MEMORABLE TRAVELLERS OF LA FONDA DE LOS PRÍNCIPES

1. 1862

   Hans Christian Andersen

   

   The first memorable traveller to visit La Fonda de los Príncipes was Hans Christian Andersen, the Danish writer who stayed in 1862, just one year after the building opened.

   In his book «A Visit to Spain», he acknowledges being as impressed by how luxurious and modern La Fonda was as by the infernal noise of Puerta del Sol, which he described as an anthill beneath his feet. Water carriers, stagecoaches, vendors, and gatherings were part of daily life.

   Andersen sought the soul of Madrid, was thrilled to watch the life of the square from the balconies, and was fascinated by the contrast between the bustle of the street and the peace of the interior.

2. 1866

   Henry Blackburn

   Four years later, in 1866, Henry Blackburn, art critic for the London Society, stayed here to write his book «Travelling in Spain in the Present Day». From these very balconies he observed sunrises and sunsets over Puerta del Sol, which he would portray in his book.

   We find it curious how his travel guide remains very relevant today. You can discover this for yourselves by asking for a copy of the book at reception.

3. 1882

   Sarah Bernhardt

   

   In April 1882 we had the pleasure of welcoming Sarah Bernhardt, the diva of Belle Époque theatre and one of the first global celebrities. She was the most famous actress in the world at the time and stayed with us for her Madrid debut at the Teatro Español. She remained in Madrid for two weeks.

   As a curiosity, on 30 April 1882, Sarah sent a letter from our hotel to Alexandre Dumas (son), creator of La Dame aux Camélias, to obtain the rights to perform the work throughout the year:

   I will perform La Dame aux Camélias for twelve months of the year. I affirm this. It is my desire, my will, and if you place no obstacles in my way, so it shall be. I am absolutely determined.

   Since leaving France I have cherished the hope of performing your masterpiece with tremendous success in Paris.

   Speaking of her trip to Madrid, in her memoirs she literally says:

   The next day I set off for Madrid with a letter for the owner of the Hôtel de la Puerta del Sol. We were given lovely rooms, and I sent messengers with Madame Rudcowitz’s letters. I spent a fortnight in Madrid and was greatly welcomed and feted. I attended all the bullfights and was fascinated by them. I had the honour of being invited to a great bullfight held in honour of Victor Emmanuel, who was at that time a guest of the Queen of Spain.

   I forgot Paris, my sorrows, my disappointments, my ambitions and everything else, and I wanted to live in Spain.

   A telegram from Madame Guérard made me change all my plans. It informed me that my mother was very ill. I packed my bags and wanted to leave at once, but once the hotel bill was paid, I had not a penny left to pay for the train journey.

   The hotel owner bought me two tickets, prepared a basket of provisions and handed me two hundred francs at the station, telling me he had received instructions from Madame Rudcowitz to ensure I lacked for nothing. She and her husband were, without doubt, charming people.

4. 1886

   Pierre Loti

   

   Shortly after, in 1886, the French writer and naval officer Pierre Loti, on his honeymoon, stayed at our hotel between 24 and 27 October before continuing his journey to Andalusia. On the way back, the newlyweds stayed one more night, on 7 November 1886.

   As a curiosity, Pierre Loti was one of the most widely travelled people of his era, reaching places as distant as Japan, China, India and Polynesia.

5. 1897

   Chulalongkorn I — Rama V

   

   In 1897 we welcomed Chulalongkorn I, the King of Thailand, then called Siam. He came to Madrid in October 1897 at the age of 44, and his visit revolutionised the capital.

   The fifth monarch of the Chakri dynasty was immensely wealthy, spoke French, English and German, wore a British-made frock coat and greeted people by ceremoniously removing his hat. It is said that the working-class people of Madrid called him «the Great Chulón».

6. 1902

   Paul Bourget and European royalty

   On 17 May 1902, during the celebrations for Alfonso XIII’s coming of age, Madrid was filled with ambassadors, representatives and foreign princes. Of these visitors, some stayed at the Palace, others in aristocratic homes, and the rest in our hotel, then called the Hotel de la Paix.

   During those days, Infanta Isabel, known as la Chata, gathered with the princes of the blood and, looking at the Puerta del Sol from our balconies, reminisced with them about the great ovation she had received there after her wedding.

   At the same time, alongside all the royalty, the celebrated French writer Paul Bourget also stayed with us — one of the most influential novelists in Europe and a five-time candidate for the Nobel Prize in Literature.

7. ~1910

   Titta Ruffo & Giuseppe Anselmi

   Around 1910, our rooms also welcomed Titta Ruffo, the most famous baritone in the world at the beginning of the 20th century, known as «the voice of the lion», and Giuseppe Anselmi, one of the most famous tenors in Europe and an idol of the Madrid public for years.

8. 1919 – 1921

   Jorge Luis Borges

   

   The most internationally known guest is the Argentine writer and poet Jorge Luis Borges, who between 1919 and 1921, staying at what was then called the Pensión Americana, wrote his first ultraist poems.

   You can see a commemorative plaque on the exterior of the building.

   Borges’s room is number 416, on the fourth floor, on the corner with 3 balconies overlooking Tetuán and Carmen streets.

And now, you.