The unattainable luxury of residing in the Prado

The shortage of luxury hotels in a city like Madrid, already a metropolis at the beginning of the 20th century, explains the creation of this unique building, erected on the land occupied by the Tivoli Theatre and the Hippodrome Circus. The drive of King Alfonso XIII motivated the English hotel chain Ritz Development, who commissioned the project to the French architect Mewes, author of the chain’s namesakes in Paris and London, and its supervision in Spain and management of the construction work to the architect Luis Landecho. It was inaugurated on October 2, 1910.

© Miguel Sánchez-Moñita