Mandarin Oriental set for Madrid

The Hotel Ritz, Madrid will reopen this summer as the Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid, after an extensive restoration.

The hotel will feature extensive health and wellness facilities, including a treatment room, heated indoor swimming pool, a vitality pool, experience showers, a steam room and a contemporary fitness centre.

The hotel first opened its doors in 1910. Mandarin Oriental said that Spanish architect Rafael de La-Hoz had been instrumental in providing the context for the historical restoration, while French designers, Gilles & Boissier, had overseen the interiors.

The group said that the re-design of the public spaces had focused on restoring the hotel’s interior architectural features, while incorporating a number of valuable artistic pieces from the property’s collection, including crystal chandeliers, antique paintings and sculptures.

The hotel was situated within the ‘Golden Triangle of Art’, an area defined by the most important museums in the city – the Prado, the Thyssen-Bornemisza and the Reina Sofía Museum of Modern Art.

“We are proud and excited to be opening Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid this summer, our second hotel in Spain.  The meticulous restoration is designed to ensure that this legendary property is once again recognised as one of Europe’s greatest hotels,” said James Riley, group CEO, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group.  “We are confident that the local community will be even more proud of this historic landmark, and we look forward to providing our guests with memorable experiences, in majestic surroundings, all underpinned by Mandarin Oriental’s exceptional service.”

The opening illustrated the growth of the city’s luxury offering. Philip Bacon, senior director, head of planning & development and valuation at Horwath, said: “Madrid is more than ever capturing the interest of international hotel investors. The hotel supply pipeline – including many international upper upscale and luxury hotel brands – will significantly change the city’s landscape and tourism appeal. For some hotel groups, these projects will be their first hotel in Spain’s capital city, a presence that is clearly of great importance in one of the largest cities in Europe. The capital’s hotel market is in good shape and it looks like there will be room for further improvement.”