The Ritz London: the most popular hotel in London
The Ritz London opened its doors on 24th May 1906 on the Piccadilly site of the Walsingham House Hotel, formerly the Bath Hotel. Conceived by renowned hotelier César Ritz, The Ritz London is particularly popular among wealthy travelers and is one of the “Leading Hotels of the World”.
Architectural design
For over a century, The Ritz has been the benchmark by which other hotels are measured. Perfectly located in a landmark position in the heart of London’s West End, the iconic hotel has long been the hotel of choice for Royalty and aristocracy, dignitaries and countless other discerning guests.
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.
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 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 Ritz was, according to César Ritz, “a small house to which I am proud to see my name attached”.
The interior detail of The Ritz is as impressive as its exterior and represents the influence of various Parisian architectural traditions. It was Mewés’ idea to carry out all the interiors in one style with the ground floor dominated by the single Louis XVI theme.
Twenty years later, The Ritz London has been fully restored with no detail, either in the public areas or behind the scenes, left untouched.
Guest Rooms and Suites
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 including the latest in broadband high speed internet access and wireless connectivity.
Four principal colour schemes are used for the bedrooms – salmon pink, rose pink, yellow and blue.
The 133 guest rooms are large and comfortable with immaculate detailing, high ceilings, classical proportions and spacious bathrooms, while each of the 15 magnificent suites offer the ultimate in luxury, privacy and comfort.
In January 2015, The Ritz London will open two new suites: the Piccadilly Suite (806 sq. ft. / 75 sq. m) and an executive suite (510 sq. ft. / 47 sq. m) located within the privacy of the seventh floor.
The Piccadilly Suite overlooks Piccadilly towards The Royal Academy and has exceptional views of Big Ben. When connected the two suites become a two bedroom Signature Suite (1,317 sq. ft. / 122 sq. m) offering guests the option to create a spacious private apartment at one of the most exclusive addresses in London.
Stephen Boxall, Managing Director of The Ritz London, commented, “These stunning new suites will offer our guests something a little more contemporary whilst retaining the opulence and signature style that The Ritz London is renowned for.”
With the addition of these two new suites, The Ritz London will now boast 136 magnificent rooms. The design of the two new suites exudes opulence and modernity, and offers a welcoming and homely feel.
The new executive suite is priced from £1,200; The Piccadilly Suite is priced from £1,500 and the two bedroom Signature Piccadilly Suite is from £2,600 (inclusive of Value Added Tax) per night.
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