This is what it’s like to experience a major blackout in a Hotel
On April 28, Spain and neighboring countries experienced the largest blackout in history. Entire cities plunged into darkness, communications were cut off, transportation came to a standstill, and many essential services stopped functioning.
Meanwhile, the story at ILUNION Hotels was different.
As soon as the power supply failed, our teams activated emergency protocols. Thanks to diesel-powered generators, the common areas of the hotels remained operational: elevators continued to work, emergency lights stayed on, and, most importantly, the fire protection system was secured.
Guest rooms, however, remained in darkness—a planned measure to prioritize energy use in essential communal spaces. The result? A spirit of collaboration and warmth turned the event into an unexpectedly human experience.
“We’ve faced other critical moments, like Storm Filomena, when supply chains were disrupted, and we had to adapt daily. That experience taught us that being prepared isn’t enough—you also need to know how to provide support”, explains Juan Antonio García, Regional Director at ILUNION Hotels.
Gas Kitchens, Warm Meals
At ILUNION Hotels, the blackout didn’t leave anyone without a hot meal. Thanks to our gas kitchens, we were able to maintain food service as usual.
In past challenges, such as during Storm Filomena, we learned to reinvent menus with limited resources. That experience taught us that a hot meal can be much more than food—it can bring peace of mind.
The power outage also threatened the water supply, but the hotels’ internal water tanks and bottled water reserves ensured uninterrupted operations. From showers to basic hydration, everything continued seamlessly.
A major blackout tests more than just infrastructure—it tests people’s ability to adapt and care for others.
At ILUNION Hotels, every team member responded with agility, empathy, and commitment, ensuring that each guest felt accompanied, informed, and safe at all times.
When everything outside goes dark, having a place that remains “lit” from within—through preparation and dedicated people—makes all the difference.
In the end, a well-prepared hotel doesn’t just provide basic services during an emergency—it offers calm, human care, and the reassurance that, no matter what happens, you’re in good hands. Because when everything else fails, there are places that not only stand strong but continue to take care of you.
