HISTORY
With these words, the papers from the time celebrated the inauguration of one of the most charming hotels in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, at the end of the nineteenth century.
Its building was justified, not only by the intention to increase the city's tourisitic offer, but rather by all those English ships that, searching for fortune, arrived to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria harbour to rest, on their way to Africa.
So, motivated by the necessity to create a new resting place where the relatives of the British adventurers living in Africa could comfortably stay, the English company "Gran Canaria Island Company Limited" began the building of the hotel in 1882, according to the prestigious Irish architect Mr. McLaren's plans.
Eight years later, in January, 1890, Santa Catalina hotel was inaugurated, with full particulars, according to the refined English society's requirements.
In the course of the years, this special building, main part of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria's heritage, has been acquiring an obvious Canarian style, due to the renovation work led by the prominent Canarian architect Miguel Martín Fernández de la Torre.
Paintings by another great Canarian artist can be contemplated. This artist is D. Jesús Arencibia, who has contributed to create that majestic atmosphere which characterizes Santa Catalina Hotel.
Due to this special atmosphere we are commenting about and also due to the hotel's privileged and beautiful location, many illustrious people have selected our hotel as their accommodation place during their visits to the island. We could highlight: Sir Winston Churchil, María Callas, Agatha Christie, Gregory Peck, Prince Charles of England, but also prime ministers and presidents, such as D. Felipe González y D. José María Aznar, the Spanish Royal Family, the President of China, the Princes of Asturias, among others.
