Hotel Ritz
Plaza de la Lealtad 5, Madrid, Spain
Neighborhood: Castellana/Recoletos/Paseo del Prado
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The Ritz Madrid boasts a noble heritage; the child, quite literally, of Alfonso XIII, who opened it in 1910. Guests are those with too much good taste to stay elsewhere: Paloma Picasso, Nelson Rockefeller, Barbara Hutton, and the Rainiers, who came here on their honeymoon. Today, rooms look very much like they did in 1910: individually furnished in grand English and French styles, with views that overlook the Prado. Compared to the formality of downstairs, they are surprisingly intimate—large, but with quilted curtains and big double beds with satin bedspreads. Best of all, each wall-to-wall carpet is unique and made-to-order by the Royal Weavers almost a century ago. In the mornings, your favorite newspaper is delivered, and after reading it you can experience the joy of slipping into trousers that have been perfectly pressed.
The breakfast buffet, which is a treat, features ham and eggs together with the more traditional churros and garlic peasant bread. In the afternoons, the sitting rooms bustle with a well-groomed, well-scented international clientele that converges for afternoon tea and cocktails, while polo players relax outside in the well-manicured garden. After ten (this is Spain, after all), dine in the pretty restaurant on miniature crepes with shrimp, for the Ritz food is generally considered to be some of the best in the city. Afterwards, watch the scene in the wood-paneled bar, which is always packed until one in the morning.
A jacket and tie are required here at all times, even at the bar. Though the Ritz has become less stuffy of late, it is still a proud place. Its staff, too, is proud: the GM has been here for thirty years, and the concierge has been here for longer. All things considered, the Ritz has remained constant, despite the changes around it (two World Wars and Franco, to name a few). When it throws its New Years Eve gala, all the city’s patricians turn up, just as they did back in 1910. So dress gracefully, hold your head high, and keep a rein on your language – you are in the presence of genuine distinction.
- 154 Rooms
- Style: Traditional Elegance
- Atmosphere: Lively
- 8 Guest Reviews
- Hotel Ritz
- Plaza de la Lealtad 5
- Madrid, Spain
- Neighborhood: Castellana/Recoletos/Paseo del Prado
Hotel amenities and services
- 24 hour concierge
- 24 hour front desk
- 24 hour gym
- 24 hour medical assistance
- Babysitting (on request)
- Beauty salon
- Boardroom
- Business center
- Central air conditioning
- Free parking
- Free wi-fi
- Garden
- Lounge
- Luggage storage
- Multi-lingual staff
- Pets allowed (charges apply)
- Restaurant
- Sauna
- Spa
- Spa treatments (on request)
- Wake-up service
- Yoga
Other Madrid hotels
8 Guest Reviews
All reviews are from Tablet guests with verified stays.
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- Juan
- Stayed January 2010
- Rating: Good
What I liked:
The old decay ambience
What the hotel could do better:
Nothing; Had a wonderful stay!
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- Robert
- Stayed April 2009
- Rating: Excellent
What I liked:
This historic gem remains a jewel. We are now spoiled by this standard-bearer against any others in Madrid, even the nearby Westin Palace. Its convenient location is just a starting point; we loved the entire look and feel of the hotel. Service was exceptional and prompt, and our upgraded suite, a story in itself (an oval parlor!) was available quite soon after our very early morning arrival. We will return here as often as possible.
What the hotel could do better:
Nothing about the hotel disappointed, but the book on Hotel Ritz, available for purchase at the main desk, contains misspellings (including, disppointingly, of the names of several VIP guests) and inaccuracies (2009 for 1909, for example). We would suggest careful editing for future printings.
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- LAURENT
- Stayed July 2009
- Rating: Fair
What I liked:
The service and location. AC worked very well
What the hotel could do better:
Very dated hotel (as the photographs can attest). Uncomfortable beds and very expensive.