In the heart of Madrid, a unique energy pulsates during the Christmas festivities, especially on Epiphany Eve, one of the city’s most emblematic celebrations. Puerta del Sol, an epicenter of gatherings and traditions, is preparing for a very special event this year: the anticipated reopening of ‘La Fonda de los Príncipes’, a historic hotel that, after more than a century and a half of history, will once again welcome guests on January 5, 2026. This return signifies not only the recovery of an architectural symbol but also the continuation of a tradition that has accompanied generations of Madrilenians and travelers.
A New Era for Madrid’s Historic Hotel
The reopening of this hotel is spearheaded by Alberto Gutiérrez, founder of Civitatis, and marks the beginning of a new chapter for what was the first grand hotel in Puerta del Sol. After 18 months of rehabilitation, the building reclaims both its original name and its hotel vocation, solidifying its position as the only accommodation in the square that has maintained its function almost continuously since the 19th century. “La Fonda de los Príncipes is not just accommodation; it’s a part of Madrid’s history,” affirmed Gutiérrez, emphasizing the important link between the hotel and the city.
Living History in Puerta del Sol
Since its inauguration in 1861, ‘La Fonda de los Príncipes’ has witnessed the transformation of Madrid and daily life in Puerta del Sol. Conceived from its origins as a high-category hotel, the building was specifically designed to meet the new forms of travel emerging in the Spanish capital. In this way, it aligned with the standards of major European cities and contributed to consolidating the square as the city’s main hotel hub.
Over more than 150 years, the hotel has gone through different stages and names, reflecting the social, cultural, and economic changes of each era. From 19th-century luxury to early 20th-century cosmopolitanism, through periods of adaptation and resilience, ‘La Fonda de los Príncipes’ has managed to maintain its essence: to host those who wished to experience Madrid from its epicenter. Its balconies, with privileged views of the square, have become one of its hallmarks and a permanent window to the city’s pulse.
Epiphany Eve Reopening: A Symbolic Choice
It is no coincidence that the reopening takes place on Epiphany Eve, a date full of symbolism in Madrid. Every year, from this enclave, the New Year’s Eve chimes are broadcast, gathering millions of people both in the square and through television, marking the beginning of a new year. The choice of this moment for the return of ‘La Fonda de los Príncipes’ reinforces its connection to Madrid’s history and traditions.
The reopening project is based on a clear vision: “Recovering this space and reopening it on Epiphany Eve, in such a symbolic place as Puerta del Sol, is a way of giving back to the city a place that has always been part of its life. The goal has been to respect its essence and history, but adapt it to a modern way of traveling, where the value lies in experiencing destinations and not just staying in them,” highlighted Alberto Gutiérrez. This perspective seeks to make the hotel not just a place of rest, but a living space that dialogues with the city and its traditions.
A Hotel with a Future-Oriented Vocation
The return of ‘La Fonda de los Príncipes’ comes after a rehabilitation process that has lasted more than eighteen months, during which work has been done to restore the building to its original splendor and to adapt its facilities to the needs of the contemporary traveler. With this, the hotel projects itself into the future, maintaining its historical legacy and positioning itself as an active part of modern Madrid.
The reopening also represents a recognition of the importance of preserving the identity of historic spaces. ‘La Fonda de los Príncipes’ represents not only a fundamental chapter in the city’s hotel history but also an example of how it is possible to combine respect for the past and innovation. Thus, the hotel reintegrates into the life of Puerta del Sol, offering Madrilenians and visitors the opportunity to experience the city from one of its most iconic enclaves.
Other ongoing hotel projects in Madrid include the transformation of the protected Casa Palazuelo into a luxury hotel on Calle Mayor, 4, a project by the Pablo Palazuelo Foundation, set to open in late 2025 or early 2026 [elconfidencial.com](https://www.elconfidencial.com/inmobiliario/hoteles/2025-10-30/fundacion-exjefe-patrimonio-nacional-madrid-puerta-sol-madrid_4238460/) [timeout.es](https://www.timeout.es/madrid/es/noticias/este-emblematico-y-centenario-edificio-protegido-obra-del-gran-arquitecto-de-madrid-sera-el-proximo-hotel-de-lujo-junto-a-la-puerta-del-sol-110125). Additionally, the iconic Metrópolis building will reopen as ‘Club Metrópolis’ on January 21, 2026, featuring a private club, a boutique hotel, and seven gastronomic spaces [larazon.es](https://www.larazon.es/madrid/metropolis-vuelve-vida-madrid-hay-fecha-apertura_20251212693c1eabea66eb73530fb9c4.html). Another classic Madrid hotel in the Argüelles neighborhood also reopened recently after a 51 million euro investment [expansion.com](https://www.expansion.com/fueradeserie/viajes/2025/10/22/68da4c7e468aebc2188b458c.html).
Source: [infobae.com](https://www.infobae.com/espana/viajes/2026/01/05/el-historico-hotel-de-madrid-que-reabre-sus-puertas-en-la-noche-de-reyes-y-es-el-mejor-testigo-de-las-campanadas/)
