Mandarin Oriental Ritz Madrid

Madrid, Spain

For unrivalled glitz in the Spanish capital, take a room at the redeveloped Ritz. This landmark hotel, built in the 20th-century by King Alfonso XIII, has had a dramatic facelift under the Mandarin Oriental brand. It’s the Ritz, but ritz-ier: a gold-flecked upgrade to an already beautiful building. The proposal is straightforward. The hotel – with its dashing white exterior – is now the epitome of classic, comfortable accommodation in the city. The refit has allowed light to flood into the classically proportioned property; take a seat in the glass-domed Palm Court to soak up some of the newness. Refreshes to the dining and drinking offering, meanwhile, add elegance while staying respectful of this Madrid hotel matriarch. In all corners, the team – and style – refer back to the property’s 110-year-old traditions. The Palm Court serves Ritz “classics” (club sandwiches and the like) alongside a formal afternoon tea, while chef Quique Dacosta has concocted a refined Med-inspired tasting menu at the in-house Deesa. An unexpected highlight in the redevelopment is the Pictura bar. As the name suggests, this classics-please cocktail bar sits pretty beneath a wall of gilt-framed paintings depicting local characters.

Key Information

Location

Plaza de la Lealtad 5, Madrid, 28014