Editor's note: The Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid, provided TPG with a complimentary two-night stay so that we could get an inside look at the hotel and its amenities. The opinions expressed below are entirely those of the author and weren't subject to review by the hotel or any external entity. It's not every day you get to stay in a hotel opened by a king, but that's part of what continues to make the Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid, feel so stately. The hotel dates back to the early 20th century when Spanish monarch and travel enthusiast Alfonso XIII promoted the idea of a luxurious, modern hotel suitable for visiting royalty.
He even invested his own funds to help get the project off the ground. The new hotel was Spain's first steel-framed building, and it featured electric lighting, elevators and plentiful bathrooms though not one in each room. There was even a telephone on each floor for guest use β a novelty at the time.
The king officiated at the hotel's opening in , and ever since, Madrid's Ritz has been drawing luminaries and luxury lovers from around the world. It became a Mandarin Oriental property in , and although that royal veneer is less evident these days, the hotel is still looking as palatial as ever. This included the restoration of some of its historical features designed by Spanish architect Rafael de La-Hoz. Here's what else has changed about the Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid, and what unique elements are just as grand as ever.
The Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid, is on one of the city's central squares, Plaza de la Lealtad, just across from the Bolsa de Madrid stock exchange building. It's squarely within the area known as the "Golden Triangle of Art," thanks to the world-famous museums there; the Prado is right next door and the Thyssen-Bornemisza is across the plaza. You can also catch the Metro from the airport for 4. Madrid has experienced a luxury hotel boom in the past few years.
All are in central locations. However, the Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid, still commands top dollar or euro, as the case may be to stay in any of its rooms and 53 suites. For the best rates and any limited-time packages, book directly through Mandarin Oriental.
