Mandarin Oriental International Limited has announced that Hotel Ritz, Madrid will close on 28 February 2018 for a €99 million restoration, which is expected to be completed in late 2019.
Since it first opened its doors in 1910, Hotel Ritz has been synonymous with luxury, comfort and service excellence. Over the years, it 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. The property’s location within a prestigious residential area close to Madrid’s financial and commercial district adds to its appeal.
The extensive work will upgrade the hotel’s facilities and services, while maintaining its unique character, encapsulated in the Belle Époque style of the original building. 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.
The duo have created a sophisticated design for the hotel’s new guestrooms, encapsulating a classic but contemporary residential style for the 106 rooms and 47 suites. Within the suite inventory, there will be several one-of-a-kind specialty suites, featuring design elements inspired by the hotel’s historic connections to the city, Spanish culture and art. A 188-square-metre Royal Suite will feature magnificent views over the Prado museum.
The design of the public spaces will focus on the careful restoration of the hotel’s many fine interior architectural features, and 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. 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 bar, designed to become a destination of choice for local customers and in-house guests alike, will also be created.
The hotel’s meeting rooms will be refreshed to provide well-appointed and functional venues for social gatherings, business meetings and product launches.
Other facilities will include a new fitness centre and indoor pool, together with a range of spa, heat and water experiences.
