In the heart of Place Vendôme, the Ritz Paris is not just a hotel: it is a timeless icon that forever changed the history of hospitality and European culture. Opened in 1898 thanks to the revolutionary vision of César Ritz and the culinary genius of Auguste Escoffier, the Ritz anticipated the needs of the emerging cosmopolitan elite of the era, redefining the very concept of luxury hospitality. Yet, what makes it truly unique is its deep connection with art, literature, and fashion: artists like Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, and Man Ray, as well as writers such as Ernest Hemingway and Marcel Proust, found in the Ritz not just a retreat, but a place of inspiration and encounter.
The Birth of Modern Luxury: César Ritz and Auguste Escoffier
Until the end of the 19th century, hospitality often meant rustic inns offering only basic services. With the advent of the Industrial Revolution and the rise of a new entrepreneurial and intellectual class, a desire emerged for more refined, elegant, and functional accommodations.
César Ritz, a visionary Swiss hotelier, understood that true luxury lay in the ability to anticipate every guest’s desires. At his Parisian hotel, he introduced groundbreaking innovations: private bathrooms in every room, electricity, and a standard of service that was impeccable, discreet, and personalized.
At his side was Auguste Escoffier, the “king of chefs,” who revolutionized dining with a refined and organized approach to cuisine. His iconic dishes, such as the Peach Melba and Crêpe Suzette, became synonymous with culinary elegance. Together, Ritz and Escoffier created a model of luxury-focused hospitality that transformed the industry and influenced it for decades to come.
Artists and Writers: The Ritz as Muse and Refuge
The Ritz was not just a hotel but a cultural salon where stories, art, and culture intertwined. Painters, writers, photographers, and designers gathered here, leaving an indelible mark on its history.
Ernest Hemingway, profoundly connected to the Ritz, famously called it “the best place in the world.” During the Liberation of Paris in 1944, Hemingway was among the first to enter the hotel, symbolically ordering 51 Martinis at the bar. Today, the renowned Bar Hemingway stands as a tribute to his legacy, offering a unique space for lovers of literature and refined cocktails.
Coco Chanel also found her sanctuary at the Ritz, where she lived for over 30 years, transforming a suite into an extension of her sophisticated and minimalist style. The Coco Chanel Suite today celebrates her legacy with its white, black, and gold interiors, perfectly reflecting her impeccable taste.
Marcel Proust frequented the Ritz regularly, observing Parisian high society in its elegant salons. Many scenes in his masterpiece, “In Search of Lost Time”, are inspired by the hotel’s atmosphere, demonstrating how the Ritz fueled his imagination and keen observations.
The visual arts also left an important mark. A frequent visitor, Pablo Picasso found the Ritz an ideal place for intellectual encounters with figures like Jean Cocteau. Salvador Dalí, with his eccentricity, was a regular guest during the 1950s and 1960s, often seen walking the corridors with a pet anteater, perfectly embodying his surreal and paradoxical aesthetic.
Finally, artists like Henri Matisse and photographers like Man Ray made the Ritz a stage for their inspirations and works. Matisse studied the elegant lighting of the interiors. At the same time, Man Ray immortalized the faces of Parisian high society, cementing the Ritz as a cultural crossroads for the elite and the rising bourgeoisie.
The Ritz Today: Between Tradition and Modernity
After a monumental renovation completed in 2016, the Ritz Paris continues to embody the essence of luxury hospitality, while preserving its historical identity. Its historic suites, dedicated to figures such as Coco Chanel, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Ernest Hemingway, celebrate the hotel’s rich artistic and literary legacy. The restaurants, including the prestigious L’Espadon, led by Michelin-starred chefs, honor Escoffier’s culinary philosophy with a blend of tradition and innovation.
Today’s Ritz is a bridge between past and present: every architectural detail, every restored piece of furniture tells a story, offering guests a timeless experience.
The Ritz-Carlton Legacy: A Global Heritage
The influence of César Ritz gave rise to a chain of hotels that bear his name: the Ritz-Carlton. With properties in iconic cities like New York, Tokyo, Dubai, and Kyoto, the Ritz-Carlton brand has reinterpreted the elegance and attention to detail that made the Parisian Ritz legendary. Every Ritz-Carlton pays tribute to local culture, while maintaining the aura of luxury, discretion, and care that defined the original Ritz.
The Ritz Paris is much more than a hotel: it is a chapter of history, a place that has shaped the culture of luxury hospitality and continues to inspire artists, writers, and travelers from around the globe. Every corner of the Ritz tells a story, every suite holds a memory, and every stay is an unforgettable experience. Its legacy lives on in Ritz-Carlton hotels worldwide, proving that true luxury is indeed timeless.