After a four year hiatus, the Ritz Paris opened its doors this week following an extensive renovation. Architect and designer Thierry W. Despont helmed the massive overhaul, which included a transformation of all the rooms, suites, bathrooms, and the opening of the Hemingway bar and the world’s first spa Chanel.
“The luxury travel world has been eagerly awaiting the rebirth of this iconic legend,” said Albert Herrera, Virtuoso’s senior vice president of Global Product Partnerships. “Ritz Paris’ impeccable reputation, fabled history, and exceptional guest offerings represent deluxe hospitality at its finest. Virtuoso is honored to help reintroduce this grande dame and demonstrate why now is the time to visit Paris.”
We’re definitely among those who are thrilled about this long-anticipated reopening. Here are some of the features that we can’t wait to check out:
5. Summer Garden Restaurant
A new addition to the property will be a restaurant with a moveable canopy. We don’t know much about it yet, but it is sure to stay true to the Ritz Paris’ aura of history and glamor. The restaurant affords awesome views of the Parisian skyline in addition to an enviable gourmet dining experience.
4. L’Espadon restaurant
The Ritz promises diners “a gastronomic experience designed to surprise and delight” with elegant breakfasts, delicious lunches, and unforgettable dinners created by Michelin starred chef Nicolas Sale. The sale is highly regarded for his work at Table du Kilimandjaro and Kintessence restaurants in Courchevel in the French Alps and is bound to breathe a new life into the L’Espadon.
3. The Coco Chanel Suite
Having spent over thirty years at the Ritz Paris, Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel certainly made her mark on the hotel. She decorated her suite herself using décor elements that suited her refined taste, including Asian lacquer, gilded mirrors, and the contrasting black and white colors. Now you can book a stay in this iconic suite for the price of €25,000 (US$28,246 at current exchange) per night.
2. Bar Hemingway
Inspired by author Ernest Hemingway who stayed at the Ritz Paris, the bar will remain mostly unchanged with Colin Field, the head bartender returning to his old post. Ernest Hemingway and Gary Cooper spent a lot of time here, and even F. Scott Fitzgerald had a favorite seat. While you sip cocktails at this well-known institution, you can catch up on reading Hemingway’s novel A Moveable Feast. Rumor has it, the manuscript for the novel was locked up in one of Hemingway’s trunks that was in the Ritz Paris’ storage area for years before being recovered!
1. Chanel Spa
Located in the Ritz Club, the spa is called the Chanel au Ritz Paris and will offer treatments that use products from the French brand’s extensive collection. Coco Chanel lived at the hotel from 1934 until she died in 1971, so the two brands share a long history. We hear that the spa will offer guests the best experiences to pamper and relax guests.
