As other reviewers have indicated, this is not the Ritz experience most of us are used to. Decor is dated, rugs seem ancient, the overall feeling is very heavy. Our bathroom (in a deluxe room) was bizarre: a phone booth sized shower stall with no light (shower by feel), and a closet containing the bidet and toilet, so small that your knees hit the wall when you sat on the toilet. The location is great. I'm not sure I would do Madrid if I planned another trip to Spain...it is just another typical European city...loud, polluted, expensive. The Spanish are very proud of their art and should be but that is the only real attraction. Also, remember that most everything but the museums close at Saturday lunch for the rest of the weekend so there's not much to do!
The terrace restaurant but even more the garden restaurant are just delightful. And they know how to make a terrific American martini! We spent an entire evening (7:30 to 1 am) with friends ordering successive rounds of tapas then dessert in the garden and the staff and food were both terrific.

The Ritz in Madrid is absolutely a world class hotel. We had a wonderful week in Madrid and its location is the best to visit what everybody seems to agree are some of the very best museums and art collections in the world. The entire hotel is beautiful. Minor problem: the breakfast room seems to not be able to accommodate many guests and they make one wait much too long for a table. I think that is not acceptable for such a great hotel. So many tourists were very upset at the long wait. For breakfast! This hotel is of a much, much higher category as the Ritz in Paris, no doubt about it.

The Ritz Madrid is truly one of Europe's grand old hotels. It is in a beautiful location, right across the street from the Prado Museum (which really is a must-see), and very close to shopping, the city's main park and many other of the city's best sights.

Service is what you would expect from a 5-star property. Front desk, concierge, doormen/bellstaff, waitstaff and housekeeping all performed without flaw.

Amenities are all very nice, although expensive, but that's what you would expect in a hotel of this sort. With $/Euro exchange rates what they are, a cosmopolitan in the hotel bar cost about $35. It was good, but not that good. At any rate, it was all a part of the grand experience of staying in one of Spain's great old hotels.

Several posters have commented on the need for some updates, and it is true that there is some worn carpeting and dated decor, but for us, that was a part of the charm. Also, the bathrooms were designed during a bygone era, and the hotel has done a reasonably good job of updating them for modern conveniences, but it is still an old hotel, so everything is not quite as modern and convenient as you might like. If you must have everything completely modern, new and fresh, then this place may not be for you. For us, it was perfect and charming. Will stay there again, given the chance.

The Hotel Ritz in Madrid is the grand dame of properties being one of the three " true" ritz hotels of the world .
The feeling of style, sophistication with a really strict dress policy is eveident from the moment of arrival.
The rooms are palatial Marie Antoinette in style and if your very lucky you will have a magnificant view of the wonderful "Pradot" museum.
The hotel is totally original with many of the furnishings in place.
The "shabby grand " you see may consist of hand woven, persian silk carpets.
The team of concierge are truly skilled, trained and knowledgeable as I learnt from my unfortunate need for urgent dental treatment.
The rooms all have marble bathrooms complete with luxurious towels and bulgari toileterries.
The lobby having been refurbished is equally palatial but somewhat brass and glass smacking of 80s refurb!!
The RItz as you would expect is expensive but nonetheless an experience to do at least once of more if your credit card allows!!
Our dinner was sumptious and fine dining but I left feeling hungry.
The wines listings were vast but expensive.
The only dissapointment being breakfast which has not entered the 21st century and doesnt quite know if it is Spannish, English, or German in its food offerings.
I hear they are planning a facelift which I look forward to viewing again sometime.................GO and Enjoy.......................