How I ended up at the Ritz Paris: when plans change
I was lying in bed next to my husband when my PA contacted me saying that Le Meurice hotel cancelled my reservation for my upcoming trip to Paris for the Baccarat and Lalique exhibitions without an explanation, they claimed they tried to take payment but it didn’t go through and had now sold the room, I thought it was odd that they would sell a room before contacting us regarding the “failed” payment, I came to the conclusion that one of their regulars had asked for the said room and they decided to move me.
Needless to say, I was appalled but no longer wanted to stay at Le Meurice (although I think I might still give it a chance). While searching for hotels that might be suitable for me both aesthetically and geographically my husband suggested the Ritz, which was nowhere on my radar. Somehow the Ritz just never interested me, I wasn’t sure I wanted to stay there but to be honest it was the only one with available rooms, so I booked one. Since I was traveling alone, I didn’t need the space and generally prefer cozier accommodations, so I booked a deluxe room.
The fist impression of the Ritz
Upon my arrival I had a car from the hotel pick me up and handle my luggage, the Ritz don’t have their own cars, but they work with a reputable limousine service. It was sufficient enough but I was going to need a car for the duration of my stay so I asked the hotel upon checking in to arrange a driver and a car ready for me throughout the day, I ran into some trouble with this later when I came out and no car was available to take me – I found that quite bizarre considering it was my only request at that point.
The receptionist checked me in and took me to my room, now not to be too picky but this was my first strike for the Ritz, perhaps I was not aware of it at the time, but I had to walk through the entire hotel, a rather long shopping arcade (WHY is there a shopping arcade in a 5 star hotel) I know the ritz in Paris is famous for the arcade and they have jewelry boutiques, as well the Ritz shop which I gladly shopped in for some robes and slippers but when staying at a hotel that costs 3500 a night just for a regular room let alone a suite you don’t expect it to be open to outsiders coming in to shop, unfortunately such arcades open the doors to such activities.
Upon walking through the long claustrophobic hallways we finally arrived at the side street entrance of the hotel where the Hemingway bar was located, while the doors were right in front of the staircase leading to the rooms and in this case my room, there was no reception desk or any form of check in desk, which made me question the hotel further given the easy access to the hotel and its rooms despite security. Paris isn’t the safest city in the world at the moment.
We walked right passed the entrance and walked up the beautiful staircase – this was one thing you CANNOT take away from the Ritz, it is gorgeous. The interior is a perfect blend of modern classic, rococo and French Provence. The use of neutral tones and soft fabrics is abundant and significantly elevating. The interior was one thing I had little to say about it left we in awe.
Especially the room itself, I love the classical gold and butter yellow combination, in addition the pink marble bathrooms adorned with golden swan taps, not to mention my favourite peach colour terry robes and bath slippers. I even bought a pair for each member of my family to take back home with me as I mentioned earlier. The warmth of these colours was inviting to say the least and pleasing to the eye, while setting an atmosphere of calm and ease, until I discovered the renovations in the building opposite my window.
When escorted to my room the gentlemen alluded to the fact that my window looks out on to the famous rue de Cambon, which is the location of the first Chanel shop and while that’s cute and might even be interesting to some, it is hardly a selling point for a hotel room, the balcony looking out on a side street wasn’t a big problem, but the renovations were – these rooms should not have been offered at all, or should be offered at a reduced cost, however this is something I have noticed with a few hotels in recent years.
The dining experience at the Ritz: quality food, poor service
I was in good spirits though, so I decided this was not going to ruin my mood and moreover my stay, I will only be staying at the hotel to sleep after all, so I started getting ready for my Baccarat event which I was in Paris for after all. Unfortunately, we didn’t eat much at the event or anything for that matter, so I was famished upon my return to the hotel, and since it was important for me to try the hotel restaurant to give an appropriate review, we sat down at the Bar Vendome for dinner.
One of the things I value at hotel lobbies are the classic dishes that are customary on every hotel menu such as, the club sandwich, the burger, the ceasar salad, smoked salmon with cream cheese, a pasta dish with tomato sauce, and a velouté of some sort, of course the mentioned dishes can all come with a twist befitting the Country one is traveling to or the hotels ethos, however most of the time these options are a must and the fairest way to review “the hotel food” (not a Michelin restaurant inside the hotel) is by ordering one of these. I was craving red meat and hadn’t had anything to eat so I ordered the burger. Granted the burger was delicious but it was a 50-minute wait, which as you can imagine was disappointing despite the deliciously executed burger they served.
Service issues: when luxury standards fall short
I retired to my room for a good night’s sleep on the thick comfy mattress and pillows – no complaints there. The Ritz cannot be faulted for its quality of product, that includes materials, shampoos, pillows, robes, amenities and food. It was the human factor that caused frustration due to the lack of good service deserving a 5-star rating.
As we came downstairs expecting to have our car waiting for us, it was not available, which was an annoyance but being in good spirits once again, we thought we will just wait inside and not complain regardless of the fact that my PA asked them to make sure we have the car at all times available to us and it was once again NOT done, but the cherry on top was placed by another incident, when a young man, assuming he was one the Ritz security team members approached my photographer and asked if he had authorization for his camera.
The question itself was rather baffling as no one under the sun needs authorization to carry a camera and in fact just before the iphone came around literally everybody used to walk around with a camera, especially when traveling. The answer from us was a “no, what is your point” the member of security failed to respond as to where he was going with this question, I interrupted by asking if he was aware we are hotel guests and he confidently responded that he was aware, with a nod. The question mark in my face expression was hard to hide, immediately after that our car had arrived and we were out. At this point I was thinking that I maybe I would have overlooked the view and renovations outside my window and the lack of privacy due to the very public lobby for a hotel of this magnitude, but the service was making it harder and harder.
It was the complete opposite of my first class Orient Express by Belmond experience, where service and flawless attention to detail restored my faith in luxury hospitality.
Ritz Paris breakfast: the one bright spot
The rest of my trip was thankfully not inside the establishment, I had a rather busy itinerary in Paris. I was leaving the next day after all. I woke up excited to be going home; after packing and enjoying an incredible breakfast with the most delicious French pastries, I checked out and popped over to the hotel shop for one last time to get the famous Ritz bear toy for my daughter and made my way to the airport.
Final verdict: my Ritz Paris review
The way to the airport being well over 45 minutes gave me plenty of time to discuss the underwhelming experience that the Ritz Paris was with my team. While it is a beautiful property, with impeccable interiors and is a landmark building with a long history it does not uphold the standards that it must classify as a luxury experience worthy of their very steep price tag for my taste.
I always review hotels based on the 10 points I find most important but even if it hits all 9, the one thing that can bring down the house is the service.
I will not be returning the to The Ritz Paris.
Check out my selection of outfits for a trip to Paris below! Bisous!
Links to outfits
