Mandarin Oriental Ritz Madrid

BACKGROUND Mandarin Oriental acquired Hotel Ritz for US$150 million in 2015 in a joint venture with the Olayan Group. It then underwent a $115 renovation and reopened in April 2021. Originally designed and built under the supervision of legendary hotelier César Ritz, the hotel first opened its doors in 1910. With Spanish architect, Rafael de La-Hoz instrumental in the historical restoration, enhancing its facilities and services while preserving the unique Belle Époque character of the original building, it has emerged as a chic and contemporary residential-style property.

WHAT’S IT LIKE? It is sequestered behind trees, but the magnificent façade of this hotel cannot be missed once you’re on Pl. de la Lealtad. The Belle Époque era is referenced throughout, from the windows to the iron work. Inside, the green and cream colourways, conceived by French designers, Gilles & Boissier, not only enhance the historical aesthetic, but create a warmth that matches the welcoming Spanish hospitality.

WHERE IS IT? Located in the centre of Madrid, it’s adjacent to the Prado Museum, renowned for its visual art and sculptures, the Thyssen-Bornemiza Museum and the Madrid Stock Exchange. Conveniently, it sits at the entrance to the Castellana, a long and wide boulevard that houses Spain’s financial institutions, so the hotel regularly plays host to business meetings and events. ROOMS There are 153 guestrooms and suites. The Junior Suite with cream-toned décor has two windows that flood the spacious area, which includes a living space with sofa,. If you’re willing to splurge, the Turret Suite has a magnificent circular living room, ideal for socialising, and a luxurious marble bathroom with bathtub. These suites overlook

A prestigious location and one of the most iconic buildings in Madrid

the garden, square, or Prado Museum. If you want to go all out, there’s a two-bedroom Royal Suite spanning some 228 sqm.

FOOD AND DRINK Pictura is the place for late-afternoon cocktails and mocktails, accompanied by live jazz, while the al fresco El Jardin del Ritz, open all year, thanks to heating in the courtyard, has the Madrid buzz, serving delicious tapas, with classics including croquetas and tortilla de patata (a Spanish omelette

BEST FOR with potato). High-end Entrées include business events creamy spider crab served in its shell

DON’T MISS with trout roes, or Cocktails and hot ramen with jazz at Pictura ‘cocido madrileño’ and vegetables. PRICE There are also fish From US$780 and meat options, and to-die-for

CONTACT desserts like roasted mandarinoriental. pineapple glazed com/madrid with vanilla molasses and coconut ice cream, or crispy palm topped with guanaja chocolate mousse with 70 per cent cocoa. For finer dining, the one-Michelin-star Deessa, overseen by chef Quique Dacosta, serves unique dishes with a historical take. A bu et breakfast, with a la carte cooked options to order, is served in the hotel Dining Room.

BUSINESS A prestigious location and one of the most iconic buildings in Madrid are the backdrop to impressive meetings and events, with venues available including a ballroom, two smaller rooms, and a private dining area for 10 people. All spaces feature grand décor, daylight and the latest technology.

LEISURE Fitness and wellness facilities include an indoor swimming pool, a fitness centre with the latest Technogym equipment, a steam room, experience showers, a vitality pool and a treatment room o ering bespoke holistic therapies, designed by The Beauty Concept.

VERDICT From a decadent ‘bleisure’ break to sophisticated meetings or events to a ‘treat yourself’ business stay, or even a ‘wow’ client dinner, MO Ritz, Madrid will deliver, promising superb service, worldclass cuisine and an elegant iconic setting.

Allyson Portee