With faultless service, a superb location, an atmosphere that borders on the theatrical and one of the loveliest dining rooms in Europe, a stay here makes for a truly exceptional experience.
Member of The Leading Hotels of the World
The Ritz London opened its doors on 24th May 1906 on the Piccadilly site of the Walsingham House Hotel, and has changed very little since. Conceived by renowned hotelier César Ritz, The Ritz owes its architectural design to the successful partnership formed in 1900 between Frenchman Charles Mewés and Englishman Arthur Davis. Together they had designed the Hotel Ritz in Paris and the Carlton Hotel in London’s Haymarket, beginning The Ritz in London in 1904. César Ritz’s innovations for the hotel were, at that time, quite unique with bathrooms for every guestroom, double glazing, a sophisticated ventilation system, and brass, rather than wooden, beds. The first steel framed building of any significance in London, The Ritz was praised for its brilliant refinement of detail and articulation. Large copper lions stand proudly at each corner of the roof while ranks of soaring chimneys and projecting dormers cleverly break the skyline. With its French chateau style architecture and Louis XVI furnishings, the hotel was, according to César Ritz, ‘a small house to which I am proud to see my name attached’.
Style and Character
The Ritz is a place where everyone has always gravitated for a celebration, as witnessed by its wildly popular afternoon teas. Integrity and tradition remain, jacket and tie in the restaurant, long-serving staff, including head concierge Michael de Cozar who has held the job for 35 years, and traditional uniforms. These are combined to give a timelessly elegant, yet constantly busy feel.
Rooms
Architects Mewés and Davis were appointed to design both the layout and interior decorations for the hotel’s guestrooms and suites. During recent renovations, the Louis XVI style décor has been retained, while the antique guestroom furniture, decorative gold leaf mouldings, original light fittings and chandeliers have been meticulously restored. These traditional features have been skilfully combined with contemporary technological facilities. The 136 guest rooms are large and comfortable with immaculate detailing, high ceilings, classical proportions and spacious bathrooms, while each of the 24 magnificent suites offer the ultimate in luxury, privacy and comfort. Four principal colour schemes are used for the bedrooms, salmon pink, rose pink, yellow and blue. The curtains in each room are handsomely swagged and draped with both Jacquard and damask silks.
Food and Drink
Executive Chef John Williams joined The Ritz in 2004 and in October 2016 gained a Michelin Star for the first time, although the quality of his food has long reached that standard. ‘What makes me particularly proud’ he says ‘is that the other grande dame London hotels that have stars for their restaurants are because of named, entrepreneurial chefs brought in to run them, they aren’t employees of the hotel, but I am, pure and simple, and proud to be’. His distinctive classical British dishes match their beautiful surrounding.
