Finally, the time has come! The iconic Paris Ritz hotel has finally reopened its doors!
After a comprehensive refurbishment that took four years, the legendary Ritz Hotel Paris has finally reopened to the public. The hotel, which is located on Place Vendôme, has been owned by Eygptian business-mogul Mohamed al-Fayed since he purchased it from the Ritz family in 1979. He closed the doors to this legendary establishment for the first time in its history in 2012, to restore it to its former gilded glory. And finally the time has come for the public to revel in its luxury and superb service once again.
This magnificent hotel, once home to Coco Chanel and a favourite of Ernest Hemingway, was originally a private palace. Although it now offers every modern convenience, the newly refurbished Ritz Paris remains faithful to its roots. Décor remains traditional of French 18th century style, although wherever you look you will notice several 21st century touches.
To add more natural light to the entrance, additional glass panels have been added to the ceiling. This is the first difference you will notice when you enter. But as you start enjoying a stay in one of the most sumptuous hotels in this romantic city, you’ll notice that the entire plumbing and central heating systems have been replaced, and high-speed internet access has also been installed throughout.
There are now fewer rooms in the hotel than previously – 142 instead of 159 guest rooms, as some were enlarged to make way for three new suites: The Mozart, Proust, and Maria Callas.
You can also book a stay in Coco Chanel’s original suite (the famous designer lived at the Ritz for more than 30 years) – and, to honor her even further, hotel guests can now also enjoy access to the world’s first Chanel spa, which is located within the hotel. Called Chanel au Ritz Paris, the sumptuous spa is part of the hotel’s new health club and features seven treatment rooms offering a selection of customizable Chanel beauty-related experiences.
The original Paris Ritz hotel first opened in 1898 and hosted numerous dignitaries, royalty and famous celebrities over the years. Although it was due to open in April, a fire broke out in January, damaging two suites and part of the hotel roof and this delayed the opening until June 2016. The refurbishment is believed to have cost more than $200 million (there have been reports that it was as much as $450 million!). Whatever the cost, visitors can expect a number of new additions to the hotel, including an underground ballroom, magnificent 21,500-square foot garden, and the exquisite Salon Proust, where one can enjoy the hotel’s famous afternoon tea. The equally famous Bar Hemingway, named after the renowned author in 1994, has also been renovated.