Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid — Hotel in Madrid

Our recent stay at the iconic Ritz Madrid was nothing short of spectacular! Located in the heart of Madrid, this stunning hotel is just a short walk from amazing shopping and top-notch restaurants, making it the perfect base for exploring the city.

From the moment we arrived at the airport, the experience was seamless. Our chauffeur not only anticipated our needs but even collected our luggage directly from the baggage carousel before we got there, talk about effortless travel! Upon arrival at the hotel, we were warmly welcomed back by Victor, a wonderfully kind and professional gentleman. This first interaction set the tone for the rest of our stay. To top it off, being personally greeted by senior management upon arrival was such a thoughtful and special touch that made us feel truly valued.

The rooms were absolutely beautiful. Spacious, elegant, and full of charm. A big thank you to Carlos from the butler/guest relations team, who went above and beyond to add personalised touches to our room, making it feel even more special.

One of the standout experiences was definitely the Pictura bar. The team there was phenomenal! Attentive, friendly, and incredibly talented. If you have the chance, ask for a personalised cocktail they are crafted with care, and you will leave more than satisfied. Special shoutouts to David, Juan, and Pablo, whose hospitality and professionalism truly elevated the experience.

In-room dining was equally fantastic. Francisca and Sergio took exceptional care of us, ensuring we were comfortable and had everything we needed to enjoy a perfect meal in the privacy of our room. The setup was stunning, and the food was just as impressive.

We also had the pleasure of experiencing the Sunday brunch at the Ritz Madrid, and it was absolutely exceptional. The buffet was both beautiful and incredibly generous, offering a wide variety of options to satisfy every palate. From the Raw Bar and fresh seafood to different cuts of Iberico ham, cheeses, Asian dishes, and Italian specialties, the selection was as versatile as it was delicious. The menu is thoughtfully designed with great packages that include unlimited refills of premium wines, sake, and cocktails, and for those looking to indulge further, there is even a premium option with caviar. Isabel, our waitress, was wonderfully attentive and friendly, ensuring we had everything we needed throughout our brunch. This is truly an experience you should not miss while staying at the Ritz Madrid!

Another department that deserves special recognition is Housekeeping. We were fortunate to meet Gemma and Dana, who were incredibly kind and attentive, going the extra mile to make sure we had everything we needed. It’s often an overlooked part of the hotel experience, but the Ritz Madrid’s housekeeping team truly stands out.

Lastly, it was a pleasure to meet the Hotel Manager, Ferdinand; the Director of Food and Beverage, Enrico; and the Executive Chef, Sergio. Their attention to detail, passion for hospitality, and love for the product shone through in every aspect of our stay. It is clear their leadership plays a big role in the exceptional service we experienced.

The Ritz Madrid made us feel right at home, and we cannot wait to return. Thank you to the entire team for an...

A Masterclass in Luxury Service: Mandarin Oriental Madrid From the moment you step through the elegant doors of the Mandarin Oriental Madrid, you realize you're experiencing something extraordinary. What truly sets this property apart isn't just its prime location or stunning architecture – it's the impeccable attention to detail and the remarkable staff who elevate every moment of your stay.

The level of personalized service here is simply outstanding. Each staff member, from the concierge to the housekeeping team, seems to anticipate your needs before you even express them. I was consistently impressed by how the team remembered small details – from my preferred morning newspaper to my coffee preferences at breakfast. The front desk staff greet you by name, and their warm smiles and genuine enthusiasm make you feel less like a guest and more like a welcomed friend returning home.

The concierge team deserves special mention. Their encyclopedic knowledge of Madrid and connections throughout the city opened doors to experiences I wouldn't have discovered on my own. Whether it was securing last-minute reservations at coveted restaurants or arranging private cultural tours, they handled each request with grace and efficiency.

Housekeeping maintains an almost magical presence – your room is always immaculately refreshed, yet somehow you never see them doing it. The attention to detail is remarkable: perfectly pressed linens, artfully arranged amenities, and even your charging cables are neatly coiled and organized.

The restaurant staff demonstrate an exceptional command of fine dining service while maintaining a warm, approachable demeanor. They remember your dietary preferences and aren't afraid to make thoughtful recommendations based on your tastes.

What truly stands out is how seamlessly all these individual excellence combine to create an atmosphere of effortless luxury. There's a palpable sense that every single staff member takes immense pride in their role and is genuinely invested in ensuring your stay is perfect.

In conclusion, while the Mandarin Oriental Madrid's physical premises are undoubtedly luxurious, it's the human element – the incredible team and their unwavering dedication to service excellence – that makes this hotel truly exceptional. If you're seeking the pinnacle of hospitality in Madrid, look no further. This is more than just a hotel stay; it's a masterclass in the art of luxury service.

Tip: Don't hesitate to engage with the staff and ask for their recommendations – their insights will enhance your Madrid...

The facility is top tier, from the beds to the dining to the spa/pool area. We could care less about proximity to the Prado (which is further from high-end shopping than some competitors), but it is generally quieter/more peaceful so a good spot. The service is also very, very good as long as you're in person. Our room was "upgraded" to one that faced the street, but nothing otherwise special. Fortunately, the regular rooms are really nice. The staff did a beautiful job of welcoming us for our 25th with messages and treats, which was also a nice touch. Also, relative to other places in Spain, the cost of staying here pays off by funding dozens of very polite employees (and perhaps also security) to always be available to help (though being asked if you're a guest of the hotel as you walk well-dressed to the garden bar was a bit rude). The biggest problem with this hotel may be blamed on the Spanish culture. Mandarin Oriental suggests through numerous modern digital communications that email and even WhatsApp are encouraged for customer service. Despite truly fantastic service in person, multiple WhatsApp attempts took 3 hours to receive a response when help was truly needed (and could have been a great solution given the nuances of language differences). The Spa, which is now outsourced, responded 3 different times with a different massage time as I attempted to confirmed the previous one. In sum, after spending 16 days in Spain, we were already aware that expectations for service should be set low. But you don't expect that at the most expensive hotel in Madrid (maybe the country). MO either needs to hire a few from a new generation that actively uses tech, or not encourage these now 20+ year old tools with customers at this hotel. It's just not that kind of country (e.g. USA, Germany, Japan). Overall, the rooms and hotel location are great, so if you don't care what you spend, you're not going to make a mistake by staying here. This is clearly "the hotel" to many, including leaders of countries. But there are dozens of hotels fighting for "best in Madrid"; if I returned, I would try any of at least 3 others (all of which are...