The Hotel Ritz by Belmond is possibly the most famous, and luxurious, hotel in Madrid. Built in 1910 on orders from King Alfonso XIII, it was the first luxury hotel in the city and has since become one of Madrid´s iconic landmarks.
Throughout the years the hotel has played host to Spanish high society, Hollywood stars, and even royalty, with a roll call of previous guests including Princess Diana, Elizabeth Taylor, Tom Ford, and Salvador Dalí, who invented his own cocktail whilst staying there, the Dalitini, which is available in the hotel´s bar.
The Hotel Ritz by Belmond is situated on one of the most famous streets in Madrid, and just by the world-famous Museo del Prado. As you stroll down the pretty, leafy Paseo del Prado, you cannot fail to miss the beautiful white baroque building of The Hotel Ritz by Belmond. Walking into the hotel, the ornately decorated foyer area and magnificent staircase also make great first impression, as do the hotel staff, who welcomed us very warmly upon our arrival. We checked in, and were personally escorted to our room, a beautiful Junior Suite with a stunning view overlooking Madrid´s Lealtad Square and its famous Neptune Fountain.
The hotel had welcomed us by leaving a traditional Spanish almond cake in our room with a hand written note, a very nice touch we thought, and a lovely welcome to the city. Once we had finished marvelling out our view we took a look around our beautiful room. Our suite offered a separate, and extremely large marble bathroom, with a huge, deep roll tap bathroom, complete with bath products by luxury Italian brand Acqua di Parma. There was even a small hall area, making the room feel more like a small luxury apartment than a hotel room, and the perfect place to relax when we needed a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and Madrid´s famous nightlife. It would be easy not to leave the hotel during your stay thanks to such comfortable surroundings, but as were perfectly located in the city´s “Golden Triangle”, the area that links Madrid´s three famous art galleries, we decided an afternoon of art and culture would make the perfect Saturday afternoon in Madrid. Once finished, we returned to the hotel to enjoy some pampering in our luxurious bathroom, before heading downstairs to try one of the hotel´s famous Dalitinis in the bar and a delicious meal in the hotel´s Goya restaurant.
The next morning, after sleeping soundly in a soft, cosy bed, we were definitely feeling reluctant to leave to the comfort and glamour of The Hotel Ritz by Belmond. The service had been faultless throughout, and with it´s decadent surroundings it´s not hard to see why it´s the choice of royalty when visiting Madrid, we had certainly felt like it during our stay, even it was unfortunately just for a night!
Need to Know:
Rooms and suites: Choose from Classic and Deluxe rooms, Suites, Presidential Suites, and Royal Suites. All rooms are decorated in an elegant belle époque style, and offer views over the famous Prado museum, Madrid´s Neptune Square, or the hotel´s gardens and courtyard. All rooms offer spacious living areas, period furniture, marble bathrooms, and luxurious embroidered linen. Each room is equipped with a HD LCD TV, a fully-stocked mini-bar, and WIFI. Cots and extra beds can be placed in rooms upon request.
Rates: Double rooms start at 250€ per room per night. Breakfast is available at an additional cost.
Check-In Time: 2pm
Check-Out Time: 12pm
Facilities: Head to the Bodyna Wellness Centre to relax in the sauna and enjoy one of their many beauty treatments. Or, if you´re feeling energetic, head to the 24 hour gym for a workout. Personal training sessions are also available.
How to get there: Hotel Ritz by Belmond is conveniently located in the heart of Madrid, just a 5 minute walk from Banco de España metro station, or easily reached from the airport by taxi. The average airport taxi transfer takes 20-30 minutes, and taxi fare is set at 30€ to the city centre. The hotel can also arrange private, chauffeur driven deluxe sedans to take you both too and from the airport.
Plaza de la Lealtad 5, 28014, Madrid, Spain