Ritz Paris

Famously “liberated” by Ernest Hemingway during the Nazi occupation, the recently renovated Ritz still stands as a testament to a bygone era and to the luxury that Parisian living is so famous for. Even with the recent renovations, stepping into the Ritz Paris is like stepping back in time and letting your inner Marie Antoinette shine. Being right in the beating heart of the city of love, a stay at the Ritz Paris means that you’re at a walking distance to some of Paris’ most famous sites and landmarks; Palais Garnier Opera House, Tuileries Gardens, and the Louvre just to name a few.  

Top Tips

• It’s an understatement to say that all the rooms and suites of the legendary Ritz Paris are exquisitely designed and luxuriously equipped. That being said, previous guests have recommended spending a bit of extra cash and book one of the Executive Suites. Laid out like your very own Parisian apartment, this suite gives you a whopping 80 square metres of space and even has your very own balcony overlooking the hotel garden. Pro tip: if it’s a special occasion, let the hotel know and you may just get an upgrade!

• While the Ritz’s extravagance may suggest that it isn’t family friendly, those travelling with children will be happy to know that the hotel welcomes guests of all ages. Whether you’re looking to just book an adjoining room or to book out the entire floor, the Ritz Paris will be more than happy to accomodate. Pro tip: if your little ones are interested in the culinary arts, the Ritz Escoffier cookery school runs bilingual Tocques Junior courses for six-11 and 12-15 year olds.

• You can’t stay at the Ritz Paris without wasting a night or two away at the Bar Hemingway. Named after the great author who famously “liberated” it during the Nazi occupation, this bar was a favourite haunt of many of Paris’ creative elite including F. Scott Fitzgerald, Cole Porter, Gary Cooper and, of course, Ernest Hemingway himself. Pro tip: if you are keen on visiting Bar Hemingway make sure to head in early as the bar only seats around 35 people and notoriously has a line out the door before even opening at 6pm.

• Staying at the Ritz Paris means that you are in the epicentre of Parisian luxury. From the majestic Louvre and the Regal Palais-Royal, to the world’s best jewellers, most extravagant haute couture boutiques and most chic eateries, this neighbourhood oozes luxury. Whether you’re keen to splash some cash or just looking to take in some extravagant window shopping, you could spend all day exploring the neighbourhood surrounding the Ritz Paris. Pro tip: pack your most comfy fancy shoes, you’re going to do a lot of walking.

• If you’re looking to step away from the extravagance of the Ritz Paris for a day, we definitely recommend taking in a bike tour. Even though it was once inadvisable to see Paris on two wheels (thanks to hectic traffic), the city has put in a tremendous amount of effort into making its streets more cyclist friendly.