Hotel Ritz Madrid is located in enviable surroundings, close to the Prado Museum and the Thyssen Museum, and is the home from home for European royalty. The standard of its service and unrivalled prestige have earned it a place among the world's ten best hotels. Inspired by King Alfonso XIII’s desire to build a luxury hotel to rival the Ritz in Paris, the Hotel Ritz in Madrid shares with the Ritz hotels in Paris and London a reputation as one of the original grand luxury hotels in Europe. The Hotel Ritz opened its doors in 1910 in the presence of His Majesty King Alfonso XIII. The hotel was designed and built under the personal supervision of the legendary hotelier Cesar Ritz, from whom the name was adopted. The Ritz has played a crucial role in the life of Madrid over the last century. Still today, the hotel remains a key attraction for many to this European capital.