Review: Glitz and glamour await at Mandarin Oriental Ritz

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.