Here is a fun query. What is the best, most romantic hotel in Madrid if money is no object? (This is for my boss for a special occasion, not for me--I wish!)

My list so far:
Hotel Ritz
Hotel Villa Magna
AC Santo Mauro
Hotel Orfila

You wish you had a special occasion with your boss?

Did I misread that?

It's a toss up between the Ritz and Santo Mauro, the Santo Mauro being the smaller of the two and a little more of a romantic setting. The Ritz is the Ritz, very classy. The Villa Magna is nice, but not a classically styled building, which distracts somewhat from any romantic charm it might have to offer. Of course it is beautiful inside, and quite expensive, but then if money is no object.

The new Hotel Selenza Madrid, a 44-room boutique hotel, is a 5-star wonder. The Hospes is also very nice, and there's nothing wrong with the Intercontinental Madrid.

BigRuss -- yes, you misread that (I wrote "not for me.") I work as an Executive Assistant so arranging my boss's travel is part of my job.

Thanks, Robert. I'll check out the Selenza.

My vote for Hotel Palacio del Retiro overviewing El Retiro Park.

I will be in madrid next thursday, staying at the intercontinental, I have stayed at IC in marid on my last 5 trips to madrid, great hotel, but IC is more of a business hotel. I have also stayed at the Ritz, nice hotel, but a little stuffy, lot of elderly well dressed spanish guests. Selenza is a boutique hotel located in calle claudio cuello, a beautiful street in barrio salamanca.I have stayed a boutique hotels in paris and have not had a very good experience. I have not stayed at the Villa Magna, but have had eaten at this hotel and it is beautiful with excellent service.

They MUST eat at the Casino restaurant in Madrid.. this is not a gambling casino but a aristocratic social club that is in an amazing building.

Top restaurant supervised by top chef Fernan Adriá..

http://www.casinodemadrid.es/sp/gast...raza/index.htm

this place is dead drop gorgeous. food good. pricey but.. seems money is no object here.

Thanks for the tips!

Hands down I vote for Selenza. Beautiful decor, great location and albeit the Ritz is amazing, I'd say Selenza is more romantic and contemporary. Look at the gallery here: http://www.hotelrooms365.com/HotelDe...3-e25fe0c8f685 It's just so polished and impressive!