Hotel
The Savoy
A landmark luxury hotel on the Strand, open since 1889, with Thames views, the American Bar and the Gordon Ramsay Savoy Grill.
The Ritz London
César Ritz's Piccadilly hotel, opened in 1906, famous for its Louis XVI-style interiors and its afternoon tea in the Palm Court.
At a glance
- Type
- Luxury hotel
- Area
- St James's, London, United Kingdom
- Price
- $$$$ · Luxury
- Hotel class
- 5-star
- Official site
- theritzlondon.com
Good to know
- Afternoon tea in the Palm Court
- Two Michelin-starred restaurant
- Rivoli Bar
- Green Park views
Why we recommend it
The Ritz London opened on Piccadilly in 1906, founded by the Swiss hotelier César Ritz and designed by the architects Charles Mewès and Arthur Davis in the style of a grand Parisian hotel. Its Louis XVI-style interiors, with gilded mouldings, chandeliers and marble, have made it a byword for luxury, and the building is Grade II listed. The neighbouring William Kent House, an 18th-century mansion, is now part of the hotel and is used for private events.
The hotel has 111 rooms plus a collection of suites, decorated in a classic style with antique furniture and rich fabrics, many overlooking Green Park. The Ritz Restaurant, with its painted ceilings and views over the park, holds two Michelin stars and is one of London's most opulent dining rooms. Afternoon tea is served in the Palm Court and has required reservations for decades; it is one of the most famous afternoon teas in the world. Other spaces include the Art Deco-inspired Rivoli Bar, the Secret Garden outdoor bar and a cigar shop and terrace.
The Ritz suits special celebrations, luxury travellers, couples and anyone wanting a classic London experience. Even if you are not staying, afternoon tea or a drink in the Rivoli Bar is a popular way to see the hotel. The atmosphere is formal and elegant, and the hotel is known for its traditional standards of service and dress; jackets and ties have long been expected in some areas, so check the current dress code before you visit.
Separate reservations teams handle rooms, afternoon tea and The Ritz Restaurant, and their phone numbers are listed on the official website. Afternoon tea books up well in advance, particularly at weekends and around Christmas, so plan ahead. The concierge can arrange car transfers from the airports.
The Ritz is at 150 Piccadilly, less than two minutes' walk from Green Park Underground station, served by the Piccadilly, Victoria and Jubilee lines, and around eight minutes from Piccadilly Circus. Green Park lies directly behind the hotel, leading to Buckingham Palace, and the shops of St James's, Fortnum & Mason, the Royal Academy of Arts and Burlington Arcade are all within a short walk.
The Ritz London FAQs
When did The Ritz open?
In 1906, founded by César Ritz.
Do I need to book afternoon tea?
Yes, it has its own reservations team and books up well in advance.
Where is afternoon tea served?
In the Palm Court.
Does the restaurant have Michelin stars?
Yes, The Ritz Restaurant holds two Michelin stars.
Is there a dress code?
The hotel has traditional standards of dress. Check the current dress code on the official website before visiting.
Which station is nearest?
Green Park, less than two minutes' walk away.
How can I get there from Heathrow?
Take the Heathrow Express to Paddington, then the Underground to Green Park, or ask the concierge to arrange a car.
Is the building listed?
Yes, the main building is Grade II listed.