A Kid-Friendly Review of Hotel Ritz Madrid by Belmond

If you’re looking for an elegant, yet still kid-friendly stop in Spain, consider a few days at the Hotel Ritz Madrid by Belmond. This five-star property is one of the great historical hotels of Europe. A landmark of luxury, the hotel was commissioned by King Alfonzo XIII in 1910. At that time London and Paris had luxury accommodations for elite travelers, but Spain did not. King Alfonso sought to change that and the Ritz was commissioned.

Every aspect of the hotel is stunning. The baroque architecture and décor transport you back to an era of true elegance. There are few such ritzy hotels in the world. A family stay at the Ritz Madrid is one that you and your family will never forget. I know mine won’t.

Hotel Ritz Madrid by Belmond Family-Friendly Review

Accommodations

We had two adjoining rooms on the third floor of the hotel overlooking the Prado museum. The rooms were decorated with antiques and lush silk fabrics in muted hues of gold, red, and green. There were charming little foyers at the entryway to each room, so it felt like we had a spacious apartment to ourselves, with the children staying down a short hallway. Each room had luxurious marble bathrooms with double sinks, bathtubs, as well as showers.

Kid-Friendly Amenities & Approach

Although the lavish interiors are impressive, the hotel does not have a stuffy feeling at all, and feels quite family-friendly. The Ritz staff welcomed our children in the most thoughtful ways. They were treated to their own arrival gifts. A Ritzy teddy bear was perched on each of their beds upon arrival, and a personalized greeting was written in the bathroom alongside their own kid-friendly toiletries. Every detail was considered to provide our utmost comfort in the rooms. The children also were surprised by a sweet afternoon snack made just for them, and delivered to the room with a smile.

For parents, there’s a small gym on premises, a wellness center where you can relax or have a massage. and a complete hair salon should you want to spruce up for a night out. (The hotel can arrange for a babysitter.) The Krug Bar adjacent to the lobby is cozy with its wood panels and the perfect spot for a nightcap.

Tea at Hotel Ritz Madrid

Dining Tea in the lobby bar was a highlight upon our arrival. The silver tea service and an array of tasty cookies were delicious, and a perfect respite from our journey. Breakfast in the Goya Restaurant dining room was a treat and consisted of a complete spread of local Spanish specialties including Jamón ibérico — the famous Spanish sliced ham — and sausages, as well as traditional breakfast fare.

The room service menu offered some nice options for kids on a children’s menu, so if you have long day sightseeing and can’t wait for the Spanish restaurants to open at 8:30pm, you can always have some burgers delivered to the room. In the spring the spectacular terrace garden restaurant is open for casual outdoor dining, and late nightcaps.

Location

The hotel is located in the heart of the city center near Retiro Park and across the street from the world famous Prado museum. A tour of the Spanish Palace, Palacio Real del Madrid and its royal interiors coupled with accommodations at the Ritz Madrid, will really make you glimpse the royal experience.

Madrid has many child friendly venues including Fauna Madrid, a nature reserve/zoo and Museu Ferrocarri, the train museum. The concierge has a complete listing of local programs for children, and also can arrange transportation, and even supply museum tickets for purchase, which enables you to avoid lengthy lines. For more insight on things to do in Madrid be sure and read Tips from Local: Best Things to Do in Madrid with Kids.

Relevant Links:

CB! Hotel Collection review of Hotel Ritz Madrid by Belmond

Best family hotels and things to do in Spain with kids

Best family hotels and things to do in Madrid with kids

Luxury family vacation tips and advice 

Editor’s Note: Lee received a media package to review Hotel Ritz Madrid by Belmond. As always, our thoughts and opinions are our own. Photos by Lee Rose Emery except where noted.