Welcome to The Ritz, located in enviable surroundings, close to the Prado and the Thyssen Museum in the heart of Madrid. Hotel Ritz has long provided the capital's most elegant entertainment. To stay at the Hotel Ritz is to step inside a baroque palace, an experience you won't forget.

History

Early in the 20th century, King Alfonso XIII returned from his travels in Europe with his mind filled with memories of the roses and mirrors that decorated the Royal Palaces of the wonderful cities he had visited. The young King had been royally entertained throughout the Old World -- a procession of fountains, parks, royal suites, blue skies -- and had brought back with him new ideas and projects for his capital.

Madrid had always been a city of an intense vitality, noble buildings, wide and brilliant "plazas", and exquisite gardens but, somehow, it lacked something. The King was the first to realize how much his capital would gain by the addition of a hotel of the same category as the Ritz in Paris or the Carlton in London, and he wasted no time in putting his ideas into practice. He truly believed Madrid should provide something really exceptional; a hotel to satisfy the tastes of the most distinguished and discerning among this ever increasing new type of traveler, then, only just beginning to be called tourists.

The King's inspiration began to become a reality. The construction of the Ritz had begun -- large, bright and comfortable -- with the backing of the Ritz Development Company who, from the very first proposal, drew up the necessary plans.

The architects were Monsieur Charles Mewes of Paris and don Luis de Landecho of Madrid. Various contractors were engaged to prepare the site, the first among them being don Tomas Torres. Soon, the walls rose above the acacias elms and cedars of the Prado. The Company was officially registered before the Notary don Antonio Turσn y Bosea on July 27th 1908 and, on the same day, the first Board of Directors was appointed led by Marques de Guadalmina, The very first meeting of the council was celebrated on June 29th 1908, and the first meeting of the shareholders was on April 4th 1909.

The last word in comfort those days consisted in providing four or five bathrooms on each floor, the rest of the rooms were equipped with wash-basins as well as the jugs and glasses in vogue at that time. There was one telephone on every floor in a cabin next to the lift, which was also regarded as a supreme example of luxurious modernity.

The formal opening of the new hotel took place on October 2nd 1910, being present the King and other members of the Royal Family.

Since that day the history of the Ritz Hotel Madrid is a reflection of the history of Spain. Its salons, terraces and gardens have seen a steady stream of prominent personalities, both Spanish and foreign. Its warm and luxurious rooms, have hosted Kings, Prime Ministers, international diplomats, generals, ambassadors, writers, aristocrats ... All the greats of the world, by right of lineage, of spirit or achievement, have at one time or another passed through its doors.

George Marquet, founder of the Palace Hotels in both Brussels and Madrid, and his son joined the Board of Directors of the Hotel Ritz on November 27th 1926. The son became Chairman on June 16th 1932 and, since then, assisted in turn by his son, George Marquet Delina, had complete control over the Ritz.

During a short period of time, a Bank Consorcio managed by Mr. Masso, was the leading head of the company. Back in 1982, Forte Hotel Company acquired the Ritz entering in this international hotelier group. Not until 1995, when Forte merged with Meridien, did the Ritz became one of the luxurious establishment embraced by this prestigious company.

While always conserving its own individual style, the Ritz has yet moved with the times and, year after year, improvements have been made to continue to provide the best possible service as well as outstanding facilities.

The Hotel Ritz Madrid has 137 bedrooms and 30 suites, each has been individually designed and equipped with embroidered linen sheets, exclusive hand woven carpets, marble bathrooms, most with a separate shower cubicle, luxurious bathroom products, bidet, bathroom scales, bathrobe and hairdryer. Guests in Rooms and Suites can also take advantage of 24 hour luxury room service.

Each room includes:

•   Telephone and fax machine on request
•   Wireless high-speed Internet access on request
•   Satellite television
•   Access to the Orient-Express video library
•   Minibar
•   Air conditioning
•   Electronic safe

It also offered optional non-smoking accommodation and a newspaper delivery service. An additional bed can be provided in certain rooms. An extra bed for children under 12 is available free of charge.

Superior Rooms

The elegantly appointed classic rooms are single, double or twin bedrooms, with either courtyard or exterior views. Each has been individually designed with magnificent and unique hand-made carpets, embroidered bedlinen and antique furniture, combined with the latest technology of internet connections (Wireless) and cable television. Bathrooms are beautifully appointed in marble with gilded accessories.

Deluxe Rooms

These elegantly appointed deluxe rooms are double or twin bedrooms, with exterior views. Each has been individually designed with magnificent and unique hand-made carpets, embroidered bedlinen and antique furniture, combined with the latest technology of internet connections (Wireless) and cable television. Bathrooms are beautifully appointed in marble with gilded appliances.

Junior Suites

Exquisitely decorated Junior Suites with king or twin beds, and a delightfully elegant sitting room. With views over beautiful gardens, these elegantly appointed Junior Suites offer the perfect haven for your visit to Madrid. Complimentary baskets of fruit and chocolates are just part of the attention to detail offered all guests.

Deluxe Suites

The superb Deluxe Suites offer spacious and elegant sitting rooms, bathrooms with windows, and exterior views over the gardens, the Prado Museum or La Plaza de la Lealtad. Individually decorated in the most exquisite style, with magnificent hand-made carpets, embroidered bedlinen and antique furniture, these suites create a perfect home from home during your stay in Madrid.

Presidential Suite

The height of elegance is naturally found in superbly appointed Presidential Suite, which delights its occupants with the most perfect view overlooking the Ritz' garden. Decorated in belle-époque style, the suite includes an elegant reception area, a round shaped sitting-room and two spacious bedrooms, one with a king size bed and the other with two twin beds. The Presidential Suite also boasts one of the most stunning original hand crafted carpets in the hotel. There are marble fire places, exquisite drapes dressing the windows, precious antiques and luxurious furniture. A welcoming basket of fruit and flowers, roundtrip airport transfers and butler service are just some of the amenities you can expect.

Royal Suite

The epitome of luxury, magnificent and breathtaking Royal Suite includes a large bedroom with an exquisitely crafted king-sized bed, a spacious sitting room, and two oversized bathrooms, each with its own separate entrance. Furnishings include delicate brass ornaments, sparkling crystal chandeliers, valuable paintings, original wall panels, precious antiques and a fine oriental Ming Dynasty vase. A twin bedded Deluxe Suite can be connected to the Royal Suite to create a combined suite with two bedrooms, two sitting rooms and three bathrooms; a complete home away from home.

Leisure

Positioned within walking distance of all the major sights, Hotel Ritz is ringed by museums, exclusive shops and restaurants. And yet its unrivalled location on a wide, leafy boulevard next to the Retiro Park tempers its sophistication with a relaxed and almost bucolic air. In a country where people dine late and party into the night, Hotel Ritz has long provided the capital's most elegant entertainment. Its restaurants are a rendezvous for Madrid's fashionable elite: the leafy courtyard, one of the city's most romantic and tranquil places to dine, is pure magic on a warm summer's evening.

Fitness Centre

The hotel fitness centre, located on the mezzanine level, is equipped with:

• Treadmills
• Step machines
• Rowing machines,
• Static bicycles
• Free weights
• Weight training equipment
• Satellite television
• Radio
• Daily newspapers

Access to the sauna is complimentary for guests. Massages, sun bed and facials can also be enjoyed at an additional charge.

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 10:00 am - 21:00 pm Sundays closed.

Goya Restaurant The highly acclaimed Goya Restaurant offers a wide selection of Mediterranean and Spanish cuisine. A place to see and to be seen in a relaxed and elegant atmosphere. Every Sunday, between the 13:30 and 15:30 enjoy the famous Sunday Brunch - a generous buffet with a wide variety of Spanish and International dishes, with a special buffet just for children.

Opening times: Breakfast : 7.30 - 11.00 Lunch : 13.30 - 15:30 Dinner : 20.30 - 23.15

Terrace and Gardens In Spring and Summer the Terrace and Gardens of the Hotel Ritz are the perfect meeting place in Madrid for a delightful al fresco lunch or dinner, or to sample traditional Spanish tapas. White wicker armchairs and marble tables covered with crisp linen tablecloths are to be found throughout the shaded terraces and enchanting gardens of the hotel to create the perfect place to relax and linger over the delicious Spanish cuisine.

Opening Times: Lunch : 13.30 - 15.30 Dinner : 20.30 - 23.30 Please note that the opening of the Terrace and Gardens Restaurant is dependent upon weather conditions in the colder months.

Lobby Bar What could be more enjoyable than traditional afternoon tea or light refreshments served in the majestic hotel lobby in the early evening. The discreet atmosphere and service that you would expect of grand hotel allows you to enjoy the gentle sounds of the pianist, harpist, or classical Spanish guitarist. Enjoy a selection of freshly prepared sandwiches, fine pastries and traditional English scones, accompanied by a selection of jams, clotted cream and of course tea of the finest varieties worldwide.

Tea is served between 16:30 and 19:00

Velazquez Bar This intimate bar is a popular rendezvous for those guests who wish to enjoy original cocktails in a relaxed and charming atmosphere.

The bar is open from 12:00 until 01:00.

Just above the famous Paseo del Prado rises Europe's most aristocratic and dignified hotel: The Ritz. It stands between two beautiful plazas: La Lealtad, filled with green elms and old magnolia trees surrounding an obelisk, and Neptuno, dominated by the exquisite fountain above the waters of which rise the mythological horses of Neptune's chariot.

Its location alone constitutes a luxury. Between the Retiro Park and the Prado lies a district of Madrid possessing and entirely unique distinction and charm. Here, only a few paces from the hotel, is the Casσn, that nostalgic little palace which is all that still remains from the Palace of the Buen Retiro. Other points of interest are: the historic Army Museum, the Church of the Jeronimos (one of the finest examples of gothic architecture in Castille) and, above all else, the Prado Museum, containing nearly all the greatest treasures of Spanish art as well as fine examples of the works of all the European Masters.

The historical city center, including attractions such as Plaza Mayor, Teatro Real (Opera House), Royal Palace and El Rastro (Sunday’s Madrid flea market) is within 10 minutes walking from the hotel. The financial and commercial districts are also nearby and the Madrid’s Stock Exchange building is located just across the street. Barajas international airport is within 12 km from the hotel. Madrid Convention Center and Fair Ground are 10 km distant.