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"Classic Luxury' at Hotel Ritz, Madrid

I lost sleep over where to stay in Spain, I actually lost sleep. A Hotel is so important, it almost makes or breaks my trip. It was then that The Ritz, Madrid immediately caught my eye.

The name itself, yes, is a draw. More so, the central location, about 15k from the airport, was most appealing since I was planning on visiting all the surrounding museums on the first leg of the trip. The hotel sits across beautiful views of The Prado and Thyssen-Bornemisza. The Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía wasn’t too far behind. (Top tip: Get the Paseo del Arte for 27€ to visit all three museums)

Arriving at midnight to Madrid was magical. It was quiet on the streets, but once inside this grand property, any ounce of tension from traveling melted away. The grand lobby reminded me why I love the historic European charm. The concierge was stationed immediately to the right of the main entrance and was nothing but helpful during my entire trip. Head Concierge ended up finding me a late night seafood place to eat upon my arrival since I’m a pescatarian.

The Room

The room at the Ritz was quiet. I prefer not to face a major street when I first arrive to a destination due to my immediate jetlag. The room looked just like the website pictures – historic, full of “royal” colours of blue, red and gold, they were very spacious, a welcome treat with many rooms in Europe ending up on the smaller side. The room benefitted from large windows, and even though there wasn’t much of a view, it was airy. All the bathrooms were airy and fitted with white marble. An acquired taste and being a Mandarin Oriental property, it was of the highest standards. It did not disappoint.

The Food:

The star of the property is Goya, their staple restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The cuisine is Spanish with a French twist. This is their classic fine dining restaurant and features dishes like Red Shrimp Carpaccio and Roasted Suckling Pig depending on the season.

The Ritz Garden was where I spent most of my time enjoying an afternoon tea or sangria with the famous Spanish churro accompanied with a chocolate sauce. It’s a great place for a quick bite as they have a variety of items such as tapas, gazpachos, and mini burgers. My favorite was the Croquettes Trio and the Seafood Russian Salad. The patio is covered with greenery for privacy and has a very glamourous crowd. It’s a place to be seen in Madrid. (The Garden is open from noon to midnight.)

The lobby is a great area to have a quick breakfast or a snack in the afternoon. Its classic design makes you feel like you’ve been transported back to 1910, the year the hotel was built. The highlight of the lobby is the Krug Bar. Although very expensive, it is not to be missed. Enjoy oysters, Iberian pork, and caviar while you sample Krug Grand Cuvee by the glass, at a cost of a whopping 50‎€. For something a little more daring there’s always a nice 1989 Krug Collection bottle or perhaps a 2003 Vintage.

The Property

The hotel has a small gym and a full-service spa, the Bodyna Wellness Center, offering massages, facials, waxing, makeup application, and body treatments. As I mentioned before it’s right in the middle of the “Golden Triangle” in Madrid and near the famous El Retiro Park. At night, this is not a lively neighborhood, but walk up the street and you will find yourself in the middle of hundreds of restaurants and bars in Huertas. Don’t forget to use the hotel concierge who are more than helpful in securing reservations, giving directions, and recommending local nearby eateries.

Over the years Hotel Ritz has hosted the likes of Fidel Castro, Eva Peron, Nelson Mandela, and  Frank Sinatra, who surprised Gardner, his former wife, while she filmed a movie in Madrid. Following its recent purchase by the Mandarin Oriental group, it is set to have a huge refurbishment, modernising the classic interiors. To see it in all its glory, and enjoy the interiors that was by the legends, take a look before it’s all completely changed!

The Ritz, Madrid:
Plaza de la Lealtad, 5, Retiro, 28014 Madrid, Spain
Phone: +34 917 01 67 67

There are 167 rooms and suites, and no two are the same. Some have balconies overlooking the square or the hotel’s gardens, others have chandeliers and silk canopies over the bed, and most are furnished with antiques and decorated with original artworks.
-Free Wi-Fi
-Free Parking
-Pet Friendly

Book Here

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