Over the years, Hotel Ritz, Madrid, now part of the Mandarin Oriental portfolio, has hosted royalty, politicians, corporate leaders and celebrities and is an integral part of society in Spain’s capital. It is 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.
Hotel Ritz Madrid – Mandarin Oriental; images: mandarinoriental.com
Mandarin Oriental International announced that Hotel Ritz, Madrid will close on 28th February 2018 for a €99 million (US$121 million) restoration, which is expected to complete in late 2019. The renovation will significantly upgrade the hotel’s facilities and services.
The design of the public spaces will incorporate a number of valuable artistic pieces from the property’s collection including crystal chandeliers, antique paintings and sculptures. The reinstatement of a glass roof in the heart of the hotel will bring light to the lounge in the way it did when the property first opened. Other facilities will include a new fitness centre and indoor pool, together with a range of spa, heat and water experiences.
Spanish architect, Rafael de La-Hoz, has been instrumental in providing the context for the historical restoration, while French designers, Gilles & Boissier, have been appointed to oversee the interiors with the aim of enhancing the property’s appeal to local and international guests alike while celebrating César Ritz’s pioneering spirit.
Within the suite inventory, there will be several one-of-a-kind specialty suites, featuring unique design elements inspired by the hotel’s historic connections to the city, Spanish culture and art. According to the designers, a 188 sq metre Royal Suite will feature magnificent views over the Prado museum.
Hotel Ritz Madrid – Mandarin Oriental before restoration; images: mandarinoriental.com
The hotel’s main restaurant will move to its original location, with direct access to the terrace. The terrace garden itself is one of the best- loved outdoor dining spaces in the city and will remain an elegant environment for al fresco dining. A new, dynamic bar, designed to become a destination of choice for local customers and in-house guests alike, will also be created.
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group acquired Hotel Ritz, Madrid in 2015 for US$148 million in a joint venture with The Olayan Group, a premier international investment group with a long history of success in the Middle East, Europe and the United States.
The luxurious historic property also announced a range of training programmes in preparation for the re-opening of the hotel.
