The Bar/Lounge at Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid

"Madrid's Ritz was built in 1910, thanks to a personal intervention by King Alfonso XIII, who had been embarrassed at the time of his wedding to Princess Victoria four years earlier because his guests could not find a hotel that was up to scratch"

"The hotel offers an ornate banquet hall, classic style terrace and garden, a gym, sauna, bars and a world-class restaurant that is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner"

"Opulent suites have hosted dignitaries and celebrities for over a century, while the elegant lobby bar—with its live piano or Spanish guitar music, and antique furnishings—has been a fixture of Madrid society since its opening"

"The lounge is central to life here — business deals are struck, light lunches are served, and cocktails are sipped to the soundtrack of live piano music in the evenings"

"The grand lobby, champagne bar, English-style tea room, and excellent Basque restaurant are all decked out with the grand flourishes of the early 20th century"

"Stunning lounge areas, with lavish decor in the guestrooms"

"A pianist plays in the lounge and a harpist in the refined restaurant, which beams with exquisite china, glass and silverware and abounds with flowers and plants"

"  Embroidered sheets, marble bathrooms and stylish antique furniture adorn the palatial guest rooms and suites, while HD LCD TVs, stocked mini-bars and large work desks are among the standard amenities"

"The lounge is central to life here — business deals are struck, light lunches are served, and cocktails are sipped to the soundtrack of live piano music in the evenings"

"Stop into the Krug Bar for a glass of the eponymous champagne, and pair it with ice-cold oysters and some hand-sliced jamón ibérico"