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The Ritz London, Piccadilly’s Grand Dame of Luxury Since 1906

Published on 7 November 2024•7 minutes
Written by Hugo Audouy

In the vibrant heart of London, The Ritz London has epitomised unrivalled refinement since 1906. Enhanced by architect Charles Mewès, the hotel elevates luxury with its sumptuous rooms and majestic suites, where every detail speaks of British elegance. The Ritz Restaurant, under Michelin-starred chef John Williams MBE, offers a pinnacle gastronomic experience, crowned by the legendary High Tea. For gaming enthusiasts, the Ritz Club cultivates a discreet, timelessly luxurious atmosphere. An architectural icon, this jewel promises an unforgettable escape where heritage and modernity meet. Discover more at theritzlondon.com.

Map of The Ritz London, Piccadilly’s Grand Dame of Luxury Since 1906

A jewel of hospitality in the heart of London

Set in the prestigious Piccadilly district, The Ritz London is far more than a hotel – it is an institution. Since it opened in 1906, it has embodied English elegance and refinement, attracting affluent travellers, celebrities and royalty from around the globe. Architect Charles Mewès, who also designed the Ritz in Paris, created a true neoclassical masterpiece here. From the moment you step into the opulent main lobby, you know you have arrived somewhere timeless. Marble columns, glittering chandeliers and discreet gilding are just some of the tangible expressions of English style that run through this century-old property. The Ritz is for those seeking a stay in exceptional surroundings, where history and modern comfort meet to create a singular experience.

Rooms and suites: Luxury and sophistication

Accommodation at the Ritz is a benchmark in refinement, with 136 rooms and suites that combine period furnishings with contemporary comfort. Each room exudes elegance, with sumptuous fabrics such as damask silk, four-poster beds and sweeping views over Green Park or Piccadilly. The suites are genuine retreats, with generous proportions, private sitting rooms and butler service. The Ritz Royal Suite is surely the most lavish, bringing together everything one might expect of a hotel of this calibre: a vast living room worthy of an aristocratic townhouse and a marble bathroom in which to unwind in luxurious surroundings. Every detail is meticulously considered, from in-room tea service to embroidered linens. Discreetly integrated modern technology ensures guests lack for nothing in terms of comfort. At the Ritz, your room is far more than a place to sleep – it is an experience in its own right.

Starred gastronomy: Dining at the Ritz

The Ritz Restaurant, led by Michelin-starred chef John Williams MBE, is reason enough to visit. Listed in the Michelin Guide, this restaurant offers an exceptional gastronomic experience that celebrates traditional British cuisine, executed with contemporary finesse. Diners can enjoy emblematic dishes such as Cornish turbot or the chef’s signature poached lobster, served beneath a frescoed ceiling and surrounded by sumptuous wood panelling. By day, the room is flooded with natural light, creating a captivating atmosphere that shifts into something more intimate and cosier come evening. The culinary experience is further elevated by an outstanding wine list, where some of the world’s finest vintages sit alongside local labels. For those with a sweet tooth, High Tea at The Ritz has been a London institution for more than 100 years. Served in the Palm Court, with its Art Deco décor, it offers a complete immersion in British tradition, with delicate sandwiches, exquisite pastries and warm scones served with cream and jam.

The Ritz London, Piccadilly’s Grand Dame of Luxury Since 1906 - Hotels - panoramic view

Tailor-made experiences and extraordinary services

What truly sets The Ritz London apart is its ability to exceed the expectations of even the most demanding travellers. Its hallmark personalised service includes exclusive offerings such as the Clefs d'Or concierge team, capable of working wonders to meet guests’ requests. Those drawn to theatre and high society will also appreciate the hotel’s remarkable access to many of the capital’s most prestigious events, often arranged especially for its residents. Guests seeking relaxation in elegant surroundings can enjoy a massage in the privacy of their suite, or book a hair appointment at the salon of the legendary Joshua Galvin. For a distinctive shopping experience, a personal stylist can even accompany you to London’s most exclusive shopping destinations. Everything is designed to deliver a stay that feels both unique and unforgettable, showcasing English style in its purest form.

An afternoon at The Ritz Club: The elegance of gaming

For those who enjoy gaming in refined surroundings, the Ritz Club, located beneath the hotel, is an exceptional address reserved for members and carefully vetted guests. Inspired by London’s private clubs, it offers classic tables such as blackjack, poker and roulette in a subdued, sophisticated atmosphere. This is where tycoons, international celebrities and some of the world’s most accomplished players cross paths. More than a gaming room, the Ritz Club transports you to another era, that of the gentlemen’s club, with velvet-draped lounges and opulent chandeliers. Members can enjoy bespoke fine dining alongside their gaming, extending the experience late into the night. The relationship with the team is such that your time at the tables is tailored to your tastes and style. This discreet domain guarantees special moments in ultimate comfort, far from the bustle of the capital.

Explore the surroundings

Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge

Panoramic views from the high walkways and a tour of the bridge's historic lifting mechanisms.

4.8
Bridge
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National Gallery

National Gallery

Art museum on Trafalgar Square whose works trace the development of painting in Western Europe.

4.8
Art museum
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British Museum

British Museum

A showcase of global antiquities, with Egyptian mummies and sculptures from ancient Greece.

4.7
Museum
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Hyde Park

Hyde Park

Large green space with the Diana memorial fountain and the Serpentine, a lake for boating and swimming.

4.7
Park
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Tower of London

Tower of London

Medieval fortress with centuries of bloody history, home to the Crown Jewels and its iconic Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters).

4.7
Castle
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Hampstead Heath

Hampstead Heath

Beloved green oasis for recreation, with swimming ponds, woodlands and Parliament Hill offering city views.

4.7
Park
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Victoria Park

Victoria Park

Verdant Victorian park covering 86 hectares in the heart of East London, featuring lakes and fountains.

4.7
Park
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Holland Park

Holland Park

Large park with woodland, sports facilities, a playground, a café and the Kyoto Japanese Garden.

4.7
Park
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Sky Garden

Sky Garden

Nicknamed the 'Walkie Talkie' because of its distinctive shape, this skyscraper houses a top-floor restaurant.

4.6
Scenic spot
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Victoria and Albert Museum

Victoria and Albert Museum

Popular exhibitions, a permanent collection of decorative arts, a design shop and an elaborately decorated café.

4.7
Art museum
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A jewel of art and architecture: The Ritz heritage

No visit to the Ritz would be complete without taking the time to appreciate the hotel’s place in London’s artistic and architectural heritage. From the splendid Haussmann-style façade to the grandeur of the interiors, every corner of the Ritz feels as though it has been lifted from another age. Listed as a Grade II* historic building, it is one of the few hotels in the United Kingdom to hold this distinction. Guests can admire unique details, such as the arcaded gallery, which forms a veritable parade of artworks, aristocratic tapestries and frescoes dating from the Belle Époque. This unique setting has attracted literary figures from F. Scott Fitzgerald to Winston Churchill, after whom the main room is named. Pianists and string quartets often perform in the spacious wood-panelled salons. This seamless fusion of art, history and design makes it a must for connoisseurs of exceptional places, where heritage and nobility meet contemporary excellence in the service of outstanding comfort.

Whether you are seeking a romantic escape, an exclusive gastronomic experience or immersion in a singular historic setting, The Ritz London is poised to meet every expectation with poise and flair. Every element at the Ritz is considered, to offer the ultimate indulgence and memories that last. Book your stay today and let yourself be charmed by the hotel’s timeless elegance.

The Ritz London
150 Piccadilly, St. James's, London W1J 9BR, United Kingdom
From £1,065 per night
Book at theritzlondon.com

Hugo Audouy
Written by Hugo Audouy—About the author