Why book?
This one is an investment in terms of the happy memories it will bring.
Set the scene
Step past the elegant doormen, caps raised, into a lobby where gold and silver leaves suspended from the ceiling catch the light that pours into the building through its vast crystal canopy roof. Indicative of the level of detail throughout the hotel, the leaves of this sculpture by Haberdashery represent the neighboring Buen Retiro Park. The gold leaves are from endemic species such as the strawberry tree, the silver represents those trees brought from afar; the whole symbolizes the world coming together through travel. Another few steps and you reach a fragmented mirror in Palm Court, which is a contemporary version of Velázquez's mirror in Las Meninas.
The rooms
The hotel now has 100 rooms and 53 suites, all large, light, and supremely comfortable. Artistic details abound, such as the bespoke Córdoban leather headboards topping the oversized beds encased in exquisite linen. Bathrooms have marble floors and walls of an almost pure-white Dolomite stone, with rain showers and separate tubs supplied with Natura Bissé products in rosemary and white tea scents. Not just a hairdryer, but curling tongs too, come in a leather vanity case under the double basin. The suites have butler service, but for those who prefer to mix their own drinks, the in-room Maxi Bar offers a wide range of possibilities.
Food and drink
Extraordinarily impressive, whichever of the five venues you go to, all headed up by celebrated chef Quique Dacosta. Having introduced the concept of afternoon tea to Madrid in a previous incarnation, the Ritz once again offers scones with clotted cream in the leafy Palm Court. Deessa, all gold ceilings, restored chandeliers, and huge round discs of dried salt decorating the walls, showcases Dacosta's contemporary signature cooking. Try the smoked eel and chili soup or the turbot in sherry sauce. Decadently delicious is the Champagne Bar, where Ruinart blanc de blancs gives way to Dom Pérignon as small bites from oysters with Champagne foam to potato purée with white truffle and egg yolk arrive before you. Then of course there is Madrid's favorite garden, now embellished with an open kitchen and an open bar. Opt for the cold avocado, green tomato, and jalapeño soup with shrimp.
The neighborhood/area
Cultural, with the Prado Museum next door and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum opposite.
Worth it?
Yes—the whole property brims with a sense of place, weaving the capital's rich artistic heritage into a background that is unashamedly luxurious.
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