THE RITZ
All That Glitters Is The Ritz
The Ritz Shows Piccadilly How It’s Done
Stepping off Piccadilly through the heavy revolving doors is an immediate exit from the modern city and a sharp turn into the 1900’s. Inside The Ritz hotel, it’s all gold leaf, silk-covered walls, and massive mirrors that make every walk to the elevators feel like you’re in a time capsule.
There are no open-plan lobbies or trendy lounge chairs here; it’s strictly Old London, down to the coloured waistcoats on the staff and the heavy silver in the Palm Court. Although the dress code is the law, the service is so sharp you barely notice the rules. It ignores modern trends to stick with what it knows – a version of Mayfair that has stayed exactly the same for over a century. This Ritz London review breaks down what to expect once you’re past the velvet curtains.
Rooms & Suites
The Rooms at The Ritz
The Superior King rooms are the smallest option. They have high ceilings, silk-covered walls, and furniture made of heavy, dark wood. The bathrooms are solid marble with deep tubs and chrome taps. Every detail, from the brass door handles to the floor-to-ceiling drapes, feels heavy and permanent.
The Deluxe King rooms are larger and usually overlook Piccadilly. These have enough space for a full seating area with armchairs and a small table. Like the smaller rooms, the TVs are hidden inside wooden cabinets to keep the walls clean. You get the same marble bathrooms and thick carpets, but with more floor space to move around.
Rooms & Suites
The Suites at The Ritz
The Junior Suites sit directly above Piccadilly. These look more like a private apartment because they have fireplaces and large, comfortable sofas to sit on. If you’re travelling with family or friends, you can connect two of these together to create one big private area. It’s a much more relaxed setup than the standard rooms.
The Deluxe Suites have a separate bedroom and a large sitting room. Both rooms are finished with the same gold leaf and silk walls found throughout the hotel. They come with two separate marble bathrooms, providing a lot more space for longer stays. They are positioned to be quiet and private, even with the Mayfair streets right outside.
The Ritz Restaurant
The Ritz restaurant holds two Michelin stars, with Executive Chef John Williams MBE sourcing very specific ingredients like organic beef from the Cornish moors and lobster from Scotland. It’s high-end British cooking served in a very traditional, formal environment.
The Restaurant
Breakfast
This is the default start to the day. It’s a feasible way to see the dining room before the lunch rush. They do the classics like Eggs Benedict and pancakes, but if you really want to go all out, the “Prestige” selection is the one to look at.
The Restaurant
The Afternoon Tea Ritual
If you’re looking for the full Ritz experience, this is where you’ll find it. It’s a proper British tradition held in the Palm Court, with a pianist playing during the week and a harpist taking over on the weekends.
The tea is serious business; they have a certified Tea Master who travels to plantations to source specific blends, including a Royal Blend you can only get at this hotel. They also have a dedicated children’s menu with smaller portions and decaffeinated tea.
The Restaurant
Michelin-Starred Lunch
Lunch at The Ritz is the best time to see the dining room, as the floor-to-ceiling windows overlook Green Park and fill the space with natural light. The menus are strictly seasonal. While it carries the same two Michelin stars and silver service as dinner, the daytime atmosphere is slightly more chill.
The Restaurant
Dinner
Dinner here is a traditional affair centred on Escoffier-inspired cuisine. You choose between an à la carte menu, a four-course du jour, or the five and seven-course Epicurean tasting menus.
The Restaurant
Arts de la Table
This is a specific four-course menu that focuses on the “theatre” of the dining room. It’s built around guéridon service, where the restaurant team carves or finishes your dishes right at the table.
Just a heads-up: this is a fixed menu that can’t be adjusted, and it is only available for reservations of exactly two or four guests.
The Restaurant
Live at The Ritz
Every Friday and Saturday night, the restaurant hosts “Live at The Ritz,” which is one of the few remaining “dinner and dance” evenings in London. The entertainment is led by the London Dance Orchestra, a swing band that plays through the American Songbook and big band classics.
You also get a full theatrical production from professional dancers, Majella Presents, though they aren’t there every single night.
If you’re dining à la carte or choosing the Epicurean menus during these nights, there is a mandatory entertainment charge per person. You can get on the dance floor between courses, or just stay at the table and watch the show.
The Rivoli Bar at The Ritz
The Rivoli Bar is an intimate, tucked-away lounge that feels separate from the rest of the hotel’s bustle. The cocktail list ranges from the “Rivoli Showpieces” to their more experimental “Biodynamic Forces” collection.
It’s a great spot if you want a signature drink or just a classic, but the food menu is also surprisingly varied – you can get anything from a club sandwich to caviar.
Ritz Seasonal Offers
There’s a Lot More at The Ritz
There are several specialised spots and seasonal offers worth checking:
The Ritz Journal: The hotel’s official blog covers everything from their history and etiquette guides to recipes and local London landmarks
Caviar & Champagne Experience: A dedicated pairing in the Long Gallery featuring Royal Belgian caviar and vintage Champagnes like Dom Pérignon.
The Cigar Shop: A walk-in humidor and sampling lounge with an Art Deco feel. Unlike the rest of the hotel, the dress code here is smart casual (no jacket or tie required).
Dining & Room Offers: They often bundle stays with meals, like the “Dining and Dancing” package for Friday or Saturday nights.
Final Verdict
The Ritz is formal, elegant, and proud of its traditions. This isn’t a trendy, design-led hotel. It’s about timeless style and properly executed service.
The Ritz Hotel is best for couples marking a special occasion and first-time visitors who want that iconic London feel. Families are welcome, and the team is lovely with children, but it works best for calmer, well-behaved kids who’ll suit the setting.
Since the focus here is strictly on tradition, it’s a very different environment from more contemporary, casual hotels. The Michelin-starred dining is the standout feature, though the experience is very structured and comes with specific expectations for dress and formal weekend entertainment. If you value heritage and formality above all else, you’ll love it here.