Because it is one of the most important hotels in the world, many historical events have taken place in its dependencies. For example, it was in the Marie Antoinette Suite that Winston Churchill held her meetings. Among them is the one who decided operations for World War II with Charles de Gaulle, then a French general, and Dwight Eisenhower, president of the United States. Today, the Marie Antoinette Suite is an event hall, where a private dinner from the Ritz Restaurant can also be served.
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The House of Margaret Thatcher
It was also at the Ritz, one of London’s best hotels, that Margaret Thatcher, the Iron Lady, lived her last four months of life. She died in April 2013. However, by discretion, the hotel does not reveal in which suite she was left. But it was probably the presidential one, right?
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In addition, other important figures such as Princess Diana, Queen Elizabeth – the Queen Mother, Charlie Chaplin and Jackie Onassis have also been there. It was at the exit of a party at the Ritz that Prince Charles and Camilla Parker-Bowles were photographed together for the first time in 1999.
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The hotel has also been used as a film set. For example, in “A Place Called Notting Hill” some scenes were shot at the hotel. The press conference of Anna Scott, Julia Roberts’ character takes place there. In addition, there were also, in the Ritz restaurant, the final scenes of the series “Downton Abbey”, certainly a great success not only of English TV but of world television.
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Location Location
The Ritz, one of the best hotels in London, is in Picadilly, next to Green Park and a 15-minute walk from Hyde Park. It is 10 minutes by foot from the West End, where London’s main theatres and musicals are located. Therefore, the best impossible!
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Buckingham Palace is on the other side of Green Park, only 650m away. Trafalgar Square is a 7-minute drive away. In addition, it is in one of the busiest regions of the city, very close to Piccadilly Circus and Covent Garden. Therefore, it is possible to walk to a number of pubs and good restaurants.
One of the best hotels in London
The Ritz London hotel has a sophisticated and classic structure with 136 rooms, a casino, event rooms, limo and gym. On the top floor of the building is the Ritz Salon, with hairdresser, spa services and manicure.
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At the entrance, the Long Gallery, corridor that gives access to the halls, shows us the grandein of the hotel.
The Ritz bought and renovated the historic William Kent mansion, dating from 1740, next to the hotel. In 2006 it was opened as an integral part of the Ritz, as an event hall, which can receive up to 24 people for lunch or dinner. Meanwhile, the same year, Queen Elizabeth II’s 80th birthday was celebrated.
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Rooms
Among the twelve categories of rooms and suites is the Royal Suite, with 156m2. It overlooks Green Park and is extremely well decorated in neoclassical style. I had the opportunity to meet and notice the ceiling details and dining room for twelve people, for example. Upstairs is a circular room and in addition, the elevator is decorated as if it were a library, in the best Harry Potter feelings style. Small details that make all the difference. No wonder he is considered one of the best hotels in London.
As a hotel with so many years of history runs, the Ritz does not use magnetic cards as keys to the rooms. Therefore, the guest has to hand over his key to the concierge every time he leaves. While some hotels do everything to enter modernity, the Ritz prefers to continue with traditions. Just say once the number of the room that the super competent conciergeia service will remember the next times that the guest comes back to pick up the key or deliver it again.
Staff
The staff of the Ritz is of exemplary friend and education. They do everything to fulfill the most diverse requests of guests. The head of the Concierge, Michael de Cozar, is a Ritz legend and has been there for 45 years. He even appeared in the film “A Place Called Notting Hill” in his role.
I had a problem with the laptop and took it to the Apple store to be repaired. I didn’t move a straw and when I came back, my computer was running again. Need to explain why is the best accommodation in London?
My experience at Ritz London – best accommodation in London
With excellent service in every detail, the Ritz knows very well how to treat a guest. I stayed in a Junior suite on the fifth floor. She has 46m2 and is very well decorated in pastel tones. Among the classic furniture there was, for example, a living area with sofa and armchairs. Besides, I loved the dressing table next to the window. A grace!
The king size bed was very soft and the silence in the room, absolute! Black out worked very well too!
The Junior Suite also has a desk and two chest of drawers with a total of 9 drawers. It is still ideal for those who stay with the family, as it can be connected with another Junior Suite. There was also a cell phone that allowed free calls while it was allowed to take him to the street. Certainly a luxury!
Like the entire five star hotel, the bathroom is spacious and with marble walls. It is very comfortable and has separate shower and bath. In addition, several bath towels and two bathrobes are available to guests. Toilet products are from the brand Asprey and on the sink is a white pink, exclusive to the Ritz.
Details that make a difference in the best accommodation in London
As it was my birthday, I won some gifts from Ritz London and Leading Hotels of the World: two books that tell the story of the centenary hotel in London, with beautiful photos, a Ritz brand tea, “Do Not Disturb” to put in the room and also a very cute Leading card with the assembly of some trips I have already made. Besides, I got a birthday cup as another treat. Oh, I loved it! Surprises that certainly make the guest feel special.
Afternoon Tea at the Ritz
The most famous and popular afternoon tea in the city is, of course, at the Ritz, best accommodation in London. The hall in which the tea is served is called The Palm Court, beautiful and with neoclassical architecture. The ceiling is full of details and there are also beautiful and imposing chandeliers hanging.
Afternoon tea – a 150 year tradition – is hotly contested! Therefore, it is advisable to make a reservation well in advance. For the fine weekends, the wait can reach three months!
Tea is served on a very well prepared table, with a beautiful crockery, which represents a lot of glamour and tradition. All with the piano sound in the background. I loved all that refinement! It was certainly an unforgettable experience!
Because it is such an elegant environment, everyone dresses accordingly. Boys, attention to the dress code! The jacket and tie are mandatory while women should be well neat. No way is allowed in jeans. For both men and women.
During the meal, small sandwiches, cakes, sweet champagne and a full menu with 18 tea options are served. The London Ritz is the only hotel in the UK to have a tea sommelier, the Giandomenico Scanu. He travels the world visiting several plantations to bring the best teas to the Palm Court.
The Ritz Afternoon Tea costs 57 euros and is served at five hours, from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., with a two-hour interval between them.
The Ritz Restaurant
The restaurant at the Ritz Lodon hotel has a lounge considered one of the most beautiful in the world. And it’s no exaggeration. It has marble columns, floor-to-ceiling windows, chandeliers, beautiful crystal chandeliers and also a beautiful view of Green Park. This is where breakfast, lunch and dinner are served.
The Ritz Restaurant is one of the best in London, with a Michelin star. The kitchen is run by executive chef John Williams, who brings in his creations the best and freshest ingredients in the country. He was responsible for the banquet commemorating Queen Elizabeth II’s 80th birthday. At the time, John Williams prepared a four-course dinner with a sheep-based dish and says that Her Majesty was the best person he cooked for, as no one offers as much pressure as the Queen.
The staff is very well trained, with an elegant service, but that leaves the diners very comfortable in this sophisticated environment.
The Ritz Breakfast – best accommodation in London
Take the breakfast of one of the best restaurants in London very calm. In addition to being very complete, with a full table, which has several breads, cakes, fruits and cold cuts, it offers more elaborate dishes à la carte. With the elegant environment, it does not even want to leave. Probably one of the most exquisite breakfasts of the morning of hotels I have ever tasted. In that sense, I think I chose the right place to celebrate my birthday, huh!
The Rivoli Bar
Before or after a royal-worthy lunch or dinner, it’s worth a drink at the Rivoli Bar. It offers a wide selection of wines and champagnes and the most requested cocktail is the Ritz 110, created to commemorate the hotel’s anniversary. At the Ritz Bar the atmosphere is a little more relaxed while in the restaurant and afternoon tea the formality is first.
The Ritz Club
The Ritz Club is the casino located in the basement of the hotel. In the past, it functioned as a large banquet hall and during World War II became the La Popote nightclub. The club had a decoration inspired by a fighting shelter. Subsequently, war ended, it fell into disuse and in the early 1970s the space was closed.
Only in 1978 the salon was reopened as a casino after a long period of restoration. At this time, it operated only for guests and members of the Ritz Club. Even today there is this strict rule, but the members of the club can take a guest. It is one of the most valuable casinos in Europe. In addition to being one of the few who charges a fee to enter. A place for real rich people.
Awards for the best accommodation in London
The Ritz hotel in London is a world reference for its excellent service and services. He participates in the Green Tourism Program, which measures the impact of property on the environment, local economy, community and cultural heritage.
Over the years, there are many prizes accumulated by the Ritz, London’s best hotels. In the last four years alone, for example, he has received more than 40, including LHW’s 2014 “Member of the Year” award, to Ruth Jones, marketing and development manager and the “Best Luxury Hotel in London” award, by the Luxury Travel Advisor Awards in 2017.
Finally, one of his main awards received was the “Royal Mandate for Banquets and Catering Services”, awarded by the Prince of Wales in 2002. The Ritz hotel in London is the first and only hotel to have this decoration.
Conclusion
Spending a few days at the Ritz hotel in London is one of the most exclusive experiences you can have. Definitely a great place to celebrate a birthday. After spending the date at a better hotels in London, it will be difficult to choose next year’s place.
by Renata Araújo
Photos: Renata Araújo and Victor Guidini
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