The jewel of Mayfair, or according to others, the true “centre of London”, namely the iconic The Ritz hotel, has received the “royal seal of approval” from King Charles III, the highest honour for business. The hotel, synonymous with luxury, elegance, and taste, is a global benchmark in the hospitality industry, having managed to provide impeccable service in a luxurious space that is nevertheless not lacking in warmth and personal attention for every guest. Let’s not forget that the word “ritzy” was derived from its name and entered the English vocabulary, signifying anything glamorous and luxurious.
The Holy Grail of Hoteling: The Ritz London
A legacy of luxury and legend
Throughout its history, The Ritz London has welcomed legendary figures from politics, business, and show business. From members of the British royal family—such as King George V and Queen Elizabeth II—to Princess Diana, this hotel has been a beloved haunt of the elite.
During World War II, Winston Churchill used The Ritz for strategic meetings, while Mahatma Gandhi met with Aga Khan III here during a roundtable conference hosted by the latter.
Jackie Kennedy stayed at The Ritz with her children on her visits to London. Margaret Thatcher often dined with family and friends at the restaurant. Hollywood icons like Fred Astaire and Marilyn Monroe walked its halls, and even Agatha Christie was said to have drawn inspiration for her characters here. Today, the hotel continues to host high-profile guests such as Beyoncé, Prince William, and Kate Middleton—those who appreciate a discreet blend of tradition and luxury.
The Ritz London: History, Experience & Royal Seal of Approval
The Lobby
Even if you think you’ve never been to The Ritz, you probably have—at least on screen. In the romantic comedy Notting Hill, you may remember the iconic press conference where humble bookstore owner William Thacker (played by Hugh Grant) is invited by superstar Anna Scott (Julia Roberts). The lavish Louis XVI-style décor, the gilded doors, ivory curtains, marble fireplace, candlesticks, and white flowers were all real touches of The Ritz, as Thacker pretends to represent “Horse and Hound” in one of the film’s most hilarious scenes.
Timeless Elegance, All Day Long
London’s elite know and love the glamorous Bar Rivoli, where classic cocktails like Churchill’s Courage or a simple Negroni are served. Another jewel of the hotel is the Palm Court, its famed tea room. Here, tables are turned over as many as five times a day for guests wishing to enjoy the most traditional English Afternoon Tea—served with scones, cucumber or salmon sandwiches, cakes, and sweets. Champagne is always an alternative for those not in the mood for tea.
Once simply a lounge where guests sipped champagne in formal attire, the Palm Court now shares the spotlight with the hotel’s two Michelin-starred restaurant. To dine there, a jacket and tie are mandatory for men, and formal dress for women. Casual chic may be acceptable elsewhere in the hotel, but not here.
A Dream of Luxury, Made Reality
The Ritz was the brainchild of Swiss hotelier César Ritz, former director of The Savoy. After founding the Ritz Paris alongside the legendary chef Auguste Escoffier, he set his sights on creating the most luxurious hotel in London at a time when the city lacked sufficient accommodation for its growing number of visitors.
The building was designed to resemble an elegant Parisian apartment complex, with arcades echoing the Rue de Rivoli. The architects were Charles Mewès—who had also designed the Hôtel Ritz in Paris—and Arthur Davis, with engineering support from Swedish expert Sven Bylander.
The Ritz London officially opened its doors on May 25, 1906, hosting a dinner for the press. “Guests came from all over the world to stay at The Ritz, for its service, its food, and its atmosphere,” recalls Michael De Cozar, head of reception, who began working there at age 16. “Tips were so generous that cloakroom attendants and porters would pay the hotel just to work here.”
The £2,000 Rule
One of the lesser-known yet fascinating policies at The Ritz is the “£2,000 Rule.” Every employee, regardless of their position, is authorized to spend up to £2,000 without managerial approval to solve a guest’s problem. This rule exemplifies the hotel’s commitment to unparalleled service—ensuring that every guest feels truly taken care of.
A Royal Stamp of Excellence
With its rich history and its recent endorsement by King Charles, The Ritz London remains a benchmark for luxury hospitality. It’s not just a hotel stay—it’s an unforgettable experience that continues to set the bar for excellence.
What They Say About The Ritz London
“The Ritz is not just a hotel. It’s a luxurious experience wrapped in the charm of another era.”
— Queen Elizabeth II
“If you haven’t had tea at The Ritz, you haven’t truly seen London.”
— Noël Coward, playwright and actor
“The only place where luxury feels so natural, it’s as if it were made just for you.”
— Sophia Loren, actress
“The Ritz is like a second home to me. Discretion, comfort, and timeless elegance.”
— Sir Michael Caine, actor
“So authentically British, I’d swear even the walls sip tea at five.”
— Stephen Fry, author and actor
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