The Ritz

El Ritz es un hotel impresionante con un servicio elegante, amable y atento llegando a ser artístico.

Como en cualquier hotel de gran lujo la discreción es máxima y desde que se entra al lobby se respira otra atmósfera de lujo y tranquilidad en contraste con la vida frenética de la ciudad.

Las habitaciones son amplias y únicas en tamaño y decoración como caracteriza a estos hoteles; todas las habitaciones disponen de chimenea.

Además es una delicia disfrutar de un auténtico desayuno inglés en la habitación.

Otra de las cosas buenas que tiene el hotel es que para estar en sus salones se exige traje, lo que permite que no este lleno de turistas sacando fotos y nada más; lo que permite que se este tranquilamente en sus salones sin agobios y ajetreos.

Lo que no hay que perderse de este hotel es de tomar el té a la tarde que es toda una institución reconocido a nivel mundial.

Es increíble, hay un ejercito de unos 20 camareros todos con chaqué que te esta sirviendo continuamente en bandejas de plata, sándwiches, pastelitos, scones; también tienes la posibilidad de elegir entre un amplio menú de te y así poder elegir el que más se adapte a los gustos de cada cliente.

La simpatía de los camareros es como se espera en un Ritz.

También es recomendable su restaurante, considerado uno de los más bonitos del mundo y donde cenar es una delicia, algo bastante difícil en Londres.

We arrived on a busy Saturday afternoon, and we're welcomed by the doorman. After he took our suitcase, we checked in and went to our beautifull room. Changing our traveloutft to our afternoon tea outfit, we went down for the afternoon tea. And that was superb! Such a lovely afternoon tea, big choice of items, very friendly international staff (love that). It took us almost 2 hours from start to finish, that is how good it was!

We went out for diner and the theatre, but when we arrived back we had a drink in the bar with a few cocktails, and again fantastic service, very relaxing.

For breakfast we got a great variety of items, which were perfectly cooked. And the service was fine, nothing special.

The only hickup we had was a roomservice charge on our bill, whilst we didn't had any roomservice. But that was instantly adjusted by the receptionist.

So, yes, it was expensive to go the Ritz, but we loved every minute of it.

My partner and I stayed at The Ritz in August for four nights. We had notified the hotel that we might be late in arriving since we would be on the Orient-Express from Venice and there was absolutely no problem when we arrived. We were assisted from the taxi and our luggage brought into the hotel and received a warm welcome from Reception, which upgraded our accommodation and then escorted us to our room. As we had to be at the Victoria Palace shortly thereafter, there was no time to drink the Champagne which awaited us, nor later since we dined at Sheekey's, quite the best seafood restaurant in London. The Champagne was kept for another night.

Breakfast the following morning (and all others) was excellent, including the finest fresh raspberries I have ever had. The fresh orange juice left something to be desired - it certainly was freshly squeezed, but not as sweet as we are used to in California. Beautiful omelettes though and excellent service, if a little leisurely by American standards. However, we were not pressed for time except for one morning, and having mentioned this on arrival in the restaurant, the service was speeded up to allow us to eat rather more swiftly.

The room itself was everything it should be - we did not have a suite, but compared to one at the Waldorf=Astoria Towers (New York) it was quite as acceptable. The beds were comfortable, the drapes let in no light and there were no noises from outside. Room service was prompt and the beds were always turned down before we returned. The bathroom was immaculate and had a separate door from the vestibule. The decor may not be to everyone's taste, but it matches everything else in the hotel in a grand luxe manner; it is in no way minimalist! The Hall Porter was always affable and helpful, although he did not actually believe we had a private tour of Buckingham Palace! Every time we arrived back, whether early or late, we were greeted by name and made to feel at home, which was greatly appreciated. I rather like the "old fashioned" keys and was pleased not to have a magnetic-striped card, which inevitably fail once or twice.

On our last evening we dined in the Restaurant but, like so many contemporary establishments, found the offerings a little too clever, but probably appealing to younger 'foodies' since our taste is more for The Ivy and The Gay Hussar, the latter no longer fashionable. Nevertheless, we enjoyed the meal and then retired to our room to pack for the flight back to Los Angeles. Altogether a most enjoyable stay; whether we would stay there on a regular basis I can't say. Certainly it is most convenient, whether for walking, taking a taxi or the 'Tube'. But it certainly should be done once in a lifetime since very few of us actually live like that from day-to-day. Highly recommended!