Past and present coexist in a single place
We present our hotel of the month, the select ILUNION Mérida Palace
September 25, 2025
Mérida is one of Spain’s best World Heritage cities and boasts the only 5-star hotel located in Plaza de España: ILUNION Mérida Palace. We are looking at an exclusive hotel where its corners breathe history, so if you are traveling to Mérida for its historical appeal, this hotel fits perfectly with your trip.
Before we delve into its palatial origins, dating back to the 15th century, you should know that now, in the 21st century, the hotel has 76 modern rooms and a rooftop sundeck pool. Furthermore, to accompany moments of relaxation and self-care, you have access to a sauna and gym. The hotel welcomes visitors with delightful architecture that reflects the city’s history. In addition, the centerpiece of the building is its central courtyard. Due to its beauty, it is a highly sought-after space for events, those that leave a lasting impression. In the courtyard, guests can enjoy a glass of wine, have lunch, or dinner, as it is where the hotel restaurant serves its patrons.
And the ILUNION Mérida Palace is a witness to the history of this city, also having a privileged location for holding your events with multipurpose rooms. Just a short distance away, guests can visit key sites from the Roman era: the theatre, the amphitheater, the circus, and the aqueducts, in addition to experiencing the comfort offered by ILUNION Mérida Palace.
Once at the hotel, you can enjoy the wonderful local gastronomy or stroll along the Ribera del Guadiana. ILUNION Mérida Palace is only 10 minutes from the train station, 20 minutes from the bus station, and less than an hour from Badajoz airport.
Let’s learn the history of ILUNION Mérida Palace
This distinguished hotel is located in the center of Mérida, and its name comes from the union of two small palaces that are part of the city’s architectural complex: the Palacio de los Mendoza, from the 15th-16th centuries, and the Palacio de los Pacheco, from the beginning of the 19th century. Currently, both buildings embrace the city’s Plaza de España.
Palacio de los Vera-Mendoza
The building began its construction in the 15th century and is erected on ashlar stones from the Roman era.
Observing the facade, we can distinguish two styles: late Gothic and Renaissance. In the windows, the Gothic art can be distinguished by the style of its arches, and the Renaissance era is found when viewing the lintelled openings.
In the interior space, the Renaissance-style arcaded courtyard stands out. In this location, we find Talavera tiles, coming from the prestigious Luna workshop. In detail, these tiles represent scenes of the reconquest. In the courtyard, we find the Gothic and Baroque styles.
Finally, Luis de Mendoza ordered the construction of the building in the 15th century.
Pachecos Palace
Once again, history takes us to the 19th century; we are looking at a three-story neoclassical building. One of the most visited places is its courtyard next to the entrance, which was built in the second decade of the 20th century and is in the Neo-Arabic style.
To understand the context of the time and the union of both buildings, we tell you that King Alfonso XXII stayed in his palace during a visit to the mayor of Mérida, Carlos Pacheco y Lerdo de Tejada.
When Alonso Pacheco, owner of the two palaces, passed away, upon establishing the will, his inheritance passed to Carlos Pacheco Lerdo de Tejada (mayor of Mérida), who received the Palacio de Los Pacheco, and to his sister Josefina Pacheco Lerdo de Tejada, who received the Palacio de Los Mendoza.
As time passed, Josefina married the Count of Burnay, who was the last owner of the building, until it was bought by Luis Simancas, who abandoned its domestic use in 1960 to transform it into the Hotel Emperatriz.
We invite you to enjoy the comfort and attention to detail at ILUNION Mérida Palace. Let us advise you so that your event is perfect and resonates among your guests, while you stroll through a city that whispers its history to you in every corner.
