Historic Hotel
Questionnaire
Year erected: 1917
What is the history of the property?
The history of the Hotel Real is told in a similar way to that of the city of Santander. During its hundred years of life, the hotel has battled storms and hurricanes; it has survived the great fire of Santander and a civil war. It has also been part of the happiest moments of the city and its inhabitants, hosting great festivities and important monarchic, political and cultural receptions.
King Alfonso XIII received the preliminary project for the construction of the hotel on 4 September 1915 from the architect Javier González de Riancho, who proposed that the building be located on the site the monarch had in mind, between Avenida de la Reina Victoria and Paseo de Pérez Galdós.
An initial project is proposed for a luxurious hotel of solid and elegant construction. It would consist of six floors, four of which would be used as bedrooms, with a group of rooms, all with en-suite bathrooms.
The hotel would be surrounded by a park and from its terraces there would be a view of the sea and its coastline. On 18 September, the final approval of the site was obtained and Javier González de Riancho's project was accepted. The tender was awarded to a Basque contractor who undertook to have the works completed by 31 March 1917.
On 26 February 1916, the Sociedad Anónima del Hotel Real was created and constituted, which would be responsible for the purchase of the land, the construction, management and operation of the hotel.
What was the era and/or the architectural style in which the property was built?
The Hotel Real was built at the beginning of the 20th century. It still conserves its original structure. It has seven floors, including the basement and the main floor. The main floor consists of a succession of large galleries, terraces and lounges decorated with elements inspired by the English Georgian, Adams and French Louis XVI styles. All of them are representative of neoclassicism, although, in the architect's words, "treated with the sparseness characteristic of grand hotels".
This neoclassical style can be perceived throughout the hotel, with decorative details designed by the architect himself, such as the classic furniture in fine wood, which is in excellent condition.
Is the property surrounded by other historic buildings?
The Eurostars Hotel Real 5*G.L., which faces the Playa de los Peligros beach, towers over the bay of Santander from atop the hill on which it stands, surrounded by its own gardens and resting in the heart of Santander's most peaceful and emblematic area, between the historic city centre and the Sardinero beach.
Has restoration work taken place?
The Eurostars Hotel Real 5*G.L. underwent several refurbishments throughout its history. The most notable was between 1987 and 1988, with a transformation that enabled it to be open all year round. During this period, all the floors were remodelled and the reception was enlarged. The east terrace was also enclosed to make a lounge-dining room and the roof of the hotel was renovated.
Since 1995, the hotel's original furniture has been restored every two years. In 1997, the lounges of the suites and the Royal Suite were redecorated, as well as the Royal Hall and the main floor.
Are there any elements of particular historical importance at the building?
The dome of the Eurostars Hotel Real 5*G.L. is destined for one of the best rooms in the building, the master suite. With its circular shape and great height, it is one of the best spaces in the hotel, with an almost panoramic view of Santander and its bay.
Another highlight is the upper terrace, which occupies an area of 1,700 square metres.
Are there any important guests or previous owners worth mentioning?
The Hotel Real has hosted the Royal Family and a huge list of illustrious guests. These include writers Rafael Alberti and Jorge Luis Borges, singers Plácido Domingo and Montserrat Caballé and cyclist Miguel Indurain.
Are there any significant events that took place at the property in the past?
In 1922 the Hotel Real became the seat of the Argentine embassy with President Marcelo Alvear.
In 1929 the airline pilots Lewis and Williams landed in Santander after flying over the Atlantic Ocean from Maine (USA). One of them stayed at the Hotel Real.
During the Spanish Civil War, the Hotel Real became a General Hospital for the wounded.
On 15 February 1941, the historic Santander fire broke out, affecting the city centre in particular. The Hotel Real was spared from the flames, but suffered damage.
