Origins and Early Years
The Hotel Majestic, a landmark of Barcelona, boasts a rich history dating back to its opening in 1918. Its inception can be traced to Ércole Cacciami, an Italian entrepreneur who arrived in Barcelona in 1874. Starting his career as an apprentice in the hospitality industry, Cacciami's dedication and entrepreneurial spirit led him to run and eventually purchase Hotel Europe. In 1897, he opened Hotel Inglaterra at Calle Fontanella, which quickly gained a reputation as one of Spain's premier hotels.
Encouraged by the success of Hotel Inglaterra, Cacciami launched the Majestic Hotel Inglaterra in April 1918. The opening was a significant social event, announced by the local newspaper Diario de Barcelona. By 1921, Cacciami sold the hotel to Martín Casals Galcerán, who owned the adjacent building at 68 Paseo de Gracia. Despite the change in ownership, the hotel's prestige continued to grow under the management of various Italian professionals, including Gaudenzio and Gabriele Martinetti and later Luís Scatti.
A Hub of Historical Events
The Hotel Majestic played a notable role during significant historical moments. During the Spanish Civil War, it served as a hub for war correspondents covering the Battle of the Ebro in 1938. The hotel was requisitioned by the Catalan government’s propaganda department, hosting prominent figures such as Antonio Machado and numerous foreign journalists.
In the late 1950s, Martín Casals Galcerán undertook an extensive refurbishment and enlargement project. This renovation included the addition of advanced services, such as simultaneous translation, which were innovative for the time. Following Casals Galcerán’s death in 1963, his daughter María Esperanza and her husband, Oleguer Soldevila I Godó, continued to modernize and expand the hotel.
Mid-20th Century to Modern Day
The 1970s marked the completion of a significant expansion, adding a new building to the original structure and increasing the room count to 340. In preparation for Barcelona’s international spotlight during the 1992 Olympic Games, the hotel underwent another major refurbishment in 1994. This project revitalized the hotel's façade, bar, buffet area, hall, meeting rooms, and overall decor. By 1999, the hotel had 303 spacious, modern rooms, ready to welcome guests from around the world.
In the late 1990s, the Hotel Majestic earned the nickname "hotel of the arts" for hosting the international exhibition "New Art," which showcased works by young avant-garde artists. This exhibition received significant media attention, further cementing the hotel’s status as a cultural hub.
Recent Developments
The Hotel Majestic continues to be managed by the Soldevila-Casals family, preserving its legacy while embracing modernity. In the 2010s, the hotel welcomed Queen María Cristina, adding another distinguished guest to its storied history. Throughout its existence, the Hotel Majestic has not only maintained its historical charm but has also adapted to contemporary standards, ensuring it remains a premier destination in Barcelona.
