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by Manos Angelakis
 Hotel Ritz, Madrid
Plaza de la Lealtad, 5
28014 Madrid
SPAIN
Tel: 34 91 701 67 67
Fax: 34 91 701 67 76
www.orient-expresshotels.com
 Every major city has its share of luxury hotels, but few cities have hotels that are considered benchmarks upon which all other luxury properties of the world are measured.
The Hotel Ritz, Madrid, is one of these grand hotels and, since its inauguration in 1910 by the King of Spain Alfonso XIII, has been considered one of the best the art of hospitality has to offer in architectural splendor, in the comfort of the rooms and suites, the finesse of the linen, the quality of the amenities, the opulence of the table settings, the sumptuousness of the cuisine and the lavishness of the service offered to the guests.
 Located in one of the most exclusive addresses near Madrid’s center, right across from the Prado’s north entrance, across the street from the Thyssen Bornemisza Museum and steps from Retiro Park, the hotel is within walking distance from the financial district and the Stock Exchange. It is an approximate 30 minutes drive from Barajas Airport.
A magnificent example of Belle Èpoque architecture, it was designed by none other than Monsieur Charles Mewes, the architect responsible for the other gem of Caesar Ritz’s hospitality empire, The Ritz, in Paris.
During our recent exploration (May 2004) of luxury hotels in Spain (see Five Star Plus article), we spent a couple of memorable nights at this magnificent property. We are happy to report that, since the hotel’s acquisition by Orient-Express Hotels in April, 2003, the hotel has undergone further extensive upgrades to bring back the beauty of the physical plant, add modern technology and an impeccable staff that is attentive yet un-intrusive, well informed and dedicated to providing the best possible service.
It was another perfect visit. Marc Rodriquez, the Executive Assistant Manager, who was ever-present day and night, and Almudena Molinero, the Guest & Public Relations Coordinator, made sure that our stay was very comfortable.
The hotel has 137 rooms and 30 suites; all are individually decorated and equipped  with antique furnishings, hand-woven carpets, embroidered linen, direct dial telephone, modem and fax hookup. Hidden in the room’s foyer, behind decorative panels, are a minibar and safe. Discretely hidden in an armoire is a satellite color television with remote control. They all have 220 and 110 volt electricity and appropriate socket adapters. The marble bathrooms, with a separate shower stall sporting a large “rainmaker” shower head, all have his and hers sinks and bathtub (Jacuzzi in many suites) with gold-plated faucets, heated towel rack and BVLGARI™ bath products. There are terry cloth bathrobes, in guest-appropriate sizes, and slippers.
When we arrived, a large fruit-basket was waiting for us in our room with an assortment of perfectly ripe fruit and, as we ate cherries, apricots, peaches, oranges and bananas during the day, it was replenished with new fruit.
 Since the weather was fine and the evenings warm we decided on dinner al fresco at the terrace overlooking the gardens. You can access the terrace and gardens either from a street-entrance in front of the building or from the Alfonso XII conference room or the Goya Restaurant.
The menu is mostly traditional Spanish and some Continental dishes. Service is superb. The wine list is extensive, with an excellent representation of regional Spanish wines i.e. Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Priorato, Cigales, Rueda to name but a few, plus French, Italian etc. I was having fish, a beautifully cooked sea bass and my better half meat, so we settled on a 1997 Viña Pomal Reserva, a lighter, fruity Rioja from Bodegas Bilbainas. I think the sommelier approved of my selection. We started with cold soups, my wife with a cream of melon, I with a traditional gazpacho. Both were perfectly made and served properly chilled.
As we had overdosed on tapas, and hot chocolate with churros at Chocolatería San Gines after a Flamenco performance at Las Carboneras (the tablao flamenco and restaurant around the corner from Plaza Mayor) the evening before, we decided on a light chocolate dessert and a snifter of Lepanto brandy for me.
We discovered that there are monthly culinary and service themes. In March, for example there was an Andalusian Gastronomic Food Festival with participating regional chefs presenting their best fish and seafood dishes. In April, in addition to Easter celebrations, there was an Asparagus celebration as well as an Asturian Fava Bean Festival hosting the chefs of La Gruta Restaurant, of Orviedo. During the same month there were also an Eel Night, a Foie Gras and Truffle Night, a Caviar and Seafood Night and an Iberian Ham Night. In May there was a Strawberries, Cherries and Cava celebration, Mother’s Day special brunch and the San Isidro (patron saint of Madrid) celebration from May 15 to June 5 with Beef dishes, as this is the beginning of the Bullfight season in Madrid.
Life at the Ritz is always an event.
©June/July 2004 LuxuryWeb Magazine. All rights reserved.
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