Review: Glitz and glamour await at Mandarin Oriental Ritz
Madrid’s famed Golden Triangle of Art forms the backdrop to this stately 153-key property
Location: The tree-lined streets and striking facades of Madrid’s famed Golden Triangle of Art form the backdrop to Mandarin Oriental Ritz, which sits between three big-hitters of the city’s gallery scene: Prado Museum, Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum and Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía. It is a 30-minute drive from the airport and two metro stations are a short walk away.
First impressions: The glamour of Mandarin Oriental Ritz is undeniable. From the pavement, the restored belle époque palace is nothing short of majestic – flanked by turrets at either end, the ivory building’s curved structure is centred around a grand main entrance, where friendly, smartly dressed doormen wait to greet us. Inside, the palatial lobby unfolds before me, all high ceilings, marble flooring and gold accents, found everywhere from the staircase bannisters to the canopy of leaves suspended above our heads. Beyond the reception lies the elegant Palm Court, with its glass-domed roof, lush greenery and subtle colour palette of golds and creams. Two-Michelin-starred restaurant Deessa and cocktail bar Pictura are also found just off the lobby, while a plush staircase and set of lifts lead to the other six floors.
The facts: This is a hotel that’s, quite literally, fit for royalty, having originally opened as The Ritz in 1910 at the request of King Alfonso XIII. Fast forward a century, the property was purchased by Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group in 2015 and closed in 2018 for three years to undergo the largest renovation in its history. The hotel now boasts 100 rooms and 53 suites – all very spacious and as elegantly appointed as you would expect from a Mandarin Oriental property. My Prado Suite is rather special, not only for the impressive views it offers of the art gallery, but also for its immaculate bathroom, which is clad in pristine white marble and complete with a walk-in shower and freestanding bath. Elsewhere, in addition to Palm Court, Deessa and Pictura, there are two further spots for dining and drinking: the chic Champagne Bar and alfresco venue El Jardín del Ritz, which I find to be the perfect place to enjoy a sun-drenched lunch and chilled glass of rosé. Mandarin Oriental Ritz is also home to an exquisite spa, indoor pool and fully-equipped fitness centre.
Ideal for: Well-heeled travellers who want to immerse themselves in Madrid’s urban charm from the comfort of one of the city’s most luxe spots.
Explore: The galleries on the hotel’s doorstep should be top of the list for Mandarin Oriental Ritz guests – even clients who aren’t art aficionados will enjoy wandering the halls of these world-renowned cultural hotspots. El Retiro Park, a five-minute walk from the hotel, is well worth a visit to stroll through the perfectly landscaped grounds or take to the lake in a rowing boat. Madrid’s central square, Plaza Mayor, is a short walk away and the perfect gateway for exploring the range of boutiques and coffee shops found in the neighbouring districts.
Wow: There is plenty about Mandarin Oriental Ritz that wows me, not least the thoughtful gifts I find in my room each night – a bookmark left on my bedside table, a small cleaning cloth placed next to my laptop and a handy cable tie wound around my phone charger. To top off a wonderful stay, on our final evening the lobby’s spectacular Christmas tree and the lights festooned above the main entrance are illuminated, marking the beginning of the festive season and transforming the hotel into something from a fairytale – a truly magical sight.
Book it: One night’s B&B in a Prado Suite starts from €1,600.
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