The Ritz London opened in 1906 on Piccadilly, at the edge of Green Park. It was the London house of César Ritz, who had opened the Ritz Paris eight years earlier, and it remains one of the most recognisable luxury hotels in London, with its arcade along Piccadilly and its name in lights on the roof.
History
From its opening, the Ritz attracted royalty, statesmen and stars of the stage, and its name entered the English language as a byword for luxury.
Architecture and design
The architects Charles Mewès and Arthur Davis, who had worked with César Ritz in Paris, designed the building in the Louis XVI style. It was one of the first major steel-framed buildings in London, faced in stone. Inside, the Long Gallery leads to the Palm Court and to the Ritz Restaurant, a gilded dining room overlooking the park. The building is Grade II* listed.
Dining
Afternoon tea in the Palm Court is the hotel’s best known tradition, and the Ritz Restaurant serves classic cuisine in one of the most ornate rooms in London. A dress code applies in the public rooms.
Weddings and events
The Ritz hosts weddings, private dinners and receptions in its private dining rooms, including the William Kent House. Send your date, guest count and occasion through the request form on this page: it reaches the events team directly.
At a glance
What sets it apart
- 01Opened in 1906 by César Ritz on Piccadilly
- 02Louis XVI interiors by Charles Mewès and Arthur Davis
- 03One of the first steel-framed buildings in London
- 04Afternoon tea in the Palm Court
Chronology
Dates that matter
1906
The Ritz opens on Piccadilly on 24 May, eight years after the Ritz Paris.
1921
Charlie Chaplin's stay draws crowds to Piccadilly outside the hotel.
1995
The Barclay brothers buy the hotel.
2002
The Ritz becomes the first hotel to receive a Royal Warrant from the Prince of Wales.
2016
The Ritz Restaurant is awarded a Michelin star.
2020
The hotel is sold to a Qatari investor.
