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.