Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid

Facing the Prado with aristocratic poise, Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid has surveyed the city since 1910, when King Alfonso XIII invited César Ritz to give the capital a grand hotel worthy of Europe. The Belle Époque façade still sets the tone, while the recent restoration by Rafael de La Hoz returned the stained glass dome to luminous form. Inside, the mood balances ceremony and ease, all marble, soft light and discreet choreography. At Deessa, chef Quique Dacosta conducts dinner with flourish. Outside, the Golden Triangle of Art awaits, a five minute stroll that feels like cultural gluttony sanctioned by royalty.