REVIEWS


MANDARIN ORIENTAL RITZ Madrid, Spain


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 j«oµÕi «>l>Vi ià noÌhin} ÃhoÀÌ ov m>jiÃÌiV q y>nki` LÞ 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, m>ÀLli yooÀin} >n` }ol` >VVinÌÃ] voÕn` iÛiÀÞÜhiÀi 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 ÃÌ>iÀV>Ãi >n` ÃiÌ ov livÌà li>` Ìo Ìhi oÌhiÀ ÃiÝ yooÀð


THE FACTS: /hià ià > hoÌil Ìh>̽Ã] µÕiÌi liÌiÀ>llÞ] wÌ voÀ royalty, having originally opened as The Ritz in 1910 at the request of King Alfonso XIII. Fast forward a century, the property was purchased by Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group in 2015 and closed in 2018 for three years to undergo the largest renovation in its history. The hotel now boasts 100 rooms and 53 suites – all very spacious and as elegantly appointed as you would expect from a Mandarin Oriental property. My Prado Suite is rather special, not only for the impressive views it offers of the art gallery, but also for its immaculate bathroom, which is clad in pristine white marble and complete with a walk-in shower and freestanding bath. Elsewhere, in addition to Palm Court,


Deessa and Pictura, there are two further spots for dining and drinking: the chic Champagne Bar and alfresco venue l >À`ín `il ,iÌâ] ÜhiVh wn` Ìo Li Ìhi «iÀviVÌ «l>Vi Ìo enjoy a sun-drenched lunch and chilled glass of rosé. Mandarin Oriental Ritz is also home to an exquisite spa, in`ooÀ «ool >n` vÕllÞ-iµÕi««i` wÌniÃÃ VinÌÀi°


IDEAL FOR: Well-heeled travellers who want to immerse themselves in Madrid’s urban charm from the comfort of one of the city’s most luxe spots.


EXPLORE: The galleries on the hotel’s doorstep should be top of the list for Mandarin Oriental Ritz guests – even VliinÌà Üho >Àin½Ì >ÀÌ >wVion>`oà Üill injoÞ Ü>n`iÀin} Ìhi halls of these world-renowned cultural hotspots. El Retiro *>Àk] > wÛi-minÕÌi Ü>lk vÀom Ìhi hoÌil] ià Üill ÜoÀÌh > visit to stroll through the perfectly landscaped grounds or take to the lake in a rowing boat. Madrid’s central square, Plaza Mayor, is a short walk away and the perfect gateway for exploring the range of boutiques and coffee shops found in the neighbouring districts.


WOW: There is plenty about Mandarin Oriental Ritz Ìh>Ì ÜoÜà mi] noÌ li>ÃÌ Ìhi ÌhoÕ}hÌvÕl }ivÌà wn` in mÞ room each night – a bookmark left on my bedside table, a small cleaning cloth placed next to my laptop and a handy cable tie wound around my phone charger. To Ìo« ovv > Üon`iÀvÕl ÃÌ>Þ] on oÕÀ wn>l iÛinin} Ìhi loLL޽à spectacular Christmas tree and the lights festooned above the main entrance are illuminated, marking the beginning of the festive season and transforming the hotel into something from a fairytale – a truly magical sight.


BOOK IT: One night’s B&B in a Prado Suite starts from €1,600.


MANDARINORIENTAL.COM Isobel Turner


86 ASPIRE JUNE 2025


aspiretravelclub.co.uk


CREDIT: Manolo Yllera


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