In with the Old
Discover two hotels that celebrate the glamour of bygone eras but have been designed with the modern traveller in mind
MANDARIN ORIENTAL RITZ, MADRID
There’s something magical about turn-of-the-century buildings like the Hotel Ritz in Madrid, which was built under the guidance of legendary hotelier César Ritz. Following the longest renovation since it opened in 1910, the iconic property relaunches in spring as the Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid. Spanish architect Rafael de La-hoz sought to restore and retain the building’s Belle Époque character, best exemplified by the elegant Palm Court, whose signature glass canopy ceiling is sparkling again after 80 years. Located in Madrid’s Golden Triangle of Art, the Mandarin Oriental Ritz has 153 rooms and suites, five restaurants and bars conceived by celebrated chef Quique Dacosta, and is steps away from the Prado and Thyssen museums and the tranquil El Retiro Park. mandarinoriental.com
CAPELLA HANOI
As we emerge from the pandemic, there’s hope that a new Roaring Twenties is still to come. A fitting setting for an all-out celebration is the newly launched Capella Hanoi, the interiors of which are an ode to 1920s decadence and inspired by the halcyon days of opera. Designed by Bill Bensley, the 47-room hotel features a trove of vintage art and memorabilia, as well as individually styled bedrooms, each telling the story of an opera legend. Set on a quiet street along Hoàn Kiem Lake, Capella Hanoi is also just a hop, skip and jump to landmarks such as the Hanoi Opera House within the French Quarter.
capellahotels.com