Legacy

The Ritz Madrid officially opened on 2 October 1910, inaugurated by King Alfonso XIII and Queen Victoria Eugenia, marking Spain’s first true luxury hotel. Inspired by his extensive travels across Europe and the standards of excellence he experienced, the young King aimed to modernise Madrid and elevate its status among European capitals. The hotel was strategically built on the former Tivoli Theatre grounds in the city centre, with design plans by Charles Mewes, the architect of the Paris Ritz, and executed by Spanish architects Luis de Landecho and Lorenzo Gallego, making it the first steel-framed building in Spain. César Ritz, the renowned hotelier behind the Paris Ritz, was also involved in the project, ensuring the hotel upheld his high standards of elegance, service and style. Despite his declining health at the time, Ritz’s team maintained his vision of impeccable quality, which distinguished the Ritz Madrid as a symbol of luxury and sophistication, setting new standards for hospitality in Spain.

Madrid Anniversary Hall - Original Hall in 1910

A Modern And Iconic Architectural Landmark

The hotel inaugurated its doors as one of the most avant-garde establishments in Europe, pioneering the provision of twenty-four-hour room service. It boasted the opulence of ten bathrooms per floor and a magnificent glass dome within the so-called winter garden, a marvel of the era that epitomised the pinnacle of technological innovation. Throughout the tumult of the Civil War, the hotel steadfastly remained open, serving concurrently as a hospital of war. The glass dome, however, sustained considerable damage and was subsequently closed in the 1940s. It was not until eighty years later that it was restored to its former splendour, a meticulous renovation undertaken by Mandarin Oriental, thus reviving a symbol of the hotel's enduring grandeur.

Madrid Anniversary Façade – Original hotel's façade in 1910

The Royal Ritz

Not only was the Ritz Madrid the brainchild of a King, but it also continued throughout its fascinating history and up to present times its close relationship with Royalty.The relationship between the Hotel and the Royal Household was much closer than that. When its Royal Patron Alfonso XIII died in exile in Rome, it was at the Ritz that a book of condolences was displayed for mourners to sign.

King Felipe and Queen Letizia have honoured the hotel with their presence on many occasions. Up to present days, during the celebration of the Spanish National Day, the Día de la Hispanidad, in the near Paseo del Prado, the Ritz usually prepares a small office for the King, just in case that he should need to use it.

Madrid Anniversary Champagne - Guests back in 1910

Exquisite Place, Exquisite Guests

No biography of the Ritz would be complete without a mention of the renowned Ritz Etiquette, a tradition steeped in discretion and distinction. After the opening, the management upheld a rigorous set of rules, crafted to preserve the hotel’s sanctuary of intimacy, comfort and tranquility for its most esteemed guests.

Being a true Ritz guest was not merely a matter of wealth, but of background, education, style and impeccable manners. For many years, the Ritz was known for its discreet policy of not accommodating show business personalities, not out of personal prejudice, but to maintain the hotel’s serene atmosphere, Nevertheless, exceptions were made for distinguished actors such as Leslie Howard, Henry Fonda—who spoke perfect Spanish—Laurence Olivier, Lord of the stage, Gary Cooper, always impeccably dressed, James Stewart, officially booked as an Army General by the American Embassy, Orson Welles and Richard Burton, whose presence was always a mark of true elegance.

Madrid Anniversary Palm Court Night - Palm Court of the hotel nowadays, after the restoration of the crystal ceiling

A New Chapter With Mandarin Oriental

After undergoing the largest renovation in the building’s history, the original Hotel Ritz, Madrid reopens as Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid. Renowned Spanish architect Rafael de La-Hoz and internationally acclaimed French designers Gilles & Boissier worked on the project, creating a hotel, which exudes elegance and luxury, offering the finest accommodation in the city.

The hotel counts nowadays with its own Art collection. Every work of art at Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid has been specifically chosen to reflect the city’s artistic legacy, aiming to invite guests into the world of the nearby Prado Museum, allowing them to appreciate the painterly qualities of the original artworks and inspiring visitors to explore the museum with a fresh perspective.