The Ritz opened its doors in 1906. It was London’s first steel framed building and cost one million pounds (just under two million US dollars at today’s rate), an unbelievable sum in those days. The Edwardians loved it It was the first hotel that young ladies could visit alone and they delighted in taking afternoon tea in the Winter Garden (now called the Palm Court). Famous people such as Caruso, Pavlova and Diaghilev dined in what was the most elegant restaurant in London. It still attracts the rich and famous - you just don’t know who you will bump into at the Ritz!
Luxury Hotels in London - The Ritz - César Ritz - Creator of the Ritz Hotel
The hotel was built by César Ritz, a Swiss hotelier. He described the Ritz as ‘a small house to which I am proud to see my name attached’. Some house!
The London hotel became a place which drew famous figures from America and Europe: stage and screen actors, statesmen, royalty, and anyone else with money and style who wanted to stay at the best place and rub shoulders with the famous. In later years King Edward Vll, Paul Getty, Noel Coward and Charlie Chaplin were just a few of the celebs who frequented the Ritz. Chaplin needed 40 policemen to escort him through a crowd of fans.
Luxury Hotels in London - The Ritz - Putting on the style at the Ritz Hotel
In 1929 the popular song ‘Puttin’ on the Ritz’was written by Irving Berlin and the word ‘ritzy’ has become a colloquialism for anyone or anything luxurious or high class. The first verse of the song goes:
Have you seen the well-to-do
Up and down park avenue
On that famous thoroughfare
With their noses in the air
Puttin' on the ritz
Possibly Berlin was having a little joke at the expense of the rich?
Luxury Hotels in London - The Ritz - Afternoon Tea at the Ritz Hotel
Afternoon tea at the Ritz is as popular as it was over a hundred years ago and has become a London institution. It’s not cheap and you have to book well ahead for a table but it’s not like just popping into some place for a cup of tea and a cake. The Palm Court is spectacular, as is the ‘tea' itself - an assortment of delicately cut sandwiches, freshly baked scones, clotted cream and jam, plus delicious pastries make for a very special afternoon.
There is a formal dress code: men are reqested to wear a jacket and tie when using the Palm Court and jeans or training shoes are not permitted. Look at this as a wish to retain some of the style and elegance of days gone by, rather than a bit of snobbishness.
Luxury Hotels in London - The Ritz - Heart of London
The Ritz is located on Piccadilly, in the heart of elegant Mayfair. Within a few minutes walk are Jermyn Street for fabulous shirts and bespoke tailoring for men. For women, nearby Bond Street is home to many famous fashion boutiques.
The Ritz Restaurant, overlooking the Italian Garden and Green Park, offers modern British and French cuisine and outstanding service. It has been described as one of the best restaurants in the world. On Friday and Saturday nights the restaurant holds a traditional dinner dance with a live band and a proper dance floor.
Luxury Hotels in London - The Ritz Hotel Today
In 1995 The Ritz was bought by the Barclay brothers, who seem to own a big chunk of the capital. A complete and total restoration of the hotel followed, lasting 10 years and costing over £50 million.
Today, The Ritz has been completely restored to beyond its former glory. Throughout the building no area has been left untouched, no detail overlooked. César Ritz would be happy.
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