Madrid’s Most Iconic Hotel
Craig Hough visited Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid, a luxury Belle Époque palace in the city’s famed Golden Triangle of Art
History
For over 114 years, the property has long been a pinnacle of style and luxury in Madrid. A lively gathering place for Spanish high society, the hotel’s restaurants and bars are a constant buzz of activity. A firm favourite with European royalty, the Ritz was opened by King Alfonso XIII and his wife Victoria Eugene of Battenberg in 1910 to host nobility and the cream of society. Over the years the hotel has hosted many royal visitors - from Royal Family of Monaco to Prince Charles and Princess Diana - and has also welcomed a who’s who of Hollywood stars including Sofia Loren, Orson Welles, Warren Beatty and Julia Roberts. Mandarin Oriental Ritz is the place to be seen in Madrid.
Rooms and Suites
With 100 elegantly designed rooms and 53 spacious suites, designed by Paris-based studio Gilles & Boissier, décor exudes a classic, contemporary feel with a soothing colour palette, luxurious fabrics and modern design accents. Views stretch out over the city, with some rooms and suites boasting private balconies overlooking the Prado Museum and the Plaza de la Lealtad.
All the rooms are large and light with oversized beds encased in exquisite linen. Bathrooms have marble floors and walls of an almost pure-white Dolomite stone, with rain showers and a stand alone bath.
Each suite also benefits from a butler service that can prepare your bath - complete with rose petals and candles - or create a delicious cocktail. For families, there are interconnecting room options available and the hotel is incredibly welcoming to guests of all ages despite its city centre location.
Food and Beverage
As a gastronomic destination, Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid offers five restaurants and bars, all headed up by esteemed Spanish chef Quique Dacosta, including Deessa, the gastronomic restaurant awarded two Michelin stars only eighteen months after opening its doors.
César Ritz introduced the concept of afternoon tea to Madrid and it has been brought back to be enjoyed in the hotel’s leafy Palm Court. Offering scones, clotted cream, sandwiches and pastries, you can admire the carefully restored crystal canopy ceiling and the fragmented mirror, which is a contemporary version of Velázquez’s mirror in Las Meninas.
The à la carte breakfast is served in the Dining Room, offering something for every appetite. There’s an extensive à la carte menu, continental, Ritz and Royal Breakfast with healthier options also available.
One of the highlights of the visit was sitting in the beautiful El Jardín del Ritz with Moët & Chandon which is a stylish al fresco destination. Serving a signature amuse-bouche tapas menu alongside a host of creative cocktails, mocktails and wine, it’s a gorgeous place to watch the world go by whilst enjoying a small dish and something fizzy.
Facilities
The new state-of-the-art wellness centre at Mandarin Oriental Ritz Madrid provides the perfect sanctuary from the city. I chose a quiet morning and enjoyed both the sleek indoor swimming pool and vitality pool to myself. It was heaven. The wellness centre also had a gym that would appeal to fitness types and a dedicated treatment room offering guests a wide range of packages to fully unwind.
My Experience
From the moment you step into Mandarin Oriental Ritz Madrid, you walk into a world of art, elegance and gastronomy, all wrapped in impeccable service. The classic sense of style acknowledges the country’s rich artistic heritage. This spectacular property is the epitome of luxury and excellence, book now and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Inspiring Travel offers a three-night break to Mandarin Oriental Ritz Madrid from £1,549pp based on two sharing a Superior Room on a room only basis, and including return economy class flights from London Heathrow and private transfers.
For more information or to book see: inspiringtravel.co.uk / 01244 729525
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