Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid might be the best city hotel in Spain. Located right in the heart of the country’s capital, Madrid, this ultra-luxurious hotel is a true Belle Époque palace jewel where art meets hospitality. It’s exclusive, elegant, ambitious and iconic, all at the same time. Add the typical Mandarin Oriental service – known as some of the finest in the world – and a restaurant by one of Spain’s greatest chefs, and you know this should be your hotel choice in Madrid.
Location & Hotel
The Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid, enjoys a splendid location in the famous Golden Triangle of Art of Madrid. This area is known for the famous museums in the city, such as Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza and Reina Sofía Museum of Modern Art. The beautiful Parque del Buen Retiro, with is sprawling gardens and stunning moments, is only a stone throw away from the hotel. The historic city center and most the other main attractions of Madrid are also easily reachable by foot.
In 1910, the initial “The Ritz Madrid” opened its doors as what was meant to be one of the Europe’s finest hotels. It was designed and built under the supervision of legendary hotelier César Ritz, who is famous for the Ritz hotels in Paris and London. In 2018, the hotel closed its doors for the biggest renovation since its opening in 1910. The Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid, saw the daylight in 2021. Spanish architect Rafael de La-Hoz & French designers Gilles & Boissier renovated the historical building with respect for the past, but ready for the future.
Luxury and elegance are the keywords to describe the design, and classical grandeur is mixed with contemporary accents to create a timeless atmosphere. A light, warm and soothing colour palette, together with luxurious fabrics and cleverly applied works of art, guarantee a welcome, cosy home feeling. The level of luxury is impressive and today, the Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid, is considered as the most exclusive hotel in Spain.
Rooms & Suites
The Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid, boasts 100 rooms and 53 suites, spread over the top six floors of the building. They are considered as among the finest in Spain, because of their unique design and extreme luxuriousness. Rooms are available in the categories Superior, Deluxe and Mandarin, and vary in size from 29 up to 49 square meters.
All of them offer city views and a sophisticated ambience, with modern, functional and elegant furnishings, and luxurious bathrooms with Dolomite style panelling, fine mouldings and a marble ‘Emperor’s’ floor.
No less than 53 suites emphasise the luxurious character of the hotel. There several suite categories to choose from:
- The Junior Suites measure 50 square meters and feature a soothing colour palette, relaxing living area with comfortable sofa.
- Premier Junior Suites overlook the Lealtad Square or Prado Museum, measure 42 square meters and benefit from a spacious living area with comfortable sofa.
- Palm Court Suites measure 52 square meters, have a spacious separate living and sleeping areas, and bright and quiet courtyard views.
- The Park and Prado Suites offer 68 square meters of space, and a floor to ceiling glass wall between the bedroom and the bathroom.
- The Turret Suites boast 78 meters of luxurious space, with an entrance hall, a master bedroom and a spacious oval living room.
- The Ritz Suite is a one-bedroom 66 sqm suite with beautiful views of the Prado Museum from a private balcony. The living room, with a sparkling round natural mica ceiling reflects the sunlight.
- The Mandarin Suite enjoys a wonderful position in the top floor turrets of the hotel, and boast a private balcony as well. It measures 73 square meters and there is a luxurious bathroom with a freestanding bathtub and twin washbasins.
- The Presidential Suite is spread out over 115sqm, boasts an elegant reception hall, a stunning circular bedroom, a spacious living room, dining room and large bathroom.
- The Royal Suite is the hotel’s biggest suite and occupies almost 190sqm of the first floor. There are no less than two private entrances, a huge dining and living room, a private study, a guest powder room and a kitchen. The sumptuous suite enjoys garden and Prado Museum views.
We stayed at one of the Park Suites and were truly impressed by the warm design, the smart accessories and details, the ultra-luxurious materials, and the state-of-the-art technology and lighting systems. The bathroom, made entirely out of marble and gold, was incredible and divided into three parts: a double sink with gigantic mirrors and separate powder area, a bath and open shower area separated by a floor to ceiling glass wall; and a spacious toilet (one of the two in the suite).
The views on the secret garden of Lealtad Square are beautiful and form the perfect setting to enjoy your coffee when the sun rises – or a glass of wine when the sun sets – over Madrid.
Gastronomy
Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid is a culinary destination in its own right. From impressive continental breakfasts to Michelin star dining, from alfresco lunches to sophisticated late night cocktails: it’s not an option to get hungry or thirsty here. The famous three Michelin star chef Quique Dacosta has been appointed to oversee all culinary operations at the hotel.
- Deessa is the signature fine-dining restaurant of the hotel. It is Quique Dacosta’s flagship restaurant in Madrid and overlooks the hotel garden. Here, two extensive tasting menu’s in Dacosta’s signature style are being served: “Historical”, which offers a selection of the chef’s best dishes, and “Contemporary”, which features new creations as well. Shortly after its opening, Deessa was awarded its first Michelin star. A second star followed quickly, in november 2022. For more information about this restaurant, please consult our separate article.
- Your culinary day at Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid starts at Palm Court, the all-day dining venue which serves continental breakfasts, light lunch plates, and classic dishes created using seasonal and local produce, all with a signature Quique Dacosta touch. Don’t forget to try the traditional afternoon tea here.
- In summer, El Jardín del Ritz is a wonderful place to indulge in a creative tapas menu (also designed by Quique Dacosta), paired with some excellent cocktails or great wines.
- The Pictura bar is a luxurious, sophisticated cocktail bar which offers a unique selection of bites, tapas and caviar as well. The “El Diamante” cocktail comes highly recommended. It combines pisco infused with granny smith apple, calvados and a kaffir lime foam. It’s a great pairing with the foie gras filled waffles.
- Champagne lovers should definitely visit the Champagne Bar. Here, an extensive selection of Champagnes can be paired to a selection of small dishes, caviar, petits fours or even a creative tapas menu by Quique Dacosta.
Hotel assets
Other assets at the Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid, include a stunning, beautiful spa and wellness centre, a fitness area and meeting facilities:
- The wellness centre boasts a state-of-the-art, ultra-luxurious new indoor swimming pool which measures 14 meters in length. It is entirely made out of white marble and the surrounding walls seem to dissolve into the water. There is a vitality pool, experience showers and a treatment room as well.
- To train your muscles, head to the well-equipped fitness centre.
- The meeting and banqueting facilities are suited for both business and leisure events.
- Other experiences which can be booked at the hotel include a Spanish Country Side Outing, Food tours, Museum tours, and more.
Why go?
The Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid, is a destination in itself. As a start, the property combines a stunning, historical setting with contemporary, sumptuous design. Then there’s the unique gastronomy offer, overseen by 3 Michelin star chef Quique Dacosta, which means everything from Michelin star dining to refined cocktails and champagne in different outlets. To wrap it all up, there’s a state-of-the-art wellness centre and, of course, the premium location in the heart of Spain’s capital.