Barceló Hotel Group announces the opening of the city of Murcia’s first five-star hotel: Palacio San Juan, a Royal Hideaway Hotel. Owned by Grupo Fuertes, the property opens its doors following an ambitious, comprehensive restoration project that restores the unique building to its former glory while preserving highly valuable heritage elements such as the iconic San Juan Arch and the neoclassical elegance of the original architecture. The result is a destination in its own right: a place designed for those seeking to discover Murcia through a deeper, more authentic, and sophisticated lens.
Palacio San Juan, a Royal Hideaway Hotel, was created as a tribute to the history and character of Murcia. Its 70 rooms and suites, panoramic rooftop with a pool, dining venues, and every corner of the property have been designed to offer an experience that allows travellers to immerse themselves in the city’s cultural, architectural, and culinary richness.
From this privileged location in the heart of the historic centre, guests discover a radiant, creative, and surprising Murcia. It is a city defined by the legacy of its fertile agricultural plains, its Enlightenment-era heritage, and an increasingly acclaimed culinary scene, all of which find a new gateway at Palacio San Juan, a Royal Hideaway Hotel.
“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,” notes Gaspar Sáez, COO for Southern Spain and the Algarve at Barceló Hotel Group.
For Tomás Fuertes, President of Grupo Fuertes, “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.”
The opening of Palacio San Juan, a Royal Hideaway Hotel, will provide a new boost to the local economy, contributing to job creation and stimulating businesses linked to tourism, dining, and services. Based on impact indicators from the company’s existing establishments in the region, the new hotel is expected to generate nearly one hundred additional jobs and increase tourism-related economic activity. This contribution is part of Barceló Hotel Group’s commitment to generating a positive impact in the destinations where it operates, fostering local economic and social development.
Furthermore, Barceló Hotel Group’s focus on local suppliers will extend this impact to the Murcian business community. It is estimated that 80% of suppliers will be local and 22% will be sourced from the immediate vicinity, ensuring that the value generated by tourism activity remains within the destination.
A reclaimed legacy
The restoration of Palacio San Juan, a Royal Hideaway Hotel—led by architect Jesús Zafra, a native of Murcia—has reinterpreted the historic legacy of the Palacio de Floridablanca through a contemporary yet respectful lens. Fine woods, marble, natural textures, and a carefully curated selection of materials harmonise with the building’s original elements to create a serene, timeless atmosphere.
Each space has been designed to celebrate the property’s unique character while meeting the expectations of the modern traveller. The result is an experience where elegance is expressed through authenticity, privacy, and attention to detail—qualities that define the essence of Royal Hideaway Hotels & Resorts.
The hotel occupies the building that once served as the city residence of the Count of Floridablanca, one of the most influential figures of Enlightenment-era Spain. Today, this historic legacy is seamlessly integrated into a concept that transforms heritage into a living, contemporary experience.
Murcia’s vegetable garden elevated to a gastronomic experience
The culinary offering at Palacio San Juan, a Royal Hideaway Hotel, finds its ultimate expression at Ocra—a restaurant conceived as a contemporary tribute to the agricultural and culinary richness of the Region of Murcia. Its menu, crafted by renowned chef Juanlu Fernández—winner of two Michelin stars and two “Best Chef Awards Knives”—celebrates Murcia’s bounty with dishes full of character and unique nuances.
The experience culminates at Royal Heaven, the hotel’s rooftop, offering a fresh perspective on the city. Its panoramic pool, signature cocktail menu, and privileged views of the Cathedral make this space one of Murcia’s most exclusive new meeting spots.
The first Royal Hideaway Hotels & Resorts property in Murcia
The opening of Palacio San Juan, a Royal Hideaway Hotel, reinforces Barceló Hotel Group’s commitment to the Region of Murcia, where the company holds a leading position in terms of accommodation capacity and hotel presence. With this addition, the Group introduces its most exclusive brand—Royal Hideaway Hotels & Resorts—to the region for the first time, solidifying its dedication to developing high-value offerings rooted in excellence, authenticity, and the unique character of each destination.
Royal Hideaway Hotels & Resorts represents the most exclusive expression of Barceló Hotel Group. Its hotels are situated in exceptional locations and prioritise authenticity and attention to detail. The portfolio consists of unique properties linked to art and culture, featuring a spirit that blends the classic with the contemporary to reflect the extraordinary essence of each destination.
