What’s the deal?

Madrid’s first truly luxe hotel, the Mandarin Oriental Ritz, opened its doors in 1910, after King Alfonso XIII of Spain stayed at the Ritz in Paris and London – and decided that his capital needed a world-class hotel of its own. The Mandarin Oriental group took it over in 2016 and embarked on a comprehensive renovation. It reopened in 2021, and both decor and service merge old-world Ritz charm with a very Mandarin sensibility – crisp, elegant and modern.

Why stay?

For culture vultures, the location is unbeatable: the MO Ritz sits at the heart of Madrid’s “Golden Triangle of Art”, with the Prado Museum opposite. The rooms are large and light, with an emphasis on creams and golds. Special mention goes to the Turret Suites, whose curved walls wrap around living spaces which are beautifully bathed in the afternoon sun. Make time for the upgraded F&B offerings, overseen by star chef Quique Dacosta: Deessa restaurant holds two Michelin stars. Pictura serves up superb classic cocktails, while El Jardín del Ritz is a leafy, secluded getaway which feels like it’s miles from the city centre.

Don’t miss

The light, airy marble-clad swimming pool – quite an achievement given that it was newly dug out of foundations under the hotel.