The Ritz, one of the most luxurious and famous hotels in Madrid will reopen its doors this summer, renamed the Mandarin Oriental Ritz. After a refurbishment that has cost nearly 100 million euros and more than two years of work, after suffering a six-month delay as a result of part of the building collapsing during the renovation, the establishment has already revealed how it will look after the most important facelift in its history.
With more than a century of activity behind it, it is one of the best known five-star hotels in Spain, let alone in the capital, along with the Palace, located close-by. The Ritz is located in a strategic enclave known as the 'Triangle of Art', in the vicinity of the Prado Museum, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and the Reina Sofía Museum, providing plenty of entertainment for visitors from all over the globe.
According to Mandarin Oriental, the Chinese hotel chain which, together with the Saudi Olayan family, took over the hotel for around 130 million euros in 2015, the refurbishment will mean a significant improvement in the hotel's facilities and services, while maintaining its unique character, typical of the Belle Époque style of the original building.
The work has involved the architectural studio led by Rafael de La-Hoz and with the French designers Gilles & Boissier, whose task has been to improve the attractiveness of the establishment for national and foreign clients.
One of the most significant changes is the new design of the communal areas, which has focused on restoring and enhancing the hotel's architectural features and incorporating pieces of artistic value, such as sculptures, classical paintings and impressive glass chandeliers.
The hotel has 153 rooms, 53 of which are suites, which are decorated in a neo-classical and contemporary style. The suites on the upper floors are particularly noteworthy, as they have private balconies with views of the Prado Museum and Plaza de la Lealtad, where the Madrid Stock Exchange Palace is located.
As far as the gastronomic offer is concerned, the Mandarin Oriental Ritz will have five restaurants and bars, which have been designed and will be run by the chef Quique Dacosta, holder of several Michelin stars in his restaurants in Denia and El Poblet. The most outstanding culinary option on offer will be the restaurant located in the hotel's garden, famous for its beautifully decorative glass dome.
The hotel also has a wellness area, which includes an indoor heated swimming pool, a relaxation pool, sensation showers, a steam room, a gym and a treatment room, as well as spaces for different events, such as weddings, private dinners and parties.
