Review of The Ritz London

Since its grand debut in 1906, The Ritz London has stood as a benchmark for luxury hospitality, synonymous with British elegance and international prestige. Conceived by visionary Swiss hotelier César Ritz, the property is celebrated for its flawless service, opulent décor, plush accommodations, and its legendary Afternoon Tea—an essential indulgence for discerning visitors to London. Nestled on Piccadilly in the heart of Mayfair, the hotel features 136 meticulously designed rooms and suites, blending classic style with contemporary comfort. Families will appreciate that children under 16 can stay complimentary when sharing a room with adults.

Dining at The Ritz Restaurant, distinguished with a Michelin star, is a highlight for celebratory occasions, while The Palm Court remains the quintessential setting for Afternoon Tea. Guests can also unwind at the sophisticated Rivoli Bar or enjoy exclusive experiences at The Ritz Club, which includes a gaming salon and a refined cigar lounge. With its French-inspired architecture and storied heritage—built on the site of a former coaching inn—The Ritz London continues to define what it means to be 'ritzy' in the modern era.

The Ritz London enjoys a commanding position overlooking both Piccadilly and the tranquil expanse of Royal Green Park. Guests enter through the stately Arlington Street entrance, just steps from the city's premier shopping and cultural districts. Surrounded by iconic destinations such as Old Bond Street—renowned for luxury boutiques—Jermyn Street’s world-class tailoring, and the exclusive Berkeley Square, the hotel offers unrivaled access to London’s finest. To the east, Piccadilly Circus, the Statue of Eros, and Leicester Square—famed for star-studded film premieres—are within easy reach. The property is situated approximately 25 kilometers from Heathrow Airport and is conveniently close to major transport hubs, including St Pancras International (Eurostar), Waterloo (Heathrow Express), and Victoria Station, which connects directly to Gatwick Airport. This location makes The Ritz an ideal base for both leisure and business travelers seeking the best London has to offer.

The Ritz London features 111 elegant guestrooms and 25 uniquely styled suites spread across seven floors, all reflecting the Louis XVI aesthetic that defines the hotel’s ambiance. Soft palettes of blush, blue, peach, and yellow create an inviting, airy atmosphere, complemented by lofty ceilings, expansive marble bathrooms, and large windows offering captivating views of either bustling Piccadilly or the serene Green Park. While Piccadilly’s vibrant energy can lead to occasional street noise, the park-facing rooms offer a peaceful sanctuary in the heart of the city.

The suites, particularly the signature offerings, elevate the experience with generous living spaces, additional bathrooms, private dining areas, and fully equipped kitchens. Guests in top-tier suites benefit from a dedicated butler and complimentary access to the chauffeured Ritz Rolls-Royce Phantom. Room sizes range from a comfortable 20 square meters (215 sq. ft.) to the palatial 177 square meters (1,900 sq. ft.) Prince of Wales Suite, ensuring options for every type of luxury traveler.

Service at The Ritz London is genuinely world-class, with a staff-to-room ratio of at least 2:1—demonstrating the hotel’s unwavering commitment to personalized hospitality. From the moment you’re welcomed by the iconic doormen on Arlington Street, the attentive staff create an atmosphere that feels both exclusive and warmly familial.

Guests benefit from professional valet parking, and the renowned Concierge team is available 24/7, ready to arrange everything from private city tours to personal trainers. The expertise of the Ritz Concierge is legendary, consistently recognized among the best in London. For families, the kidz@TheRitz club offers thoughtful perks for younger guests, including membership cards, complimentary treats, and child-friendly amenities.

Adults can retreat to The Ritz Club, which operates around the clock and features refined dining, a gaming salon, and a curated cigar and shisha lounge. While there is no conventional spa, swimming pool, or gym, guests enjoy access to The Ritz Salon on the seventh floor, where acclaimed stylist Hiro Miyoshi leads a team offering massages, facials, hair treatments, and more. The hotel is fully accessible for wheelchair users, and while pets are not permitted, service animals are welcomed with care and respect.

The Ritz London’s façade is a testament to the opulence of the Belle Époque era, seamlessly blending French sophistication with British grandeur. Inspired by César Ritz’s Parisian masterpiece, the building’s neoclassical lines and signature green copper lions evoke a sense of regal history. The innovative steel-frame construction was groundbreaking for its time and remains a defining architectural feature.

Inside, guests are transported to the lavish world of Louis XVI, where pastel hues, gilded mirrors, hand-painted wallpaper, and ornate chandeliers create an atmosphere reminiscent of an 18th-century French palace. Successive refurbishments have preserved these period details, ensuring that every corner, from the tapestries to the antique furnishings, exudes a sense of curated luxury. The Ritz’s interiors are a visual feast, consistently earning accolades in international design awards and captivating travelers seeking authentic heritage and style in the heart of London.

The Palm Court at The Ritz London is an institution unto itself, famed for serving one of the city's most celebrated Afternoon Teas. Guests can select from an expertly curated menu of 18 loose-leaf teas and enjoy The Ritz’s exclusive Champagne, crafted by Barons de Rothschild. Under the guidance of a dedicated tea sommelier, the ritual includes exquisitely crafted finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and artful pastries—all presented within a glittering setting of chandeliers, mirrored panels, and vibrant floral arrangements. Afternoon Tea here is a quintessential London experience, consistently featured among the world's best by luxury travel publications.

The Ritz Restaurant, awarded a Michelin star, is helmed by Executive Chef John Williams, who sources the finest British produce for menus that celebrate both tradition and innovation. Signature dishes highlight premium ingredients such as Isle of Mull scallops and seasonal vegetables, with comprehensive vegetarian and vegan options available. In warmer months, the restaurant’s terrace offers alfresco dining with views of Green Park. On Friday and Saturday evenings, "Live at The Ritz" transforms the dining room with live music and dancing for an atmospheric culinary event.

Breakfast is served à la carte in The Ritz Restaurant, and there are six private dining rooms for intimate gatherings. The Rivoli Bar, inspired by the golden era of the Orient Express, is a destination for creative cocktails, rare champagnes, and an indulgent caviar menu—all in an Art Deco setting. For those preferring the privacy of their rooms, in-suite dining is available around the clock.

The Ritz London remains at the forefront of sustainable hospitality in 2025, with a comprehensive strategy to minimize its environmental footprint. The hotel targets a 3% annual reduction in energy consumption and operates entirely on renewable energy. Three thriving beehives on the sixth floor, home to over 20,000 Buckfast bees, are cared for by a team of 12 trained staff, supporting local biodiversity and pollination in Green Park. The Ritz partners with CleanConscience to repurpose partially used toiletries, donating them to global charitable initiatives. Additionally, the property maintains a strict zero-landfill waste policy, setting a benchmark for eco-conscious luxury in the UK hospitality industry.

• Afternoon Tea at The Palm Court—a must for any connoisseur of British culinary tradition
• Park-view rooms offering panoramic sunrise and sunset vistas over Green Park
• Staff who consistently deliver gracious, knowledgeable, and anticipatory service

Businessclass empowers you to secure the most competitive rates on luxury hotels by comparing prices across top suppliers in a single search. Discover the best offers for The Ritz London by conducting your search at the top of this page.