The Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid 5-star Luxury Hotel Review
In our last Luxury Hotel Review featuring our experience at the Four Seasons Hotel Madrid, we wrote about how Madrid, as a destination, was once very overlooked not only in Europe but also in Spain. Sadly the liveliness of the city, along with its sounds of music echoing throughout the curvy European streets, and the sweet smells of classic tapas dishes with a perfectly blended glass of refreshing sangria to cool you off from the summer Spanish sun was not getting its deserved attention by travelers. The erection of the Four Seasons Hotel Madrid was not the only project in Madrid to help bring in a much-needed luxury market to this fun and charming city. The most recent addition that has truly transformed the blueprint of Madrid is the Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid, which opened its doors in April 2021 after an extensive and complete renovation by Paris-based design house Gilles & Boissier. It's heartwarming as you can feel the excitement from all those that we had the pleasure to meet during our visit to the Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid. This sense of pride and joy in seeing their city grow and blossom into one of the most must-see destinations in Europe can be felt as this transcends into the service that they so passionately provide for their clients. A level of service that was noticeable by simply observing from an unassuming seat in the heart of the hotel.
There is always something special about the Mandarin Oriental properties that we highlight. Each property is intentionally, and with great detail, designed to capture the history and heritage of the city and the culture in which it lives. The building that the Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid is now in dates back over 110 years. For over a century this building was a Ritz Hotel and has welcomed local Spaniards and worldly travelers since the inauguration by King Alfonso XIII in 1910.
Located in a hidden oasis of Madrid, the property sits right in the heart of the world-famous Golden Triangle, across the street from the Prado Museum, and only a few minutes by walk to the Reina Sofia Museum and the Thyssen-Borenmisza Museum. The natural green space from the Parque de El Retiro that wraps its arms around the Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid gives a feeling of freshness that is central to the Mandarin Oriental brand. We at Travel by Connections give our full support and highly recommend the Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid to all those that wish to discover this beautiful city.
Hotel Rooms and Accommodations
Our visit took place only days after their grand opening and additionally it was Mothers Day weekend. Because of this, the hotel was buzzing with excitement and activity. This also meant many of the rooms were occupied which we were delighted to hear. What we were able to highlight is an exclusive sneak peek into the jaw-dropping result of years of meticulous renovation.
What always separates hotels that are at this level are two things;
the service.
the attention to detail that may normally go unnoticed.
This attention to detail is what struck us from the moment we walked into the hotel and throughout every room.
Here, with the room highlighted, guests are greeted with a crown on the doorstep. Each room throughout the hotel has its own unique royal head decoration that gives a nice touch. When you walk down each hall and into each room there is also a noticeable fragrance that catches your attention. This is a detail that was intentionally thought out and that really does make a difference. The hotel has 100 rooms and 53 suites which gives our clients many options to select rooms. Several rooms can connect and there is a wide selection of views from each room. Depending on what guests wish to see first thing in the morning as you eagerly open your curtains to start your day, be sure to let us know and this can easily be accommodated.
Each room has an inviting spacious feel that's light and welcoming. A perfect blend of a fresh contemporary feel while also being true to the Mandarin Oriental brand by tastefully integrating room features that reflect their eastern-hemisphere roots.
When designing a property with such ambition, and in order to distinguish themselves in such a competitive space, one must push boundaries. The designers did this subtlety and an example of this is in the photo above. When walking into this room you can't help but notice the rather large and unique light fixture hanging above the round table. Features like these are placed throughout the hotel and the staff gathers feedback from the clients on their thoughts. This is something that may stay or eventually be replaced and it's all based on the thoughts and experience of the guests. Although the initial renovation is complete, guests' personal feedback will directly help to continue to shape the Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid into the superior oasis that it is intended to be.
Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid Pool & Spa
The Mandarin Oriental brand has always been able to distinguish itself due to its wellness-centric services that are offered to guests. This property certainly did not disappoint. After a busy day of walking the colorful streets of Madrid, guests have the pleasure of stepping into an environment of pure peace and tranquility. The spa area is accessed through a separate private elevator located on each floor so guests will not be mixed with the general public while dressed in a spa robe and slippers. A nice touch.
As the theme of this review seems to be the art of detail, the pool & spa area is no exception. If you look closely at the pictures above, you notice the small twinkling lights dancing on the roof of the pool. These lights are actually in perfect order and represent the stars and consolations that shine upon the capital city above your head at night. If this wasn't impressive enough, the lights change as the weather also changes in real-time. We are confident to say that the pool at the Mandarin Oriental in Madrid is one of, if not the most impressive, pool we have highlighted to date.
Before either stepping out and discovering Madrid or enjoying the pool, guests can enter their fully equipped gym. Spacious and with tall ceilings, the gym is just as impressive as the pool area. As you may notice in the pictures, the gym is located right next to the pool, which is appealing as you're being teased by the zen-like vibes that draw you in from the large glass windows that separate the pool and gym. The gym has an on-site personal trainer that is there to help with any needs within the gym or with your personal workout routine.
The spa treatment rooms were occupied and being enjoyed by guests. If the pool and gym are any indications of the quality and serene environment of the treatment rooms, then a sanctuary of mind, body, and soul awaits you.
Hotel Restaurants
El Jardin del Ritz
The Mandarin Oriental has 5 impressive dining options that are overseen by world-famous, 3 starred Michelin Chef Quique Dacosta. Spain is well known for producing some of the finest chefs but what makes Chef Dacosta stand out among them all is his humble roots and his self-taught background. To be self-taught and have accomplished what Chef Dacosta has in his 30 years in the kitchen, a relentless dedication to his craft, and an uncommon level of passion are required. We mention this because this passion is reflected in every culinary experience guests will have while dining at the Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid.
One of the many dining options is the El Jardin del Ritz. Positions beautifully in their Ritz Garden, guests have the option to enjoy a signature amuse-bouche tapas menu along with intriguing cocktails, mocktails, and wines. There is a sense of privacy and intimacy yet guests are still able to hear the soft hum of Madrid in the background. On a warm summer day, there is no better option.
Pictura
Pictura has what we can call that "wow" factor when you walk in. An elegant mixture of classic and abstract ambiance that gives a vibrant atmosphere, the Pictura offers guests an experience that has given it a reputation as one of Madrid's most popular evening cocktail spots. As you may notice the museum-style portraits, the photographer brings to life some of today's most renowned Spanish artists. This type of visually striking art is also in the cocktails they create. Expect more than just to enjoy a finely crafted cocktail and rather experience the unique visual presentation of each mixed drink as well.
Deessa
Continuing the culinary journey at the Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid, here we have Deessa. Chef Quique Dacosta's talents and passion are on full display in the hotel's signature restaurant. Located just next to the Ritz Garden, the large windows allow natural light to fall into the space. Designed specifically to achieve Michelin recognition, the Deessa restaurant offers two extensive menus that are available for lunch, dinner, and weekends. There is no doubt an evening here will be not only an unforgettable experience but also a culinary journey.
Palm Court
We had the pleasure to meet the General Manager of the property and asked him what his favorite highlight of the hotel is. As we were standing near the Palm Court he looked up at the crystal canopy ceiling and the abundance of natural light that fills the room, and said: "it has to be this, the open crystal ceiling." This was one of the most ambitious endeavors of the innovation project and the results are truly stunning.
The Palm Court offers all-day dining and Afternoon Tea. A great place to enjoy the liveliness of the hotel and meet your fellow travel companions. How cool is it to see a picture of the original hotel when it opened in 1910?! While guests are sitting in the Palm Court they can transport themselves back in time and feel like they are in a different world.
Recommendations and Tips
If you were reading carefully you may have read that the Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid has 5 dining options and we only highlighted four thus far. We wanted to save their one-of-a-kind Champagne Bar as our recommendation for guests to experience while staying at this property. Located in the heart of the hotel under the crystal canopy ceiling of the Palm Court, this intimate bar only seats eight guests. While at the bar guests will get to pair champagne with delicacies such as caviar, oysters, white truffle along with their famous Iberian ham. The entire experience is led and guided by a champagne expert who educates guests throughout the entire journey. Sign us up, please!
We, at Travel by Connections, would like to give a warm thank you to the Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid for allowing us to visit and highlight their stunning newly renovated property for our clients.
By booking through our agency you will enjoy the following exclusive amenities:
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Complimentary Continental Breakfast for two daily, per bedroom for the duration of the stay
$100 USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
One way transfer Suites (Junior to Palm Court only), Round trip transfer (from Park Suite to Royal Suite)
Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi
For more information and to book your next visit to Madrid, Spain, and additional travel information please contact us at info@travelbyconnections.com or 800-500-9030
Happy Travels,
Travel by Connections