After a nearly 4-year restoration project, the Ritz Paris has reopened its wrought iron doors for new and returning guests. Some aspects of the refreshment, such as the oak woodwork, Mareuil stone floors, gilding, marble, parquet floors and curtain fabrics, are part of the hotel’s previous framework, while other touches, such as the newly designed Grand Jardin, are sporting a new look. In addition, decorative objects, paintings and other furnishings used at the Ritz since its opening in 1898, including the swans on the bathroom fixtures, the cords to call for the valet and maid, and the famous old-fashioned key for regulating lighting at the room’s entrance have been freshly restored.
The Ritz Paris is composed of two buildings—the former residence of the Duke of Lauzun and the Duke of Gramont, facing the Place Vendome, and a building in the back facing Cambon Street. The hotel features three restaurants and several bars, including one that pays homage to Ritz loyalist, Ernest Hemingway; the new Salon Proust with its fireplace and library; 15 Prestige suites; a swimming pool and an exclusive CHANEL au Ritz Paris skin care area. The hotel’s Ecole Ritz Escoffier cooking school has also been updated and now boasts three laboratories, which can accommodate up to 40 guests, in total, for tasting courses and 30 guests for demonstrations. Guests can enjoy lunch and brunch on the terrace of the L’Espadon restaurant, but dinners here are always served inside, under the trompe-l’oeil painted ceiling. Rates in a Superior Room start at $1,108 per night. For more information, visit ritzparis.com.
