Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid
| Company type | Hotel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Hospitality |
| Predecessor | Hotel Ritz Madrid |
| Founded | October 2, 1910 in Madrid, Spain |
| Founder | King Alfonso XIII (commissioned) |
| Fate | Renamed and refurbished under Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group |
| Headquarters | Madrid , Spain |
Area served | International |
| Products | Luxury hotel services |
| Owner | Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, The Olayan Group |
| Parent | Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group |
| Website | www |
The Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid is an iconic five-star hotel from the Belle Époque era, situated at Plaza de la Lealtad 5 within Madrid’s Retiro neighborhood, near the Prado Museum. Established in 1910, it operates under the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group’s ownership and management. The hotel's exterior is officially recognized as a protected national monument.
History
Commissioned by King Alfonso XIII, the Hotel Ritz Madrid was envisioned as a luxury establishment to rival prestigious hotels such as The Ritz London and Hôtel Ritz Paris. The monarch invested alongside prominent figures from Madrid society and entrusted the Ritz Development Company with its design. Although César Ritz was initially intended to contribute, his health prevented involvement. Despite resistance related to zoning regulations, the project advanced.
The hotel’s design was a collaboration between French architect Charles Mewes and Spanish architect Luis de Landecho. It was one of Madrid’s pioneering structures to incorporate reinforced concrete in its construction. Distinguished suppliers from Spain and abroad provided custom furnishings, including carpets crafted by Spain’s Royal Tapestry Factory and linens sourced from Ireland.
Built on land formerly occupied by barracks and the gardens of the old Theatre Tivoli, the hotel officially opened on 2 October 1910 with King Alfonso XIII presiding over the ceremony. It rapidly became a central hub for Madrid’s social and cultural activities. The first board was led by Luis de Cuadra y Raúl, Marquis de Guadalmina, while Antonio Mella—previously affiliated with the Ritz hotels in Paris and London—served as the inaugural manager.
In May 2015, Belmond sold the property to Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and The Olayan Group for $148 million. Mandarin Oriental then announced plans for an extensive $103 million refurbishment. During renovation work in September 2018, a scaffolding collapse resulted in one fatality and several injuries. The hotel resumed operations on April 16, 2021, under the name Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid.
Architecture and fittings
Conceived in 1908 by French architect Charles Mewès and built between 1908 and 1910 under the supervision of Luis de Landecho, this building was among the earliest in Madrid to utilize reinforced concrete technology. Construction concluded on 14 May 1910. Esteemed Spanish and international companies furnished the interiors: carpets from the Royal Tapestry Factory, linens imported from Ireland, furniture crafted by Lissarraga y Sobrinos, mirrors produced by Pereantón, Limoges porcelain, and cutlery brought in from The Goldsmiths.
Chronology
Guests
Throughout its history, the hotel has welcomed numerous illustrious visitors such as Ernest Hemingway, Rainier III, Prince of Monaco, and Grace Kelly, who spent their honeymoon in one of its suites. Other prominent guests include Ava Gardner, Michelle Pfeiffer, Madonna, Jagatjit Singh, Mata Hari, Randolph Hearst, Marion Davies, and Haile Selassie. During the Marquet administration, an unofficial policy barred admission to certain groups—namely artists, film celebrities, bullfighters, and individuals who did not comply with formal dress requirements. Actor James Stewart initially faced rejection but gained access after presenting his military identification as a colonel.