Why “The Ritz Paris” Still Means “The Best”
“The Ritz” is a synonym for splendor for a reason. Opened in 1898 by visionary hotelier César Ritz in a private mansion on Place Vendôme, the property redefined luxury—private bathrooms and electricity on every floor were cutting-edge at the time. From the beginning it blended modern comfort with old-world elegance, and that DNA still hums through its suites, salons, and hidden garden today. Ritz Paris+1
Famous regulars (and why they still matter)
Over the decades, Marcel Proust wrote nearby and inspired the hotel’s literary aura; Ernest Hemingway held court at what would become Bar Hemingway; and Coco Chanel felt so at home she lived here for decades—today, a signature suite bears her name. Their names aren’t just marketing—it’s how the spaces feel when you’re in them. Ritz Paris+2Ritz Paris+2
A Short, Juicy History of The Ritz Paris
Belle Époque beginnings
When The Ritz Paris opened in 1898, it launched a new era of grand-hotel service and gastronomy (Ritz’s partner was legendary chef Auguste Escoffier). The hotel’s location on 15 Place Vendôme placed it at the heart of haute Paris, steps from rue Cambon and the Opéra. Wikipedia+1
War stories and myths
During the German occupation in WWII, the Luftwaffe established headquarters at the hotel; Hermann Göring was among the Nazi officials who used it. After liberation, anecdotes swirled around Hemingway “liberating the bar” with a champagne-fueled flourish—one of many legends that cling to the place like perfume. Wikipedia+1
Meanwhile, Coco Chanel resided at the Ritz for much of her life (moving in permanently in 1954, after frequenting it since the 1920s), a choice that entwined her brand—and later, the hotel’s spa—deeply with the property’s identity. Ritz Paris
Ownership and the “rebirth” renovation
After a long decline, the hotel was purchased in 1979 by Mohamed Al-Fayed, who invested heavily and, decades later, funded the massive 2012–2016 closure and renovation. The Ritz Paris reopened in June 2016, brighter and technologically updated but still unmistakably itself: fewer rooms (more suites), a retractable-roof courtyard for Bar Vendôme, a vast private Grand Jardin, the Salon Proust tea room, and a Chanel-branded spa debut. Condé Nast Traveler+3Wikipedia+3Bouygues Construction+3
Note: In 2022 the spa offering evolved away from exclusive Chanel au Ritz branding; today the Ritz Club & Spa headlines the wellness program (you’ll still find ultra-high-end treatments, including Biologique Recherche). Always check current menus and treatment lists when you book. CPP Luxury+1
The Icons Inside: What Not to Miss at The Ritz Paris
Salon Proust (Afternoon Tea)
A wood-paneled, book-lined cocoon off the lobby, Salon Proust is where afternoon tea is a love letter to France—think madeleines, petits fours, and elegant cakes by pastry maestro François Perret. Tea is typically served daily 1:00–7:00 pm; book ahead. Ritz Paris+1
Food-history nerd bonus: Perret famously reimagined Proust’s madeleine—even serving it with warm vanilla milk in the early post-reopening years—to evoke memory with flavor and ritual. Bon Appétit
Bar Hemingway (Cocktail Lore)
Tiny, panelled, memorabilia-filled, and helmed for years by cocktail legend Colin Field, Bar Hemingway is pilgrimage material. No reservations; expect a line and a clubby vibe where conversation is the soundtrack. Typical hours: 5:00 pm–12:00 am. Ritz Paris
Curious about the atmosphere and backstory? Even non-hotel sources swoon over its history and award-studded reputation. Forbes
Bar Vendôme (All-Day Parisian Brasserie)
Under a glass roof that makes Paris weather irrelevant, Bar Vendôme covers you from breakfast through late-night club sandwiches, with occasional live music. It’s the casual face of The Ritz Paris—casual by Ritz standards, meaning white-tablecloth comfort. Ritz Paris+1
The Grand Jardin (Secret Garden in the 1st)
Hidden at the heart of the property is the Grand Jardin—a geometrically trimmed, fountain-dotted private garden redesigned with landscape architect Jean Mus during the renovation. If you’re picturing a members-only park tucked inside the city’s chicest arrondissement, you’ve got it. Town & Country+1
Rooms & Signature Suites
Even if you’re not sleeping over, knowing the suites deepens your appreciation. Prestige suites honor icons—Chanel, Hemingway, Marcel Proust—while rooms are quietly opulent and newly tech-forward thanks to the 2016 overhaul. Ritz Paris
École Ritz Escoffier (Cooking School)
Yes, The Ritz Paris has its own culinary school. From macaron classes to professional intensives, École Ritz Escoffierruns small workshops taught by its chef-instructors—an under-the-radar, hands-on way to experience the brand. Ritz Paris+1
Practical Guide: How to Visit The Ritz Paris (Even if You’re Not Checking In)
Address: 15 Place Vendôme, 75001 Paris—steps from the Tuileries, Louvre, and Rue Cambon. The location is ideal for coupling afternoon tea with a museum stroll or shopping. Ritz Paris+1
Lobby etiquette: The public spaces are open to non-guests, but expect discreet security and a polished dress sense. You’ll feel most comfortable if you look “smart casual”—think blazer or an elevated day dress rather than gym gear.
Bar Hemingway strategy:
- No reservations. Arrive before opening to be near the front of the queue; otherwise, plan for a wait.
- If the line is daunting, pivot to Ritz Bar or Bar Vendôme for a first drink and circle back. Ritz Paris+1
Afternoon tea booking: Reserve Salon Proust well ahead, especially on weekends and holidays. Tea runs 1:00–7:00 pm. Note that menus evolve seasonally. Ritz Paris
Spa access: Treatments at Ritz Club & Spa are in-demand; book well in advance. The pool and fitness facilities are typically reserved for guests and spa members—policies can change, so confirm current access when scheduling. CPP Luxury
Dress code & vibe: There’s no rigid dress code posted, but this is The Ritz Paris. Lean classic, avoid athleisure, and you’ll blend right in.
Budget reality check: Prices reflect the legend. Consider a strategic splurge—tea for two, a cocktail flight, or a late lunch—if an overnight stay isn’t in the cards.
A Quick Walking Tour You Can Do in 90 Minutes
- Place Vendôme arrival photo—those signature arcades and blue-gray mansard roofs set the tone.
- Arcade boutiques inside The Ritz Paris—peek at the gallery of shops along the garden side.
- Salon Proust—tea time or a quick look at the room if bookings allow. Ritz Paris
- Grand Jardin—if you’re attending an event or dining adjacent, soak up the symmetry; otherwise, glimpse it from the galleries. NUVO
- Bar Vendôme under the glass roof—espresso now; martini later. Ritz Paris
- Bar Hemingway—queue strategy engaged; reward yourself with a classic cocktail once inside. Ritz Paris
Little-Known Facts to Drop Casually (and Impress Your Travel Buddies)
- Pioneering comfort: At opening, the hotel offered private bathrooms and electricity on every floor, rare at the time. Your ensuite isn’t just nice—it’s historically significant. Ritz Paris
- Rebirth budget: Reports peg the 2012–2016 renovation at $200–$450 million, with a wholesale refresh of infrastructure—plumbing, HVAC, Wi-Fi—and a reduction of room count to amplify suites. Vogue+2Architectural Digest+2
- Chanel ties: Chanel’s long residency forged deep links; The Ritz Paris launched Chanel au Ritz spa in 2016 (the wellness program has since evolved). Leading Hotels of the World+2https://www.spabusiness.com/+2
- Hemingway lore: The writer treated the hotel like a second home and immortalized its spirit; the intimate bar named for him keeps that candle burning nightly. Ritz Paris
Sample One-Day “Ritz & Right-Bank” Itinerary
- Late morning: Louvre or Tuileries.
- 1:30 pm: Salon Proust tea (booked ahead). Ritz Paris
- 3:30 pm: Window-shop Place Vendôme jewelers; swing by 31 rue Cambon for a Chanel history fix.
- 6:00 pm: Cocktail at Bar Vendôme while the Bar Hemingway queue builds. Ritz Paris
- 7:00–8:00 pm: Join Bar Hemingway line; settle in for signature cocktails. Ritz Paris
- 10:00 pm: Post-cocktail stroll to the Seine. Romantic? Oui. Practical? Also oui.
FAQs About The Ritz Paris
Is The Ritz Paris worth visiting if I’m not staying there?
Absolutely. Book Salon Proust for tea or try for Bar Hemingway. Even a coffee under Bar Vendôme’s glass roof gives you the atmosphere at a gentler price point. Ritz Paris+1
Can I make a reservation for Bar Hemingway?
No—walk-ins only. Arrive early or be patient. Typical hours are 5:00 pm–12:00 am, but check for seasonal updates. Ritz Paris
What’s new since the renovation?
Fewer rooms and more suites; Grand Jardin redesign; Salon Proust; refreshed Bar Vendôme; updated infrastructure; and a revamped spa program. Architectural Digest+2NUVO+2
Where exactly is it?
15 Place Vendôme, 75001 Paris, central and walkable to major sights. Ritz Paris
Can I take a cooking class there?
Yes—École Ritz Escoffier runs approachable classes and pro-level programs in small groups. Book early.
The Ritz Paris is more than a hotel—it’s a stage where Paris performs at its most glamorous. Every gilded mirror, every cocktail at Bar Hemingway, every quiet corner of the Grand Jardin carries echoes of history, literature, and style. Whether you come for afternoon tea, a legendary martini, or simply to walk through the revolving doors and breathe in the atmosphere, you’re stepping into a living legacy. In a city of icons, The Ritz Paris doesn’t just sparkle—it defines what it means to be timeless.
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