One of the most anticipated hotel openings of the year is actually a reopening. Situated directly across from the Prado in the Spanish capital, the Hotel Ritz Madrid is a Belle Époque palace with a historic pedigree. King Alfonso XIII officiated at the grand opening in October 1910, which unveiled lavish touches that delighted Madrid society (like the custom carpets from Spain’s Royal Tapestry Factory). Since that time, the Hotel Ritz has been an icon in Madrid, rolling out the red carpet for visiting celebrities, politicians, and royalty.
Previously owned by Belmond, Hotel Ritz was acquired by Mandarin Oriental in 2015. Now, after a restoration that's billed as the most extensive in the hotel’s 110-year history, the landmark will be reopening in summer 2020 as the Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid.
Expect new facilities like the spa equipped with a heated indoor swimming pool, a vitality pool, experience showers, a steam room and fitness center. The five culinary outlets are also getting a new lease on life with famous chef Quique Dacosta at the helm. (He’s behind the three Michelin starred Dénia, in Alicante, and the two Michelin starred El Poblet restaurant in Valencia.) The 153 guestrooms, including 53 suites, were given a complete makeover by French designers Gilles & Boissier. The unique specialty suites (like the Royal Suite, pictured above) will provide a deep sense of place with historic and cultural details—not to mention views over the famous Prado museum. We also like the sound of the two new balconied suites in the top floor turrets.
This will be the second hotel in Spain for the Mandarin Oriental Group after Mandarin Oriental Barcelona. The luxury hospitality group now operates 33 hotels and seven residences in 23 countries and territories.