by round wooden and marble tables with table lamps that provide warm, focused lighting.
The space is complemented by built-in bookshelves, where decorative objects and books lend a relaxed, homey feel—more akin to a private library than a conventional lobby. Everything is designed so that guests experience an intimate and welcoming atmosphere that softens the grandeur of the historic building and transforms it into an ideal place to linger, converse, and enjoy their time.
The reception desk, located discreetly at the back, is integrated into the spatial narrative, serving as a focal point without intruding on the overall atmosphere. It is the first gesture of hospitality, presented with the same quiet sophistication that characterizes the entire hotel.
The wine bar is a understated and authentic space that celebrates the winemaking tradition of the Rioja Alta region through a contemporary design language.
The wine bar’s design revolves around the central bar as its focal point, clad in dark wood panels that add texture and depth.
The large perimeter wine cellar, made of iron and glass, lends a sense of lightness and delineates the space toward the restaurant without completely enclosing it. All the wines are displayed and stored in this wine cellar so that guests can experience the essence of Rioja wine in a contemporary yet warm atmosphere that combines historic grandeur with touches of comfort.
The restaurant maintains the aesthetic continuity of the lobby with dark coffered ceilings and natural stone floors, creating a cohesive and elegant atmosphere. On one side, large windows framed by heavy curtains allow soft, filtered light to enter, reinforcing the intimate character of the space.
In the center stands a restored antique buffet, which serves as the centerpiece for breakfast service and culinary events, set on a floor that combines stone with handcrafted ceramic details, evoking the traditional floors of stately homes. This piece complements the contemporary-style tables and chairs, balancing tradition and modernity to offer comfort without losing its historical identity.
In the background, the copper-toned fireplace evokes the atmosphere of old palace kitchens. Above it, a carefully curated selection of antique copper pots reinforces the culinary narrative, connecting the modern dining experience with the palace’s domestic heritage.
The walls, adorned with aged mirrors, reflect light and visually expand the space, while warm lighting highlights every detail of the table and furnishings. The result is a cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere that invites guests to enjoy a leisurely dining experience deeply rooted in the venue’s history.
The wine bar and restaurant will be managed by brothers Ignacio and Carlos Echapresto of the two-Michelin-starred Venta Moncalvillo restaurant in Daroca, La Rioja.
The garden is a private oasis in the heart of Haro’s historic district—a unique luxury in the city. Surrounded by the palace’s historic stonework and carefully arranged vegetation, it offers a secluded and exclusive setting for guests.
The outdoor dining area features tables, armchairs, and cushioned benches in neutral and green tones, creating various gathering spots. The hexagonal paving tiles and flower planters soften the space’s geometric lines, adding freshness and color to the overall design.
A highlight is the outdoor bar, featuring a counter clad in geometric ceramic tiles and covered by a light canopy reminiscent of old-fashioned garden pavilions. This bar serves as a gathering spot and energizes outdoor social life, while maintaining consistency with the sophisticated style of the interior.
The pool, located beyond the dining area, complements the garden as a place for relaxation and well-being, offering a peaceful and secluded setting. At night, warm lighting frames the stone walls and highlights the vegetation, transforming the space into an intimate and elegant setting.
This garden not only enhances the hotel’s dining and leisure experience but also makes it a unique enclave: a green haven in the heart of the city, where the historic and the contemporary come together in perfect balance.
Central Courtyard
As part of the architectural renovation, the interior of the palace was gutted, leaving only the Baroque façade intact, which made it possible to create a central courtyard that connects the vertical circulation routes via elevators and staircases. This understated, contemporary space combines stone and warm wood, serving as a bright, welcoming gathering place that connects the different floors.
The guest rooms reflect the same theme that runs throughout the hotel: a balance between the palace’s historic character, homey warmth, and contemporary design. Each room combines original stone walls with soft, neutral-toned finishes, while the dark wood coffered ceilings lend identity and continuity to the design. The natural wood herringbone floors reinforce the sense of comfort and timeless elegance.
In the standard rooms, understated elegance is complemented by thoughtful details: beds dressed in natural textiles in warm hues, soft lighting that creates a cozy atmosphere, and relaxing nooks by the windows that frame views of the historic district or the garden.
The suites enhance this experience by incorporating freestanding stone bathtubs, integrated into open-concept bathrooms that add a touch of sophistication and well-being. In some, metal-framed canopy beds define the space with a romantic and elegant air, while sofas and armchairs upholstered in soft tones and featuring more contemporary shapes create seating areas for enjoying a peaceful stay.
The apartments located in the annex building offer a more residential experience. They feature a living room with an open-concept kitchen, maintaining the same aesthetic of fine materials and contemporary furnishings that complement the historic textures. They are ideal for guests seeking greater independence without sacrificing the hotel’s services and exclusive atmosphere.
In all room types, the lighting has been carefully designed to highlight textures and create intimate atmospheres. The décor features black-and-white photographs of landscapes from the Rioja Alta, reinforcing the connection to the region. The result is a collection of serene, warm, and functional spaces that invite guests to relax and unwind.
Finally, the hotel features an intimate spa, conceived as a wellness retreat that complements the hospitality experience. Located in one of the palace’s former rooms, this space continues the theme of fine, warm materials, adapted to a more sensory and relaxing atmosphere
. The spa features two massage rooms designed for individual treatments, a relaxation area with lounge chairs upholstered in neutral tones, a dry sauna, a steam room, and a small indoor hot tub that visually connects to an outdoor terrace. The design prioritizes privacy and serenity, with adjustable lighting that allows the atmosphere to be tailored to the moment and the type of treatment.
The milled oak paneling, natural stone, and handcrafted ceramic accents add texture and elegance. Every detail reinforces the sense of understated luxury.
Although compact in size, this spa offers a complete experience that invites you to pause and take care of yourself, transforming into a haven of tranquility amid the hustle and bustle of city life.
Underground Cellar
This unique space serves as a multipurpose venue for private events, wine tastings, and sensory experiences that connect with Haro’s winemaking tradition.
Materiality and Atmosphere
The palette of materials celebrates elegance and authenticity: oak wood, local stone, soft stucco, and textiles in neutral tones that honor the historic essence of the space. Indirect lighting highlights volumes and textures, creating warm and timeless atmospheres.
Conclusion
The Hotel Palacio de los Ángeles is much more than an architectural renovation: it is the restoration of a historic heritage site to project it into the future. Through an interior design that balances romanticism, tradition, and modernity, the project offers a unique experience in the Rioja Alta, integrating hospitality, gastronomy, culture, and wellness.
The Majestic Hotel Group’s management ensures that every detail of the experience maintains the highest standards of quality and personalization, in keeping with the spirit of the project. Every space—from the lobby to the guest rooms, from the wine bar to the spa—is designed to evoke emotions and create lasting memories for those who experience it.
The combination of fine materials, carefully designed lighting, and a constant connection to history and winemaking tradition make this hotel a new landmark for Haro, providing added value for both its visitors and the city.
As a whole, the project demonstrates how timelessness and authenticity can coexist with sophistication and contemporary comfort, offering a destination that transcends a simple stay to become a complete sensory and cultural experience.
Team:
Creative Director: Ricard Trenchs
Project Manager: Roser Ribas
Contributors: Wenceslao Calero, Omar Gonzalez, Lorena Martinez, Francesc Ricart
Photographer: Enric Clara Badrinas
