The Ritz

Comparing American luxury hotels with European is like comparing apples and oranges. Europe hotels simply cannot compare to the American ones.

The Ritz is nice but it would probably not be considered a 5 star in America. As with all of Europe, it's showing its age (in good ways and bad.) I suspect Europeans have lower standards for cleanliness and wear. Where do I start?

BATHROOM

-Spacious for Europe. Marble. Towel warmer seemed to leak natural gas. I stayed in two rooms and management didn't seem to think this was a problem. Don't smoke in the bathroom. BTw, who in Europe thinks that those glass partitions are superior to shower curtains. Slow drains. Faucet in one room had hot AND cold faucets making any attempt to wash with WARM water rather difficult and painful at times. Hairdryer was quite humorous to see and was probably was one of the first ones ever made.

BEDS

-Spacious again for European standards. Bed is a joke. Very soft. Too soft. Kinda like a bed that was new in the Eisenhower administration.

ROOM

-Worn. Telephones were outdated although internet was available. In Hospitality Suite, no printer avaible to print items

SERVICE

-Honestly, not bad but you get the stinkeye if you walk thru their precious lobby not wearing a suit and tie. Few of the staff are below 50. Same with the guests. At 37, I was probably the youngest person there. They are attentive to your needs but unless you're in suit and tie, they seem a bit wary of you. I would deem service good and it would be better if they didn't have this insipid looping video on their TV (channel 2, I believe) saying essentially how awesome they are. On a down note as well, urgency doesn't seem to be their focus whether at check -in/out or at the concierge.

OVERALL

This place is OK but loses points for not seeing it needs to improve (especially in "American" (if not global) terms. If you think you are going to be staying at a place similar to Ritz Carlton, Bellagio, Mandarin Oriental or Four Seasons, I got news for you...you're won't be.

I have just returned from a weekend break to celebrate my 40th birthday at the Ritz hotel. We are a family of 4 with children aged 15 and 12 yrs. I have to say that from the moment we got there this hotel had the wow factor! There was a card and a birthday cake in my room upon check in. Everything was taken care of and the staff were wondefull. Our package included a junior suite, breakfast and we also booked afternoon tea on the day of my birthday. The room was lovely and the bathroom huge. The breakfast was delighful with a delicious selection and is served in the ritz restaurant with all it's beautiful surroundings. Afternoon tea was served in the palm court and again there was plenty of choice i highly recommed this for a special occasion. Room service arrived exactly at the requested time but i have to mention the jewel of the Ritz - Tony the concierge, he provided us with excellent tickets for a show and also recommended and booked us a table at an excellent restaurant again at a moments notice, nothing was impossible or too much trouble for him. Despite this being a 5 star hotel the children were welcomed which we have not always found in the past with this type of hotel, every night milk and cakes were left for them and all the staff went out of their way to speak to them. We wanted to do some shopping on our last day so after we checked out we left our luggage in the hotel and they were placed in the car for us, when we returned to the hotel the car was brought to the front with all our belongings ready to leave. We really did have a fantastic 3 night stay here and cant wait to return. I shall expect my husband to take me to the Ritz for every birthday and as he enjoyed it so much himself i think i am in with a good chance !!!

The ultimate London joy, a stay at the Ritz. The first view of the room was jaw dropping, gilded ceilings, gilded faucets and champagne! The treats didn't end , our rate included dinner with 4 courses, and a full English breakfast the next morning. The staff was willing and delightful. I w as celebrating my 60th birthday, and I think it is almost worth turning 60 to have such a lovely time. Thank you Ceasar Ritz and all who follow !