The Ritz Hotel, London
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Hospitality |
| Predecessor | Walsingham House Hotel (leasehold), Bath Hotel (freehold) |
| Founded | May 25, 1906 in London, England |
| Founder | César Ritz |
| Headquarters | London , England |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | César Ritz (founder), David and Frederick Barclay (former owners) |
| Products | Hotel accommodation, dining, private events |
| Owner | Qatari investor (since 2020) |
| Website | www |
The Ritz London stands as a five-star luxury hotel situated at 150 Piccadilly, London, England. Esteemed as an emblem of sophistication and exclusivity, it is counted among the globe’s most distinguished hotels. The adjective "ritzy" has even entered common English usage, symbolizing the hotel's link to lavishness and refined style.
Established in 1906 by Swiss hotelier César Ritz, eight years after launching the Hôtel Ritz Paris, the property rose to prominence during World War I, attracting politicians, socialites, authors, and actors. Notably, David Lloyd George convened confidential meetings here during the conflict, deciding at the Ritz to support Greece against the Ottoman Empire. The playwright Noël Coward was a regular visitor throughout the 1920s and 1930s.
Originally held by the Bracewell Smith family until 1976, ownership passed to David and Frederick Barclay in 1995 for £80 million. Over eight years, they invested £40 million to restore its historic splendor. In 2002, The Ritz became the first hotel granted a Royal warrant from the Prince of Wales for its banquet and catering services. In 2020, it was acquired by a Qatari investor.
This Grade II listed structure showcases a Franco-American façade strongly influenced by Parisian architecture. The frontage stretches along Piccadilly, Arlington Street, and Green Park. Distinctive green copper lions embellish the corners of the pavilion roofs. The hotel accommodates 111 rooms alongside 25 suites.
Its interior design, predominantly in the Louis XVI style crafted by designers based in London and Paris, is celebrated for its lavishness. Architectural critic Marcus Binney praises the ground-floor suite as "one of the all-time masterpieces of hotel architecture," comparing it to a royal palace complete with expansive views and dazzling chandeliers.
The Palm Court is The Ritz’s hallmark venue, renowned for its sumptuous "Tea at the Ritz" set amid cream-toned Louis XVI décor accented with gilt-bronze framed mirrors. The hotel also boasts six private dining rooms—including the boiserie-decorated Marie Antoinette Suite—and spaces within the Grade II* listed William Kent House. The Rivoli Bar, redesigned in 2001 by interior designer Tessa Kennedy, evokes Art Deco influences inspired by the bar on the Orient Express.
Construction and early history
Swiss hotelier César Ritz, previously managing the Savoy Hotel, inaugurated The Ritz on 25 May 1906. It was erected on the site formerly occupied by the Old White Horse Cellar, a well-known coaching inn dating back to 1805. In 1902, investors secured a prime London location by purchasing the leasehold of the Walsingham House Hotel along with the adjacent freehold property of the Bath Hotel for £250,000. Demolition commenced two years later in 1904.
Conceived in neoclassical Louis XVI style characteristic of the Belle Époque, its design mirrored a Parisian residential block featuring arcades inspired by the Rue de Rivoli. Architects Charles Mewès—who also designed Ritz’s Paris hotel—and Arthur Joseph Davis led this project, supported by Swedish engineer Sven Bylander. This building was among London’s earliest large-scale structures utilizing a steel frame, following shortly after the Savoy extension completed between 1903-04. Many materials used were sourced from the United States. Initial suite rates ranged from one and a half to three and a half guineas.
A lengthy conflict over land rights arose with Lord Wimbourne, a neighboring steel industry magnate; Ritz initially sought to acquire Wimbourne House but was declined. This property was only incorporated into hotel holdings a century later.
During construction, there was an increasing demand for luxury accommodations in London; a 1905 Daily Mail article highlighted critical shortages during Derby Week and tourist seasons, with major hotels like the Savoy turning away potential guests.
Ritz aimed to outshine competitors by focusing on exceptional service and amenities. Innovations included large lead-lined tanks ensuring consistent hot and cold water supply, generously sized bathrooms equipped with heated towel rails, and fireplaces installed in every bedroom. Built-in cupboards replaced traditional wardrobes to minimize dust accumulation; rooms were painted white and furnished with brass beds to enhance hygiene standards. These features represented state-of-the-art comforts for guests at that time.
Although César Ritz’s health declined after 1902, he remained actively involved in planning The Ritz’s opening dinner on 24 May 1906, inviting both national and international press as well as architects and key staff members.
Initially, The Ritz struggled financially and socially; it was considered unfashionable by London's upper class who regarded it as lacking refinement. By 1908, revenues amounted to £3,628—over £1,000 less than the previous year—and losses exceeded £50,000 since opening. Changes in management followed: manager Elles was replaced by Theodore Kroell while Charles Van Gyzelen took over as restaurant manager. At one point, there was even consideration to drop "Ritz" from its name and focus marketing efforts on North America.
The hotel's reputation improved after King Edward VII's death in 1910 led to cancellations of numerous events; from 1911 onward, prestige grew as the Prince of Wales became a frequent diner. King Edward favored Ritz cakes which were discreetly supplied to avoid offending his personal chef. César Ritz maintained operational control for many years and employed celebrated chef Auguste Escoffier to deliver haute cuisine befitting the hotel's grandeur. A special bell system alerted staff upon royal arrivals.
By 1929, architectural acclaim remained strong; Professor Charles Reilly described it as "the finest modern structure" on its street with an elegant silhouette.
High society
On 4 August 1914, Duff Cooper, serving as a Foreign Office official at the time, dined with the Earl of Essex and others at the Ritz before announcing the commencement of World War I. Prior to the conflict, the German and Austrian embassies maintained reserved tables within the hotel. Financially, the Ritz endured significant losses during the war, recording nearly £50,000 in deficits in 1915; despite empty ballrooms and early closures, room bookings remained steady. Prominent social figures such as Lady Cynthia Asquith continued to frequent the establishment in 1916, hosting extravagant gatherings attended by notable guests.
In September 1917, a nearby shell explosion caused damage to buildings close to the Ritz. During the war, David Lloyd George convened confidential meetings at the hotel, where decisions were made to back Greece against Turkey. The Duke of Marlborough remarked that despite reasonable prices, the Ritz remained a central social venue. A 1917 article in the Daily Herald drew attention to its opulent meals amidst wartime shortages, which influenced government rationing measures.
During the early 1920s, Barbara Cartland characterized the Ritz as emblematic of "stuffiness and standards." Following manager Bonvin’s death in 1921, J.S. Walters assumed leadership and aggressively marketed the hotel across Europe. Distinguished visitors included Louis Mountbatten and Charlie Chaplin; Chaplin’s 1921 stay attracted considerable crowds as he lodged in the Regal Suite. The disruption led management to resolve against hosting film stars in future.
The Ritz emerged as a preferred destination for film celebrities and industry executives while maintaining discretion regarding guest identities. Douglas Fairbanks was a regular visitor throughout the 1920s; in the 1930s, a talent scout for director Alexander Korda held a reserved table there. Playwright Noël Coward frequently dined at the hotel and secured financial backing for his successful play The Vortex within its walls. Coward also composed "Children of the Ritz" during lunches at the venue. The hotel featured prominently in contemporary works by authors Michael Arlen and Anthony Powell.
Sir Michael Duff recalled that the Ritz offered an exclusive ambiance blending sophistication with intimacy; it functioned more like a private club where staff were familiar with patrons personally.
William Brownlow, 3rd Baron Lurgan, who became chairman following Henry V Higgins’ death in 1928, focused on attracting American guests. He maintained close ties with Earl of Carnavon and his American wife Catherine Wendell, who were occasionally granted entire floors complimentary. After Lurgan passed away in 1937, Carnavon began paying for accommodations but enjoyed preferential rates. Carnavon regarded the Ritz as his London residence for over five decades. In 1931, Aga Khan III hosted the Round Table Conference there, attended by figures including Mahatma Gandhi; he retained a suite for forty years.
During the 1930s, Aletto served as restaurant manager and was widely recognized as a popular personality. Edward VIII and his circle frequently visited; in 1932 he was seen dancing energetically at the hotel. Plans for Edward’s coronation celebration included performances by artists such as Hildegarde at the Ritz. In 1934, Edward’s brother wed Princess Marina with festivities held in the hotel gardens. The Queen Mother and European royalty including King Boris of Bulgaria and Queen Marie of Romania attended private functions there. At one time, four reigning monarchs—King Boris, King Farouk of Egypt, King Alfonso XIII of Spain, and Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands—were lodged simultaneously. Following Edward VIII’s public association with Wallis Simpson, both were seated separately near exits to facilitate swift departures.
The Ritz encountered difficulties during events like the General Strike of 1926 and faced rivalry from hotels such as The Dorchester and Grosvenor House. The Great Depression caused a sharp decline in business; wages were reduced by 25% during summer 1931. To increase income, Fred Cavendish-Bentinck introduced cabaret performances starting in 1935; these shows were heavily promoted and proved popular. Regular entertainers included Austrian comedian Vic Oliver (1936) and Cyril Fletcher (1937). The BBC broadcast live acts from the restaurant featuring pianist Billy Milton among others. Irving Berlin’s song "Puttin' On the Ritz" gained fame through these performances but reportedly was never played at the hotel itself due to its perceived lack of refinement. In 1937 James Stephens briefly succeeded Lurgan as director before Hans Pfyffer von Altishofen took over; Pfyffer had been on the board since 1910 and also chaired Paris’s Ritz.
World War II
Throughout the Second World War, the Ritz emerged as a central gathering place for political and social dignitaries, accommodating numerous royals, aristocrats, and government officials. Camilla Russell, spouse of author Christopher Sykes, observed the hotel's increased prominence as a wartime venue, frequently bustling yet regarded as secure. Angela, Countess of Antrim, regarded it as an excellent location to receive updates about relatives engaged in the conflict. Emerald Cunard also stayed there briefly before relocating to the Dorchester.
In the summer of 1940, the entire floor was occupied by the Albanian royal family—comprising King Zog I, Queen Geraldine of Albania, Crown Prince Leka, Crown Prince of Albania, and their entourage including diplomats and security personnel. They brought with them royal treasures such as gold and jewels, initially kept at the hotel before being transferred to the Bank of England for safekeeping. Owing to air raid threats, the ladies’ cloakroom was repurposed into a private shelter for their protection. After a bomb struck near the Ritz causing damage, most members of the Albanian party moved to Chelsea; King Zog remained until spring 1941 before relocating to Lord Parmoor’s estate in Buckinghamshire. The hotel endured nine bombing incidents during the war, which led to two temporary closures of its Restaurant.
Distinguished wartime visitors included Edvard Beneš, who frequently hosted private luncheons at the hotel. In 1942, key leaders such as Winston Churchill, Dwight Eisenhower, and Charles de Gaulle met in the Marie Antoinette suite to discuss strategic plans. Regular attendees among politicians were Brendan Bracken and Anglo-American figure Ronald Tree, who resided there during winter 1940. Among notable diners were future Duchess Laura Spencer-Churchill, architectural historian James Lees-Milne, Harold Acton, and writer Norman Douglas.
The basement bar at the Ritz gained a reputation during the war as a discreet venue for gay and lesbian clientele, while its upstairs bar primarily served heterosexual guests. Known as "notoriously queer," this underground space attracted considerable attention, eventually raising concerns among authorities due to its popularity and visibility. Frequent patrons of this basement bar included MP Harold Nicolson, poet Brian Howard, Evan Morgan, 2nd Viscount Tredegar, and Pauline Tennant.
Post-war years
For approximately three decades following the war, ownership of the hotel was held by the Bracewell-Smith family, who also possessed interests in the nearby Park Lane Hotel. Although initially profitable, the post-World War II era presented challenges such as a workers’ strike in 1946 and critiques targeting the restaurant’s culinary offerings. A group named "Friends of the Ritz" petitioned Sir Bracewell Smith with complaints; however, he defended the establishment's standards as adequate.
The hotel's reputation was further affected by several tragic incidents involving suicides, including that of horse trainer Peter Beatty in 1949 and French criminal Baron Pierre de Laitre in 1953. De Laitre fatally shot his lover before taking his own life in their room; he had been entangled in smuggling activities and faced demands from customs officials prior to this event.
Despite these difficulties, throughout the 1950s the Ritz continued to serve as a favored venue among aristocrats and international elites. The affluent Aga Khan family frequently patronized it, alongside oil tycoon J. Paul Getty, who took residence there after the war. Shell Oil heiress Olga Deterding lived at the hotel for several years before departing high society to dedicate herself to work at Albert Schweitzer's leprosy hospital. Film icons such as Rita Hayworth and Tallulah Bankhead were regular visitors; Hayworth was married to Prince Aly Khan between 1949 and 1953. Additionally, Nubar Gulbenkian maintained a permanent suite known for its extravagant luxury requirements.
In January 1959, Congolese Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba stayed at the Ritz where he met Ghanaian High Commissioner Sir Edward Adjaye. This occasion sparked protests by Mosleyite groups over human rights issues, culminating in violent attacks against Adjaye.
George Criticos served as head porter for 45 years until his retirement in 1960; he had been recommended for this role by Sir Basil Zaharoff. In his 1959 memoir George of the Ritz, Criticos recounted interactions with notable guests and events including managing betting activities for the Aga Khan and escorting Prince Aly Khan on a tour across the United States. He also narrated an incident where he identified King Boris of Bulgaria disguised as a laborer entering the hotel.
Subsequent developments
During the 1960s, London's social shifts had a considerable effect on both the British nobility and the Ritz's reputation. By this period, the hotel’s previously flawless standards had deteriorated, resulting in diminished luxury and frequent vacancies. Nonetheless, it continued to serve as a prominent location for celebrity gatherings, welcoming acts like the Rolling Stones as well as British Prime Ministers including Harold Wilson, Edward Heath—who was known for regularly booking table 29—and Harold Macmillan.
The decade of the 1970s proved challenging due to threats from the Provisional IRA and the oil crisis, which adversely impacted hotel operations. As a result, in April 1976, the Bracewell-Smith family divested their shares to Trafalgar House for £2.75 million; at that time, occupancy rates had fallen to 45%, prompting the closure of the Ritz Grill Room because of financial difficulties.
In 1984, the hotel brought back its cherished Sunday tea dances from earlier years. The rising popularity led to a system of reservations for afternoon tea that balanced exclusivity with public availability. Strict dress regulations were maintained; for instance, Mick Jagger was once refused entry due to not wearing a jacket and tie.
October 1995 saw acquisition by David and Frederick Barclay of The Ellerman Group through Ellerman Investments for £80 million. Over eight years, they invested £40 million alongside designer Philippe-Charles Belloir in restoring the hotel’s former splendor. This revival enhanced its prestige, hosting distinguished occasions such as Prince Charles and Camilla Parker-Bowles’s inaugural public appearance together and later Prince Charles’s birthday celebration attended by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. In 2002, the Ritz became the first hotel to receive the Royal Warrant from the Prince of Wales for excellence in banqueting and catering services.
Expansion occurred in 2005 with the purchase of adjacent Wimbourne House. A minor fire incident in January 2007 necessitated evacuation but resulted in limited damage confined to the casino kitchen.
Former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was recuperating at the Ritz when she passed away in April 2013.
In 2012, scrutiny emerged regarding the Ritz’s lack of corporation tax payments since coming under Barclay ownership; the company defended this by citing lawful tax reliefs.
In March 2020, ownership transferred to Qatari entrepreneur Abdulhadi Mana Al-Hajri, who is related by marriage to Qatar’s Emir through his sister Al-Anoud Al-Hajri.
Architectural design
Montgomery-Massingberd and Watkin characterize the Ritz as "the outcome of an extraordinary convergence between a cultured patron and architects and artisans of exceptional talent collaborating seamlessly with contemporary social and architectural trends." Since its completion, the structure has been hailed as an architectural masterpiece.
The building’s design was crafted by architects Charles Mewès and Arthur J. Davis, both graduates of École des Beaux-Arts, who incorporated Renaissance elements and classic French architectural traditions. Mewès, notable for designing Paris's Hotel Ritz in 1897–8, joined forces with Davis on plans for London’s Ritz in 1904–5 after their previous collaboration on the Grand Petit Palais for the 1900 Paris Exhibition.
The exterior exhibits Franco-American stylistic influences with minimal English architectural features. The Piccadilly arcade draws inspiration from Parisian arcades such as Place Vendôme, while the mansard roofline overlooking Green Park recalls Hector Lefuel’s Louvre Pavillon de Flore. Windows and facade panels mirror Mewès's earlier work on Rue Bayard.
Construction commenced in June 1904 under Waring White Building Co. Ltd., reaching completion by October 1905 and opening in May 1906. Progress was regularly reported by The Builder's Journal and Architectural Engineer. The project faced challenges including lifting steel joists weighing up to 20 tons within a confined site and mixing mortar in basement areas due to limited storage space. Foundations of red brick from the former Walsingham House were demolished to make way for steel-reinforced concrete foundations.
The total expenditure was approximately £345,227, with £102,000 allocated to Messrs Waring and Gillow, £49,000 spent on French decorative work, and over £15,000 dedicated to English decorators. Construction oversight was provided by consulting engineers John P. Bishop and Sven Bylander.
The facade extends roughly along Piccadilly , Arlington Street , and Green Park . To accommodate the irregularly shaped plot, Davis employed curved walls that create optical illusions masking reduced space at the rear. Additional bedroom accommodations were integrated above arcades. The ground floors feature costly Norwegian granite while Portland stone clads upper facades.
A steel framework produced in Germany based on Chicago models from the late 19th century—chosen for its fire-resistant properties—was assembled by Potts & Co. Fireproofing was managed by Columbian Fireproofing Company Ltd., using steel-ribbed bars designed to provide ventilation while maintaining sound insulation and vibration reduction. Interior walls consist of hollow terra-cotta blocks finished with plaster; flooring systems were also treated for fire safety. Prominent green copper lions adorn pavilion roof corners as symbolic emblems of the hotel.
Interior
The hotel's interior, chiefly crafted by designers based in London and Paris, reflects the Louis XVI style, maintaining a unified aesthetic that evokes a "unique ambiance of refined suitability and sophisticated restraint." Marcus Binney regards the ground-floor suite as "one of the finest achievements in hotel architecture," comparing it to a royal palace with its "expansive views, grand proportions, and dazzling chandeliers." Much of the interior decoration was contributed by Waring & Gallow. In 1906, the ground floor included a spacious main restaurant overlooking the terrace and gardens, a central Grand Gallery and Winter Garden, a circular vestibule beyond the reception area, the Marie Antoinette Suite adjacent to the restaurant, as well as various retail outlets.
The Grill Room occupied the eastern side with its own entrance on Piccadilly’s right flank, while the Banqueting Hall was situated at the western extremity beneath the restaurant—this space is presently home to the Ritz Club. The Long Gallery corridor extends from Arlington Street to the restaurant, embellished with finely woven Savonnerie carpets and detailed horseshoe archways. A triangular staircase is located in the southwest corner, and the elegantly curved main staircase was designed to enable women to make a "dramatic entrance," highlighting their gowns.
The Palm Court
The Palm Court stands as the hotel's most celebrated space, adorned in an opulent cream-hued Louis XVI style with luxurious furnishings including gilded armchairs inspired by 18th-century French neoclassical pieces researched by Waring and Gillow. The room features "panelled mirrors of bevelled glass set in gilt bronze frames" alongside "high coving decorated with gilded trellis-work," exemplifying the elegant comfort favored by Edwardian high society.
Initially known as the Winter Garden, it featured large windows at both ends which were replaced after 1972 by twenty mirror panels. The court’s fountain, titled "La Source," is sculpted from Echaillon marble and lavishly decorated with a gold-toned nymph reclining in a lair. The wrought-iron and glass roof incorporates two gilded lanterns and lion skin motifs on its ceiling. The soft apricot palette has been preserved since 1906, selected by César Ritz after extensive trials for its flattering effect on women's complexions.
Hosting the renowned "Tea at the Ritz," this space became London's premier tea destination following World War I, attracting guests such as King Edward VII, Sir Winston Churchill, Judy Garland, Evelyn Waugh, and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. During the 1920s, a small orchestra regularly performed here; film producer John Sutro recalled Hermione Baddeley requesting "something hot" from the violinist. Between the Winter Garden and Grand Gallery stands a decorative screen featuring two Ionic columns.
Dining
The hotel offers six private dining rooms including the Marie Antoinette Suite featuring intricate boiserie, along with spaces located in the Grade II* listed William Kent House, which has been closed since January 2023. Marcus Binney described the restaurant as "not only one of London's most beautiful interiors but arguably the most exquisite restaurant worldwide." In 2025, the Ritz was honored as the best restaurant in the UK by the National Restaurant Awards.
César Ritz highlighted the heavy bronze elements of the main dining room, noting its steel framework designed to support substantial weight. The entrance is flanked by life-sized bronze statues holding gilded bronze light fixtures atop Echaillon marble pedestals. Crafted by P. H. Remon and Sons of Paris, the ceiling displays a painted trompe-l'oeil sky with pink clouds encircled by a garlanded balustrade. Bronze chandeliers draw inspiration from 18th-century engravings such as Le Bal Pare et Masque and Le Festin, originally presented by the City of Paris to royalty in 1782.
Floor-to-ceiling mirrors facing Piccadilly enhance spatial perception, particularly during winter daylight. At the southern end hangs a watercolor titled "The Thames and the Ocean" above a Norwegian pink marble buffet inspired by Louis Seize’s "Buffet of Mansart."
During renovations in 1977, scaffolding was discreetly hidden during service hours to maintain atmosphere within the Louis XVI restaurant. Restoration work revealed original pink marble beneath layers of cream paint on columns. The refurbishment concentrated on cleaning and restoring the 1906 color scheme; original furnishings were either preserved or meticulously reproduced. Traditional nightstand call buttons remained for service requests instead of telephones.
From its inception, French chefs have led culinary operations, specializing in Russian soups and Viennese pastries; King Edward frequently ordered cakes directly from Buckingham Palace. Chef M. Malley, previously saucier at Paris Ritz, developed signature dishes including Saumon Marquise de Sevignre, Filet de Sole Romanoff, and Poulet en Chaudfroid.
The Ritz is acclaimed for outstanding catering services and functions as a venue for executive conferences hosted by multinational corporations. Securing reservations at its restaurant often requires several weeks’ advance notice. The Rivoli Bar, redesigned in 2001 by Tessa Kennedy with an Art Deco theme reminiscent of an Orient Express lounge, complements other interiors inspired by Louis XVI style crafted by Marcel Boulanger and Palladian elements designed by Lenygon and Morant. Meals can be served on Nanking china within the Trafalgar Suite. The banquet and catering services were awarded a Royal Warrant from the Prince of Wales in 2005.
The Ritz Restaurant earned its inaugural Michelin star in 2016 and was elevated to two stars in 2025.
Marie Antoinette Suite
Accessible via the main dining area, the Marie Antoinette Suite has been closed temporarily since January 2023. Marcus Binney draws attention to the suite’s lavish gilt bronze embellishments, praising their "radiance and sharpness," which incorporate floral designs inspired by Marie Antoinette, symbolizing the blossoms featured at one of her banquets. Above the overmantel, an overflowing floral basket adorns the oval lunette frames.
The suite’s entry lobby is decorated with terracotta sculptures representing Spring and Summer, each positioned on pedestals embellished with gilt bronze. Large ventilation grilles with a bronzed lattice design complement walls that are fitted with lamp holders fashioned as miniature Apollo lyres. These hold bulbs encircled by leaf patterns, suspended from cords tied with ribbons and tassels entwined with flowers. The wall panels resemble framed pictures, contrasting with window frames and mirrors bordered by reed clusters designed to support curtains without covering the mouldings.
Rooms and suites
The Ritz London features a total of 136 accommodations: 111 guest rooms and 25 suites. Guest rooms are divided into Superior Queen/King/Twin, Executive King/Twin, and Deluxe King/Twin categories. The Superior Queen and King rooms measure approximately , while Executive and Deluxe King rooms are sized at and respectively.
Suites range from Junior, Executive, Deluxe to Signature Suites like The Trafalgar Suite and The Green Park Suite, each showcasing distinct design elements. Executive Suites face southward, cover about , and include lounge spaces furnished with antiques. Junior Suites, situated above Piccadilly and featuring fireplaces along with gilded mouldings, are roughly . Larger suites extend from to , accommodating three to five bedrooms.
William Kent House
William Kent House, also known as Wimbourne House, serves as an extension of The Ritz. It has been transformed into a versatile event venue comprising the Music Room, Burlington Room, Queen Elizabeth Room, and William Kent Room. Additionally, it contains three of the hotel’s most prestigious suites: The Arlington Suite, the Royal Suite, and the Prince of Wales Suite. Several rooms are adorned with Louis XVI-style chimneypieces. This Grade II listed property underwent meticulous restoration featuring period furnishings that cleverly conceal modern conveniences such as flat-screen televisions. The restoration was overseen by interior designer Philippe-Charles Belloir—renowned for his work at Ritz Paris—and earned a Royal Institute of British Architects national gold medal in 2007.
The Ritz Club
Located in the hotel’s basement—formerly home to the Ritz Bar and Grill and originally the site of the Ritz ballroom—the Ritz Club operated as a casino. Early 20th-century accounts described this space as having palatial ivory-white decor accented by mirrored walls and vaulted ceilings. This area hosted dinners, balls, and theatrical performances on a stage situated at the south end of the Banqueting Hall. By the mid-1920s, the Grill Room moved into this hall, which was outfitted for both private and public exclusive events.
During World War II, it was repurposed as La Popote, a nightclub styled after a combat dugout featuring chandeliers crafted from liquor bottles. Although popular during wartime, its appeal diminished after the war ended. Laurie Ross managed the bar for many years until its closure in 1976. By that decade’s end, these basement areas were no longer accessible to guests.
In 1977, Trafalgar House leased these basement spaces to Mecca Sportsman and Pleasurama; subsequently, The Ritz Club casino opened in 1978 under separate management. The basement underwent restoration in Louis XVI style incorporating around 6,000 sheets of gold leaf applied to moldings and decorative elements including a painted ceiling depicting a sky above gaming tables. The refurbishment involved repainting walls and either refurbishing or replicating original furniture designs. Stephen Pulman took charge as Head Chef following his tenure at London’s exclusive Annabel's club. Initially restricted to members and hotel guests only, The Ritz Club required an entry fee and offered high-stakes games such as roulette, blackjack, baccarat, poker, and slot machines.
In 1998, London Clubs International purchased The Ritz Club after relocating from the Devonshire Club on St James's Street. A new entity named Ritz Hotel Casino Ltd. was formed to hold the casino license. Following refurbishment, it reopened on 12 September with membership limited to invite-only guests. By 2006, the club comprised four principal areas: restaurant, bar, lounge, and a private gaming room situated in what was once the Banqueting Hall. In 2022, The Ritz Club hosted afternoon tea within the original ballroom; this service has since ceased.
In popular culture
Evelyn Waugh's 1942 novel Work Suspended includes a memorable lunch scene at the Ritz where the narrator becomes enamored with a friend's wife. Alan Bennett's wartime play, Forty Years On, takes place in the hotel’s basement. In the fantasy series Good Omens, the angel Aziraphale and demon Crowley are frequent visitors to the establishment. The Ritz is referenced in the lyrics of "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square" ("There were angels dining at the Ritz") as well as Queen’s song "Good Old Fashioned Lover Boy". A fictionalized version of the Ritz also appears regularly in the podcast My Dad Wrote a Porno, particularly in Season 2 Episode 1 and Season 4 Episode 5.
The hotel’s name gave rise to the term "ritz" and the expression "to put on the Ritz," which means to dress with great elegance—an inspiration for Irving Berlin’s famous song "Puttin' On the Ritz". Key scenes from the 1999 movie Notting Hill were filmed in the vicinity of the Ritz. In Jerry Pournelle’s science fiction novel Lucifer's Hammer, the hotel is mentioned as having been destroyed during catastrophic flooding in London.
Trademark
In recent years, the Ritz has taken a firm stance on protecting its trademark, demanding that other businesses using its name surrender their websites and social media accounts, even if they have used them for many years. For instance, the Desborough Ritz, which had been operating since the 1930s, rebranded in 2012 following legal counsel. That same year, a wedding venue in Northamptonshire was compelled to rename itself Banqueting & Conference Suites at the Kettering Ritz after receiving a similar legal notice. In 2017, the Brighouse Ritz—established in 1938—was also instructed to change its name or face legal proceedings.
Allegation of discrimination
In 2023, allegations of discrimination were directed at the Ritz after a job candidate was informed that "Afro-style" hair was not acceptable for employees. Jerelle Jules received a copy of the hotel's grooming guidelines after advancing to the final interview stage but chose not to continue, describing the 2021 policy as an example of "corporate ignorance" and "institutional racism."
The Ritz issued an apology, explaining that an outdated policy had been sent by mistake and reaffirmed their commitment to opposing all forms of discrimination. Labour MP Andy Slaughter condemned the policy as "blatant discrimination."
See also
Bibliography