In August of 2012 when the Ritz Paris closed its doors to begin a nearly four year renovation, it was an odd moment for the hotel considering it had never been closed in its nearly 120-year history. Even during the second world war, when the German Military moved in. For others, it was an acknowledgement of the changing times. The Hotel was purchased in 1979 by the current owner, billionaire Mohamed al-Fayed. Western customers had for decades been the bread and butter of the success of the Hotel. Now a new generation of customers from The Far East and other emerging markets are producing a new breed of ultra wealthy individuals with demands exceeding anything an ageing Parisian hotel could offer.
Foremost impressions of the Hotel’s extensive remodel, are subtle & splendidly unexpected. The red-carpet Entrance from the city’s elegant Place Vendôme is still intact. Travel further down the hall and you will discover the blue and yellow runners that stretch down the long hall are still there as well. The extravagantly appointed gilt wooden frames are the very same ones that adorned the corridor before the hotel closed for renovations. The only significant difference is that the Hotel appears to be cleaner and lighter. Yes, you may remissness in over a century of history will still receiving the feeling only a new hotel affords. The identical classic appearance will reaffirm former Ritz guests who were afraid that the renovations would obliterate all spirit from the building, originally constructed as a palace in the 1700’s. Famous guests of the Ritz’s past included Coco Chanel, Ernest Hemingway, and many other notable individuals. Hemingway once wrote, “When I dream of afterlife in heaven, the action always takes place in the Paris Ritz.”
The main highlight of the hotel’s renovations is the underground swimming pool & spa, which has a new floor made from over 800,000 mosaic tiles, not to mention that the Chanel spa was created in conjunction with the Chanel fashion house. Coco Chanel, the brand’s founder, lived in the hotel for over 30 until her death in 1971. In addition the renowned Coco Chanel suite, which was previously located on the third floor, has been moved to the second and has been decorated in a style reminiscent of the Art Deco period and contains marvelous views of the Place Vendôme. It is one of the 71 suites that the hotel now offers as part of its 142-room total (previously 159 before the renovation). Other notable upgrades include the dinning facilities such as; Bar Vendome (The French brasserie of the Ritz), L’Espadon (a culinary experience by Nicolas Sale), Ritz Bar (The elegant Parisian bistro), Bar Hemingway (the most legendary bar of them all), and Salon Proust (Tea at the Ritz Paris).
Though the Ritz remains quintessentially old-school French, showcasing rates starting from €1,000 per night and rising up to €28,000 for the Imperial suite, guests are greeted by lavishly upholstered sofas, bathrooms with golden taps in the shape of swans. Guests are now served by more than 600 staff, as opposed to the 500 before the closure. It is the true definition of a Parisian palace.
For more information visit: www.RitzParis.com
