The Ritz

The Ritz is a throwback to how hotels were before they were put in huge global chains and staff left every other week. Its a fantastic experience which anyone travelling to London should experience. Its expensive but all five star hotels in London are when compared to regional or international standards and I think the quality make it exceptionally good value. You can stay in five star hotels nearby which are slightly cheaper but nowhere near as good. The hotel has everything: great atmosphere, comfortable rooms, amazing attention to detail from staff, superb location. I think the answer is staff retention, something too few hotels nowadays focus on. I hadn't stayed at the ritz for 14 months and it was amazing how many faces I recognised. This ensures you have professional staff not some spotty teenager or eastern european with limited english. Its great to see a hotel investing properly in its people. I am amazed at how they remember names, we were only there for two nights beofre christmas and when we returned after christmas the doormen welcomed us by name when we stepped out of the cab.

I stayed at the Ritz in a superior queen room on Saturday the 29th November this year. I've previously stayed there in a junior suite (later js) with my family.

I was happy with my stay, no problems at all. I arrived quite early in the morning (before 11 am), but my room was ready, so I was able to unload my luggage and go shopping straight away. The check-in and the check-out the next day were exremely efficient and friendly.

The room was smallish (as compared to the js) but ok for one person. Also the bathroom was smaller and the shower was in the bath. But of course you get what you pay for (the js is about 50% more expensive). The Floris toiletries were nice, the bathrobe and all other textiles of an excellent quality.

I had room service twice (the dinner and the breakfast), it was promptly delivered and good. The service was excellent, as it is allover the hotel. I especially liked the fact that you are addressed mostly by your name by the staff. The first time was when I arrived and put my foot out of the taxi! How do they do it?! The door men are really helpfull when you need a taxi etc.

I didn't have any problems at all with the security staff as I was properly dressed. I think it's nice that there still are places where people dress up a little bit. Some afternoon tea tourists, however, slightly OD'd on the dressing thing, I noticed. (Of course it's none of my business.)

All in all, if you like elegant and beautiful grand hotels with excellent service, the Ritz is a place for you. Not so much, if you are keen on latest technological gadgets, megasized tv's etc.

As you probably know, the location is the best possible, you can walk almost anywhere.

It's still one of my favourite hotels.

Last, I'd like to recommend the Renaissance faces exhibition at the National gallery. It>'s great and at the same time very informative.

We visited The Ritz for their famous afternoon tea and weren't disappointed. The atmosphere was both relaxed and opulent and the service impeccable. Sandwiches, scones and cakes were excellent and we both enjoyed the Earl Grey and Jasmine Flowers teas. Security wasn't an issue for us and had no problem assurring the staff who we were and why we'd come to the hotel. I think some of the reviewers are missing the point about hotel security; they're there for your safety and security as well as the other hotel guests, some of whom may have more security needs than others.