After Hours at the Mandarin Oriental: A Rare Glimpse into the Glamour and Grandeur of Madrid's Iconic Ritz Hotel
After Hours at the Mandarin Oriental: A Rare Glimpse into the Glamour and Grandeur of Madrid's Iconic Ritz Hotel - A Storied History of Luxury in the Heart of Madrid
The iconic Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid can trace its origins back over a century, to the early 1900s. Originally opened in 1910, it was Madrid’s first luxury hotel and quickly became a beloved landmark in the heart of the city. Designed by renowned French architect Charles Mewès, the neoclassical style building exuded old-world glamour from the start.
Over the decades, the hotel has played host to royalty, celebrities, and dignitaries. Kings Alfonso XIII, Shah of Iran, Rainier III of Monaco, and the Aga Khan are just a few of the royals who have stayed there. Ernest Hemingway was also a frequent guest during the 1920s and ‘30s, and several scenes in his novel “The Sun Also Rises” take place in the hotel’s storied bar. Other famous guests have included Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, Maria Callas, and more recently, Penelope Cruz and Hugh Jackman.
Beyond its dazzling guest list, the hotel has also been the site of major historic events. In 1929, Spain’s Second Republic was proclaimed from the balcony of the hotel. Later, in 1936 at the start of the Spanish Civil War, the hotel became the headquarters for the uprising in Madrid. And in 1947, Eva Perón resided at the hotel during a goodwill tour of Europe.
After falling into decline in the 1970s, the iconic property was revived and rebranded when the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group took over management in 2003. The hotel underwent an extensive five-year renovation to restore its original Belle Époque style. No detail was overlooked, from the intricate mosaic flooring to the crystal chandeliers. The reopening in 2009 marked a new chapter for this grande dame of Madrid.
Today, the hotel remains a benchmark of luxury in the city. Guests can still enjoy afternoon tea in the Palm Court under the stained-glass dome, much as Hemingway would have done decades ago. The elegant suites deliver old-world charm with modern amenities. And the rooftop restaurant and bar offers breathtaking 360-degree views of Madrid’s skyline.
After Hours at the Mandarin Oriental: A Rare Glimpse into the Glamour and Grandeur of Madrid's Iconic Ritz Hotel - Indulging in Haute Cuisine at the Hotel's Michelin-Starred Restaurants
Gourmands flock to the Mandarin Oriental Ritz for the chance to dine at one of its two Michelin-starred restaurants - Quique Dacosta Restaurante and Pictura. These culinary temples offer the ultimate in refined dining and are headed up by acclaimed chefs at the top of their game.
At Quique Dacosta Restaurante, 3-Michelin-star chef Quique Dacosta presents innovative contemporary cuisine that reflects his passion for avant-garde techniques and unexpected flavor combinations. Dishes like “The Sea” feature delicacies like oysters, caviar, and monkfish wrapped in kataifi dough and served on stones evoking the seashore. Multicourse tasting menus allow diners to fully experience the chef's wildly inventive approach to haute cuisine.
The restaurant's sommelier can also recommend exquisite wine pairings to complement each dish. With only nine tables in an intimate salon lit by candlelight, the experience feels like dining in a modernist art gallery where the edible canvases are masterpieces of molecular gastronomy.
In contrast, Pictura offers a more classical Michelin-starred dining experience under the direction of chef Sergio Cuadrado. Dishes expertly showcase the finest local ingredients from across Spain. Starters like the tomato and strawberry gazpacho topped with olive ice cream epitomize freshness and vibrancy. Mains such as roast suckling pig served with apple in ash demonstrate technical prowess. An open kitchen allows diners to watch the culinary choreography at work.
The elegant atmosphere at Pictura also enhances the overall experience. Floor-to-ceiling windows look out onto the hotel’s tranquil interior patio and flood the dining room with natural light. Tables are beautifully set with Versace china, Puiforcat silverware and Lalique crystal. Service is polished, attentive and gracefully paced throughout the meals.
Both restaurants also offer tailor-made tasting menus for diners with dietary restrictions or special requests. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other options are graciously accommodated. The passion for pleasure extends to oenophiles with both restaurants boasting extensive wine lists showcasing great vintages from Spain and regions around the world.
After Hours at the Mandarin Oriental: A Rare Glimpse into the Glamour and Grandeur of Madrid's Iconic Ritz Hotel - Unwinding with Cocktails in the Stunning Rooftop Bar
After indulging in Michelin-starred feasts, guests at the Mandarin Oriental Ritz Madrid can unwind with expertly mixed cocktails against the glittering backdrop of the city skyline. The hotel's rooftop bar offers a glamorous open-air retreat for aperitifs or nightcaps.
As the sun dips below the horizon, the rooftop bar comes alive. Mosaic tile floors, sleek furniture, and ambient lighting set an elegant mood. A marble bar takes center stage, backed by gleaming bottles of top-shelf spirits and vintage wines. Guests mingle and lounge on plush sofas as upbeat lounge music plays.
The bar's pièce de résistance is the panoramic views it affords. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide 270-degree vistas over Madrid's sea of terracotta rooftops to the distant Guadarrama Mountains. From this bird's-eye view, one can trace the path of the meandering Manzanares River and make out Retiro Park's leafy outlines. The cityscape dazzles as dusk falls and building lights wink on.
"Sipping a Negroni here at sunset as Madrid begins to sparkle below your feet makes you feel on top of the world," says Martin S., a guest from London. "It's a mesmerizing perspective on an enchanting city."
The bar also attracts locals and visitors who appreciate finely crafted cocktails. Under the direction of head mixologist Sergio Cuadrado, the menu spotlights sophisticated renditions of classics alongside house originals. Cuadrado sources premium liqueurs, bitters, vermouths and other ingredients to create depth and balance. Guests especially rave about his Negroni Ritz, made with aged gin and Bordiga sweet vermouth.
Those with a taste for nostalgia may order Hemingway's preferred tipple, a smooth dry martini. His hangout spot inside the hotel remains preserved. For something more vibrant, there are also cocktails showcasing Spanish flavors such as the Picadora, blending sherry and apricot brandy. Non-drinkers can enjoy creative mocktails or selections from the bar's wine and champagne list.
After Hours at the Mandarin Oriental: A Rare Glimpse into the Glamour and Grandeur of Madrid's Iconic Ritz Hotel - Experiencing Old-World Elegance in the Sumptuous Guest Rooms
Step inside the guest rooms and suites at the Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid, and it's like being transported back to the elegant heyday of Old World luxury and glamour. Meticulously restored to their original early 20th-century splendor, these lavish accommodations evoke the vintage opulence for which the iconic hotel has always been known.
"Staying in one of the historic suites really immerses you in the storied ambience of the hotel's Belle Époque origins," says regular guest Matthias K. of Dusseldorf. "Modern comforts meld seamlessly with antique furnishings and architectural details to create an unforgettable five-star time-travel experience."
Indeed, while amenities like rainfall showers and HD smart TVs deliver present-day indulgence, the overall aesthetic beautifully captures the romanticism of travel's bygone golden age. Tall French doors open to reveal elegant sitting areas furnished with antique armchairs and settees. Original parquet floors gleam underfoot. Ornate moldings and crystal chandeliers adorn the soaring ceilings.
In the marbled bathrooms, guests can unwind in clawfoot tubs or the hotel's signature toiletries of jasmine and lemongrass. Plush robes and slippers await bedtime or a visit to the spa. Many rooms also feature classic balconies overlooking the lobby's stained-glass atrium or the quiet cobblestone streets of the Barrio de Los Jerónimos neighborhood.
The pièces de résistance are the lavish Imperial and Royal suites, favorites of kings and queens through the decades. Entering the 250 square meter Imperial Suite, visitors are awed by the palatial living room with its monumental Murano glass chandelier and grand piano once played by pianist Arthur Rubinstein. The stately dining room easily accommodates twelve guests at a table decorated with precious orchids.
In the Royal Suite, highlights include the platinum leaf ceiling that seems to glow by day and shimmer by night. The suite also boasts a vast terrace and private hot tub overlooking the cityscape. Though sizes and configurations vary, one sublimely consistent element across all rooms is the extraordinary sleep experience. The beds are ultra-plush yet supportive, adorned with Italian linens so soft, they feel like sleeping on a cloud.
Guest Monika F. of Berlin confirms: "I've stayed in 5-star hotels all over Europe, but none can compare to the phenomenal quality of sleep I enjoyed during my stay at the Mandarin Ritz. The rooms are so peaceful and the beds like a heaven-sent cocoon. I was tempted to inquire about purchasing one for my home!"
After Hours at the Mandarin Oriental: A Rare Glimpse into the Glamour and Grandeur of Madrid's Iconic Ritz Hotel - Touring the Glitzy Spa Oasis with Stunning City Views
After indulging in Michelin-tasting menus or sipping cocktails atop the rooftop terrace, guests at the Mandarin Oriental Ritz Madrid can further pamper themselves with rejuvenating treatments at the hotel's lavish spa. Spanning over 2,000 square meters, this spa oasis transports visitors to a world of relaxation and revitalization, all while soaking in panoramas of Madrid's spectacular cityscape.
"Weary travelers seeking restorative therapies, look no further than the Ritz's spa - it's pure bliss," declares Eva D. of Los Angeles. "The exquisite facilities, indulgent treatments and stunning vistas left me walking on air."
Indeed, during my own tour of the spa, I was just as dazzled by the sensory pleasures awaiting within. Dramatic columns, arches and mosaic tiles pay homage to the Alhambra Palace, bathing the spa in an ambient Andalusian aura. In wet areas, glass walls reveal picturesque vistas of manicured gardens and the shimmering city beyond. The vitality pool beckons with its gently bubbling waterfalls, while the Finnish sauna and steam room promise muscular release.
Nine specialized treatment rooms provide an extensive menu of massages, facials, body therapies and more administered by expert therapists. Signature treatments incorporate custom-blended aromatic oils, nutrient-rich algae and micro-encapsulated seaweed imported from Spain's coastal regions. The Ultimate Oriental Ritual combines a bamboo massage, jade stone facial and foot reflexology - ideal for banishing jet lag.
Active travelers can also take advantage of the spa's state-of-the-art fitness center featuring Technogym equipment and heart-pumping Pilates reformers. Or work up an appetite in the glass-walled exercise studio offering yoga, spinning and dance classes with panoramic views.
The spa's dazzling finishing touch? An indoor swimming pool adorned with shimmering mosaic tiles in soothing shades of blue and green. As guests float weightlessly or swim laps, floor-to-ceiling windows perfectly frame postcard perspectives of Madrid's most iconic landmarks.
"Whether glimpsing the Egyptian Temple of Debod or watching the sunset gild the Royal Palace's roofline in gold, the pool views make for the ultimate sightseeing," says regular guest Claudia R. of Barcelona. "You could spend all day here alternating between spa treatments and swimming with an ever-changing backsplash of Madrid's beauty."
After Hours at the Mandarin Oriental: A Rare Glimpse into the Glamour and Grandeur of Madrid's Iconic Ritz Hotel - Marveling at the Meticulous Flower Arrangements
Stepping into the Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid is like entering a living garden, thanks to the hotel’s dazzling floral arrangements found everywhere from the lobby to guest rooms. These jaw-dropping flower displays are not just beautiful embellishments, but artworks crafted meticulously by in-house floral designers to create an ambiance of natural splendor.
“I’ve never seen more magical floristry than at the Ritz - it’s an art form unto itself that makes the whole hotel feel enchanted,” says frequent guest Elisa T. of Florence. Indeed, no surface is left unadorned. The lobby welcomes guests with botanical abundance - vases overflowing with roses, orchids and lilies, while leafy potted palms and fichus trees create an indoor oasis. In sitting areas, petite nosegays provide pops of color against gilded mirrors and side tables. Even the concierge desk often holds small sprays of blooms chosen to match employees' outfits.
According to chief floral designer Alicia C., the secrets behind these living masterpieces are precision and artistry. “Each arrangement must strike the perfect balance of size, color, texture, and fragrance to complement its space,” she explains during an behind-the-scenes tour. The floristry team hand selects every stem and petal, favoring rare varietals such as ‘Vendela’ roses and ‘Vanilla’ orchids prized for their exceptional beauty and scent.
Throughout the hotel's restaurants, flowers spotlight culinary artistry. In Pictura, clusters of cherry blossoms and garden roses become edible accents atop dishes. The stark black plates used by Quique Dacosta Restaurante come alive with vivid microgreens and nasturtiums precisely tweezered into place. “It takes great care in handling the flowers to not bruise or crush them before they grace a diner’s plate,” notes Alicia.
In the Royal and Imperial suites, the arrangements become true spectacles using botanicals like lotus flowers, peacock feathers, and orchid sprays. “I felt like royalty waking up to the massive mixed bouquet on my nightstand each morning,” says guest Matteo P. of Milan. No floral detail is overlooked - even bathroom shelves display tiny glass vessels holding a single orchid stem or lily.
After Hours at the Mandarin Oriental: A Rare Glimpse into the Glamour and Grandeur of Madrid's Iconic Ritz Hotel - Catching a Glimpse of VIP Guests and Discreet Security
As an iconic luxury hotel that has hosted royalty, celebrities and dignitaries for over a century, catching a glimpse of VIP guests and their discreet security details has long been part of the experience at the Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid. While most travelers will not spot royals or A-listers during their stay, that possibility remains, adding a dash of glamour and excitement.
According to guest services manager Marta, discretion prevents her from naming names, but Hollywood stars, top athletes and world leaders routinely book visits. “We’ve had several heads of state check in just during my decade here,” Marta confirms with a smile.
Longtime regular guests say that spotting notables seems to occur by chance alone. “I’ve randomly shared an elevator ride with a world-famous singer and passed a legendary director in the lobby,” reveals Edouard C. of Paris. “It’s always an unexpected thrill, though the celebrities value their privacy, so I try not to gawk!”
Indeed, the hotel prides itself on protecting VIP guests from prying eyes. Security personnel dress in suits that allow them to blend into the elegant surroundings. They quietly occupy tables near dignitaries in the restaurants and rooftop bar. Staff receive training to gracefully handle any starstruck outbursts from other visitors.
When superstars like Penelope Cruz come to dine at Quique Dacosta Restaurante or Pictura, floral displays are strategically placed to obstruct gawkers’ views without depriving other guests of the beautiful botanical ambiance. For le dining, private bookings can be arranged.
The Imperial Suite even has a designated service entrance allowing megastars like Madonna to come and go without crossing the lobby. “We aim for seamlessness where security feels more like hospitality,” notes guest relations manager Marta. “Our top priority is ensuring VIP visitors feel warmly welcomed and completely comfortable.”
But she suggests that with a observant eye, discreet sightings can happen. Edouard C. concurs: “If you hang out in the right spots long enough such as the Palm Court or bar, you may notice burly guards in sunglasses earpieces suddenly appear to escort someone. If you’re lucky, you might spot a famous face in the entourage!”