Mandarin Oriental International has announced that Hotel Ritz, Madrid will close on February 28 for a €99 million ($121.2 million) restoration, which is expected to complete 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 intregral 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 prestigous residential area close to Madrid’s financial and commercial district, adds to its appeal.

The extensive work will significantly 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 speciality suites, featuring unique design elements inspired by the hotel’s historic connections to the city, Spanish culture and art. A 188-sq-m 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, dynamic 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.

“For more than 100 years, The Ritz has been an icon in this vibrant city. This extensive restoration, combined with Mandarin Oriental’s exemplary service, is targeted to ensure the property retains its legendary status as one of the world’s great hotels. We intend to make the local community even more proud of this historic landmark when we welcome them again upon re-opening.” said James Riley, group chief executive of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group.

During the closure hotel colleagues will undergo a range of training programmes, or be provided temporary assignments at other Mandarin Oriental properties in preparation for the re-opening of the hotel.

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group acquired Hotel Ritz, Madrid in 2015 for $148 million in a joint venture with The Olayan Group, a premier international investment group with a long history of success in the Middle East, Europe and the US. Mandarin Oriental and Olayan each hold a 50 per cent interest in the joint venture. Mandarin Oriental’s total investment for its share of the restoration is estimated at $60.5 million to be funded through an appropriate mixture of equity and debt. Mandarin Oriental manages the hotel under a long-term management agreement. - TradeArabia News Service