The Ritz London, a name synonymous with luxury and grandeur, has captivated hearts since its grand opening in 1906. The brainchild of legendary hotelier César Ritz, this iconic establishment was envisioned as the pinnacle of opulence, sparing no expense on its breathtaking interiors and lavish furnishings.
A Who’s Who of Royalty, Celebrities and Icons
From the very beginning, The Ritz attracted an elite clientele, drawing in the most famous and fashionable individuals of the time. The Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII, was a devoted patron of César Ritz and famously declared, “Where Ritz goes, I go!” The hotel’s allure extended beyond royalty, captivating the likes of Anna Pavlova, the legendary Russian ballerina, who graced The Ritz stage in 1912. The Aga Khan and Paul Getty occupied lavish suites, while historical figures like Winston Churchill, Dwight Eisenhower, and Charles de Gaulle gathered in The Marie Antoinette Suite during World War II to strategize and discuss operations. Lady Diana Cooper, a prominent figure of the era, fondly recalled The Ritz as the first hotel to welcome young, unmarried women without a chaperone, a progressive move for its time.
The Ritz: Hollywood Glamour and Royal Connections
The allure of The Ritz extended to the silver screen, becoming the favored destination for Hollywood’s elite. Charlie Chaplin, the iconic comedian, required 40 officers to navigate through his adoring fans upon arriving at the hotel in 1921. English playwright Noël Coward found inspiration within The Ritz’s walls, crafting songs like “Children of The Ritz.” Tallulah Bankhead, the renowned actress, shocked the press with a champagne-sipping spectacle from her slipper during a 1950s press conference. Jackie Onassis, the epitome of elegance, described The Ritz as “like paradise.” Even British Prime Ministers, Sir Edward Heath and Harold Macmillan, found solace and enjoyment within The Ritz’s refined atmosphere.
The Ritz in Film and Royal Celebrations
The Ritz’s captivating aura has transcended generations, even finding its way onto the silver screen. Richard Curtis’s romantic comedy, “Notting Hill,” featuring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant, showcased several scenes filmed within the hotel’s elegant spaces. The film’s humorous portrayal of a press conference in the hotel’s Trafalgar Suite, featuring Roberts’s character, film star Anna Scott, and Grant’s character, William Thacker, a charming bookshop owner, left an unforgettable mark on moviegoers.
Beyond the silver screen, The Ritz has been the backdrop for countless momentous celebrations. Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, a regular diner, enjoyed the melodies of “A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square” played on the hotel’s piano. In 1999, The Ritz hosted Annabel Elliot’s 50th birthday party, where HRH The Prince of Wales and HRH The Duchess of Cornwall were photographed together in public for the first time, marking a significant moment in their relationship.
Royal Recognition and Continued Excellence
In 2002, The Ritz London was awarded a Royal Warrant for Banqueting and Catering Services by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, making it the first and only hotel to receive this esteemed distinction. This honor underscored the hotel’s dedication to providing unparalleled service and culinary excellence.
The Ritz’s legacy of royal connections continued in 2024 with the awarding of a Royal Warrant by His Majesty King Charles III. This latest recognition solidifies The Ritz London’s position as a leading institution, lauded for its ongoing dedication to serving the Royal Household.
The Ritz London, a testament to enduring elegance and timeless service, continues to be a beacon of luxury and a symbol of the highest standards in hospitality. From its star-studded beginnings to its royal connections and lasting legacy, The Ritz London stands as a living monument to the enduring power of grandeur, a destination where history unfolds and legends are made.
