 MADRID
Art, flamenco, tapas & golf
 Where to
stay
As many of the most important cities in the world, Madrid
and its surroundings offer a complete range of accommodation from five stars palaces to
local b&b. But it is one of the few in the world which has a Ritz Hotel
where crowned heads as well as powerful decision makers and members of the jet set and the
show business community can meet.
The idea of building in Madrid a rival to the Ritz in Paris and London has been inspired
by King Alfonso XIII and the hotel opened its doors in 1910 in the presence of His
Majesty.
The Ritz has played a crucial role in the life of Madrid and its history counts number of
anecdotes going from the last free night of the world known German spy, Mata Hari, before
her capture and her execution by the French to the "honeymoon" first night of
the Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco, the signature of the Treaty of accession
of Spain in the European Community in 1985 or the peace conference meeting headed by
George Bush (senior) and Mikail Gorbatchov. It also has been part of Spanish history
during the Civil War when it was a field hospital.
The Hotel Ritz has always provided the latest in luxury and comfort, and the new owner, Orient-Express
Hotels Ltd in April 2003, committed itself continuing these traditions
Its first luxury is its location, between the Retiro Park and the three most important
museums and for business men it is within walking distance from the financial district and
Madrid's Stock Exchange.
The hotel offers 167 rooms and suites individually decorated and distinctive and there are
five salons available at the hotel for gatherings from two to 500 people. The Salón Real
is the largest, Salón Alfonso XIII is one of the most distinguished salons in an elegant
atmosphere, Salón Felipe IV is perfect for all types of private events, Salón Goya,
originally reading and games room, is today a space for working lunches, cocktails and
black tie suppers for up to 110 guests while Salon Real Academia, with a traditional wood
panelled English design, is perfect for intimate private dining and events.
The highly acclaimed Goya Restaurant offers a wide selection of Mediterranean and Spanish
cuisine in a relaxed and elegant atmosphere where the "Dominical Brunch" is
served every Sunday. In Spring and Summer the Terrace and Gardens of the Hotel Ritz are
the meeting place in Madrid for a delightful al fresco lunch or dinner, or to taste
typical Spanish tapas and drink the famous "cava sangria" (absolutely delicious)
in the armchairs of white wicker around marble tables.
Original cocktails are served at the Velasquez Bar and traditional afternoon tea and light
refreshments in the discreet atmosphere of the majestic hotel lobby in the late afternoon
while enjoying the gentle sounds of our pianist, harpist, or classical Spanish guitarist.
- Tapas & flamenco
But Madrid is also a lively metropolis with many pubs,
cafes, discotheques and nightclubs open late into the night and you can get stuck in a
traffic jam at four in the morning... But where to go?In the old streets around Puerta del
Sol with restaurants like Llardy (decorated Belle époque) or Las Cuevas del Sesamo or la
Meson del Jamon.
Behind the Plazza Mayor, in the Calle Cava Bajo and the bustling Calle de Cuchilleros full
of tascas (pubs) and mesones (old-style taverns) alike the popular area of The Puerta de
Toledo located in a mold district called La Latina, which preserves the traditional flavor
of the old city.
La Glorieta de Bilbao and Malasana quarter are interesting for their intense night life
(discothecs, pubs, tapas, restaurants…). Some are well known as cafe Isidora, cafe
Ruiz, cafe Malasana, Via Lactea …
For a real flamenco show, El Corral de la Moreira in the Calle Moreira near from the
Plazza Mayor is a very good address.
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The Ritz Hotel is central
Salon Goya
The Royal suite
Superior room
the garden
Flamenco dance at Corral de la Moreria
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