Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid – Epitome of Timeless Luxury – Golden Triangle Location – Five Restaurants & Bars

With its prestigious location in Madrid’s famous Golden Triangle of Art, the Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid exudes all the glamour and luxury of its origins as a Belle Epoque palace. During its 110 years, it has hosted distinguished guests from around the world, including royalty, and its meticulous restoration celebrates César Ritz’s vision of excellence and his pioneering spirit. With five restaurants and bars to choose from, exceptional fitness and wellness facilities, as well as rooms and suites to suit the most discerning traveller, this hotel is the epitome of timeless luxury.

The re-opening of the extraordinary Ritz Hotel in Madrid, under the prestigious management of Mandarin Oriental, has been one the most significant additions to the hotel scene in Spain in recent years.

The capital is home to some of the most renowned hotel groups, and now with Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid, the city has genuine world-class hospitality with its refined service, and exquisite attention to detail.

I first visited the property for a classic Afternoon Tea, in the light-filled Palm Court, which remains the heart of the hotel. The experience is both modern Madrid and old-school Ritz – it’s a deliciously memorable way to enjoy an afternoon in the Spanish capital. The remodelling has ingeniously retained the soul of the Ritz, incorporating clever contemporary design with a wealth of classic extravagance.

Rooms & Suites

A favourite with the A-list, it is little wonder that Mandarin Oriental Ritz Madrid is home to some of the finest accommodation in the city.

The hotel’s light-filled deluxe and superior rooms offer a classic-contemporary sense of grandeur, a soothing colour palette with superb views of the Ritz gardens or the Prado. Its opulent suites – the Mandarin, the Presidential and two Royal suites – offer the guest stunning views from their privileged positions in the hotel’s circular turrets. From the one-bedroom Mandarin Suite to the two-bedroom Royal Suite Two, these stylish and spacious rooms embrace the elegance of the Golden Age and the comfort of the best of contemporary amenities. Guests will find a renowned Almond Ritz cake in their room or suite on arrival, as well as the signature Mandarin Oriental kimonos.

In my junior suite, the attention to detail stole the show. Beautiful fresh flowers, personalised water bottles, and welcome note showed a refined respect.

I was taken to my room by a member of the private butler service. Guests may use the hotel’s Whatsapp service to contact the team of young, talented men and women with requests for anything they need.

Legendary Dining & an English Afternoon Tea

There is much to tempt the taste buds at the Mandarin Oriental Ritz. The diverse dining experiences, overseen by Executive Chef Quique Dacosta, are each unique in character, with their choices of classic and contemporary cuisine and a superbly inventive cocktail menu. Deessa is the perfect choice for a contemporary-style lunch and dinner.

El Jardín del Ritz offers dining al fresco and DJ entertainment, or guest can enjoy the evening menu in the Palm Court.

My meal felt relaxed yet was presented and served with impeccable style. I was tempted by the Beef Wellington which was superb.

Pictura, the hotel’s bar, excels at innovative cocktails, enjoyed in an elegant environment with plenty of tongue-in-cheek design references to the neighbouring Prado Museum.

The Champagne Bar is a celebration of everything that the word ‘Champagne’ conjures in the imagination, a sparkling space that offers menus that perfectly pair with the world’s finest bubbles.

But perhaps it is the afternoon tea served in the opulent Palm Court that sets this hotel from the rest. Synonymous with the name ‘Ritz’, afternoon tea is a truly memorable experience here.

This light-filled, airy space with its subtle palette that is enhanced by the green palms, the crisp, white napery, and gleaming silverware, is an oasis of refinement, as well as serving a delicious afternoon tea in the English style.

Spa & Wellness

This urban sanctuary in the heart of the city offers guests a welcome place to unwind and refresh mind, body, and spirit. It has a state-of-the-art fitness centre, and indoor swimming pool, a vitality pool and steam room, and a dedicated treatment room, where guests can enjoy an array of bespoke holistic therapies and body rituals designed by The Beauty Concept, using only the most exclusive and advanced cosmetic products with pure active ingredients for the most outstanding results.

The design in the wellness area, as elsewhere in the hotel, is remarkable. Double-height marble in the pool plunges from the ceiling to below the waterline, creating an extraordinary effect.

Ritz Experiences

A carefully curated range of experiences enables guests to delve into Madrid’s rich history, whether it is an exclusive culinary experience, a private contemporary art tour or a guided tour through the capital’s palaces. The year-round calendar of events ensures that guests enjoy once-in-a-lifetime experiences that become a lasting memory.

The Mandarin Oriental Ritz Madrid is included in our guide to the best hotels in Madrid.