The Ritz London, a name synonymous with opulence and elegance, has been a beacon of luxury since its grand opening on May 25th, 1906. Conceived by the legendary hotelier César Ritz, the hotel was built with the ambition of becoming the ultimate destination for discerning travelers seeking the most lavish accommodation in the world. No expense was spared in creating opulent interiors and exquisite furnishings, each detail meticulously crafted to create a truly extraordinary experience.
A Who’s Who of Guests
From the very beginning, The Ritz attracted a constellation of stars, attracting both the famous and the fashionable. Its illustrious guest list reads like a roll call of history’s elite. The Prince of Wales, the future King Edward VII, was a devoted patron of César Ritz, famously declaring, “Where Ritz goes, I go.” The hotel’s allure extended to the world of entertainment, hosting the legendary Russian Prima Ballerina, Anna Pavlova, who graced its stage in 1912. The Aga Khan and Paul Getty enjoyed the comfort of its opulent suites. Even the course of World War II was impacted by The Ritz, where Winston Churchill, Dwight Eisenhower, and Charles de Gaulle met in the Marie Antoinette Suite to discuss crucial strategies.
Lady Diana Cooper, a resident of nearby Arlington Street, fondly recalled The Ritz as the first hotel to embrace the progressive concept of allowing young, unchaperoned women to enjoy its hospitality. This pioneering move solidified its reputation as a haven for sophistication and modernity.
Hollywood Glamour and Royal Patronage
The Ritz quickly became the preferred destination for Hollywood’s brightest stars. Charlie Chaplin, the iconic silent film comedian, required a formidable escort of 40 officers to navigate his way through the throngs of adoring fans in 1921. English playwright Nöel Coward found inspiration within The Ritz’s walls, penning memorable songs like “Children of the Ritz.” Tallulah Bankhead, the legendary actress, once created a memorable scene by sipping Champagne from her slipper during a press conference in the 1950s. Even Jackie Onassis, a symbol of American elegance, described The Ritz as “like paradise.” The hotel’s allure extended to the political elite, with Prime Ministers Sir Edward Heath and Harold Macmillan choosing The Ritz for their dining experiences.
A Cinematic Setting
The Ritz continued to capture the imagination of the world, making a prominent appearance in Richard Curtis’s romantic comedy, “Notting Hill,” starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant. Several scenes, including a memorable press conference in the hotel’s Trafalgar Suite, were filmed at The Ritz. The hotel’s Head Hall Porter, Michael deCozar, played a role in the concierge desk scene, recounting the unique experience of filming throughout the night and the unexpected interruption from a guest’s relative in Australia.
Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, a loyal patron of The Ritz, favored the hotel’s elegant atmosphere for her dining experiences, requesting her favorite song, “A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square,” be played on the piano. The hotel also witnessed a significant moment in modern British history when HRH The Prince of Wales and HRH The Duchess of Cornwall attended Annabel Elliot’s 50th birthday celebration at The Ritz, making their first public appearance as a couple leaving the hotel.
A Royal Warrant and Continued Excellence
In January 2002, The Ritz received a coveted Royal Warrant for Banqueting and Catering Services, awarded by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales. This prestigious recognition made The Ritz London the first, and only, hotel to be honored with this distinction.
The following year, Sir Roger Moore, the iconic James Bond actor, stayed at The Ritz when he was knighted. On November 14, 2002, Her Majesty The Queen hosted a birthday celebration for HRH The Prince of Wales at The Ritz Restaurant, as a gesture of gratitude to her close family and friends for their support during her Jubilee year.
Expanding the Legacy: William Kent House
In 2005, The Ritz acquired William Kent House, a magnificent 18th-century mansion designed by renowned architect William Kent. This architectural gem, adjacent to the hotel, underwent a meticulous restoration project, restoring its lavish private dining rooms and suites to their original Renaissance-style splendor. In 2006, William Kent House was formally incorporated into The Ritz, providing guests with a greater selection of luxurious accommodations.
The Ritz continued to play host to history, with Her Majesty The Queen celebrating her 80th birthday in 2006 with festivities spanning the hotel’s ground floor and The Ritz Club. This was the first official event held at William Kent House after its completion.
A Timeless Icon: Downton Abbey and the Present Day
The Ritz maintained its presence in popular culture, featuring prominently in the final episode of the critically acclaimed television drama, “Downton Abbey.” Key scenes, including a memorable dinner in the Ritz Restaurant with Lady Edith and Lady Rosamund Painswick, were filmed overnight. The filming marked the final scene for the cast and crew, who dressed in 1920s costumes to commemorate the occasion, with Lady Mary even taking on the role of camera operator for the night.
In 2024, The Ritz London received an extraordinary honor. 22 years after receiving its first Royal Warrant from His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, The Ritz London was bestowed with another prestigious recognition: a Royal Warrant from His Majesty King Charles III. This reaffirmation of excellence signifies the continued commitment of The Ritz to providing the highest standard of service to the Royal Household.
The Ritz London, a true icon of luxury, continues to enchant and captivate, offering guests an unforgettable experience steeped in history, elegance, and world-renowned service. Its enduring legacy as a haven for the elite and a symbol of timeless sophistication is a testament to its unwavering commitment to excellence and its ability to adapt and thrive through the ages.
