The Ritz London in 2026: Is It Still the Pinnacle of Luxury?

Is The Ritz London Worth the Investment in 2026?

I’ve been lucky enough to stay at some good hotels over the years, mostly in London and across Europe. You start to realise that a famous name and high prices don’t always mean you’ll have a great experience. After more than 10 years of exploring hotels and restaurants across the globe, I decided to channel my passion for exceptional experiences into honest, detailed reviews. This blog represents what I genuinely discover—the spectacular, the ordinary, and occasionally, the disappointing.

Standing beneath the copper lions that crown The Ritz’s Piccadilly facade, I found myself asking the central question: can a hotel opened in 1906 still justify rates starting from £960 per night? The building’s neoclassical architecture—designed by Charles Mewès and Arthur Davis—has barely changed in 120 years. But is historic grandeur enough to compete with London’s modern luxury properties?

This review will walk you through exactly what I found during my stay, from the moment those revolving doors swept me into the Long Gallery to my final conversation with the concierge team. I’ll share what justifies the premium pricing, where the experience falls short, and who should book here versus the countless five-star alternatives across London.

First Impressions & Welcome

The History That Shapes Every Moment

César Ritz opened this hotel on 24 May 1906, eight years after establishing his Parisian namesake. The Swiss hotelier famously collapsed from stress while planning the opening dinner—a detail that somehow makes the hotel’s perfection more understandable. This was Ritz’s attempt to correct every mistake he’d made in Paris.

The building broke ground as one of London’s first steel-frame structures. Yet the exterior is pure French neoclassicism, deliberately evoking the arcaded Rue de Rivoli. What makes this history relevant? The Ritz received the Royal Warrant from King Charles III—the first and only hotel ever granted this distinction for banqueting and catering services. This represents over a century of hosting royalty, prime ministers, and cultural icons.

The Arrival Experience & Ambiance

My taxi pulled up to 150 Piccadilly, and a liveried doorman had my door open before the engine stopped. Within seconds, my bags vanished and I was guided through the revolving doors. Check-in happens at an actual desk, not a standing counter. The receptionist knew my name, reviewed my booking, and explained everything without making me feel rushed.

The Long Gallery greets you with a vista that stops conversation. This vaulted corridor runs virtually the length of the building, lined with mirrors and Louis XVI details. Everything glitters—the chandeliers required ceiling reinforcement. The gold-leaf gilding dates to 1906 and somehow never feels gaudy, just impossibly rich.

The dress code enforces this atmosphere rigorously. Gentlemen require jackets and ties for Afternoon Tea and The Restaurant. No jeans, no trainers, no sportswear. Some guests find this restrictive; I found it essential to preserving the experience. When everyone dresses formally, you’re participating in a living tradition.

The Accommodations

I stayed in a Deluxe King Room—the hotel’s most popular category, starting from £960 per night. The door opened to reveal 18th-century England: ornate fireplace, crystal chandelier, high ceilings, and windows overlooking Piccadilly.

The room felt genuinely spacious compared to many London luxury hotels, though not cavernous. Antique furnishings mixed with modern necessities: a discreet flat-screen television, complimentary WiFi, and a well-concealed minibar. The colour scheme—warm golds and creams—exactly matched the public spaces.

Bathroom & Critical Room Notes

The marble bathroom was a highlight. Designer toiletries, heated towel rails, and excellent water pressure exceeded expectations for a 1906 building. A separate bathtub and walk-in shower provided options, and the lighting actually allowed proper grooming.

However, several guests note that entry-level rooms can feel compact by modern standards. The hotel has 111 bedrooms and 25 suites, and not every room commands the same presence as the public spaces. If room size matters significantly, confirm dimensions before booking or consider upgrading to a suite.

The Service Philosophy in Action

The Ritz maintains a two-to-one staff-to-guest ratio. Walking through the Long Gallery, staff acknowledged me by name. When I mentioned I planned to visit a museum, the concierge handed me a printed map with the optimal route highlighted. This isn’t hovering—staff remain discreet. But when you need something, they materialise instantly.

Hotel Amenities

It’s important to note: The Ritz London has no spa or swimming pool. This is a significant consideration for some guests at this price point.

The Fitness Centre

The fitness centre is well-equipped with modern Technogym cardio and resistance machines. It’s compact but adequate for maintaining a routine, featuring towels, water, and a TV. For a more extensive workout or spa treatments, the concierge can arrange access to nearby facilities.

Other Facilities

• The business centre offers private meeting spaces and full administrative support.
• The iconic Palm Court is the dedicated setting for Afternoon Tea.
• The Rivoli Bar provides an Art Deco setting for cocktails.
• Several elegant private dining and event salons are available.

Dining (A Brief Overview)

Dining is a major pillar of The Ritz experience, but as this is a hotel review, I’ll keep it concise.

Breakfast & The Restaurant

Breakfast is served in the spectacular, frescoed Restaurant (cost: £56 per adult). It’s a formal, lavish affair with an extensive à la carte menu. The quality is impeccable, setting a tone for the day.

The Restaurant itself holds two Michelin stars under Executive Chef John Williams MBE. The tasting menu (from £215) showcases classical French technique with exceptional British ingredients. Portions are haute cuisine size—expect refinement over abundance. Read my full review of the Michelin-starred Ritz Restaurant in London for more insight.

Afternoon Tea in The Palm Court

This is London’s most famous Afternoon Tea (from £95). It’s a ceremonial experience with live piano, finely cut sandwiches, warm scones, and exquisite pastries. Book months in advance. Reviews are mixed: some find it the pinnacle of the tradition, others note it can feel rushed during busy sittings.

What Makes The Ritz Exceptional

Four Elements That Justify the Premium

1. Unmatched Historical Authenticity: The Ritz delivers genuine Belle Époque luxury, preserved with obsessive care. From the pink-lined lamp shades to the original gilding, every detail reflects César Ritz’s 1906 vision. You’re experiencing luxury as Edward VII knew it.

2. Service That Anticipates Rather Than Reacts: The two-to-one staff ratio isn’t just a number. Staff knew my name, remembered preferences, and solved problems proactively. The concierge team handled special requests with evident pleasure rather than obligation.

3. A Location That Combines Convenience and Prestige: Positioned on Piccadilly between Green Park and St. James’s, you can walk to Buckingham Palace (10 mins), the Royal Academy (5 mins), or Fortnum & Mason (3 mins). The location feels prestigious, not touristy.

4. The “Wow Factor” of the Public Spaces: The architectural magnificence of the Long Gallery, Palm Court, and Restaurant is breathtaking. These spaces are living monuments to a grand era of travel and create an atmosphere no modern hotel can replicate.

The Problems You Should Know About

Three Significant Issues at Premium Prices

1. Aggressive Accumulation of Costs: With rooms from £960, a 5% service charge on accommodations, breakfast at £56, parking at £65, and fine dining priced accordingly, the bill escalates dramatically. This is not a hotel for the budget-conscious.

2. Entry-Level Rooms vs. Public Space Grandeur: While suites are magnificent, standard rooms can feel compact and don’t always match the grandeur of the lobby. Some have less attractive views. The historic style may also feel dated to guests preferring minimalist design.

3. Rigid Formality Can Feel Restrictive: The strict dress code (jacket and tie required in key areas) is part of the brand, but it eliminates spontaneity. Guests arriving from long flights must change before accessing certain hotel areas. Enforcement can sometimes feel inconsistent.

Should You Book The Ritz? My Verdict

My Personal Recommendation

The Ritz London justifies its premium pricing for guests who value historical authenticity, impeccable service, and genuine Belle Époque luxury. This isn’t a hotel that compromises tradition for contemporary convenience—it proudly maintains standards established in 1906.

Is it perfect? No. The lack of a spa, the potential for small rooms, and the relentless formality are real drawbacks. Yet, it offers something increasingly rare: authentic luxury preserved across 120 years. For guests who prioritise heritage and theatre over trend, the investment can feel worthwhile.

Who This Is Perfect For (And Who Should Skip It)

Book The Ritz if you’re:

• Celebrating a milestone that deserves genuine grandeur.
• Fascinated by hotel history and Belle Époque elegance.
• Comfortable with formal dress codes as part of the experience.
• Prioritising exceptional, anticipatory service.

Consider alternatives if you’re:

• Preferring contemporary design and cutting-edge tech.
• Travelling with young children who may chafe at the formality.
• Seeking casual luxury in jeans and trainers.
• Wanting a full-service spa and pool on-site.
• On a tight budget where extra charges would cause stress.

How to Book Smart and Save Money

Essential Booking Tips & Information

• Address: 150 Piccadilly, London W1J 9BR. Green Park Tube is 3 minutes away.
• 2026 Room Rates: Deluxe King from £960, Junior Suites from £1,645. Prices + 5% service charge.
• What’s Included: WiFi, 24hr room service, fitness centre, concierge.
• What Costs Extra: Breakfast (£56), parking (£65/24hrs), rollaway beds (£115), celebration cakes.
• Check-in/out: 3:00 PM / 12:00 PM. Early/Late subject to availability & fee.
• Booking Strategy: Book direct for best selection. Consider the “Evening Afternoon Tea” (Mon-Thu, Jan-Mar) for a £14 saving at £81pp. Join The Leading Hotels of the World for potential benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Ritz London

Is breakfast included in the room rate?

No, breakfast is an additional cost of £56 per adult and £46 per child, served in The Restaurant or via room service.

How strict is the dress code?

Very strict for Afternoon Tea, The Restaurant, and The Terrace. Jacket and tie for gentlemen, no jeans or trainers. Smart casual applies at breakfast and the Rivoli Bar, but trainers and sportswear are still prohibited hotel-wide.

Are the rooms really small?

Entry-level rooms can feel compact by modern luxury standards, especially compared to the vast public spaces. Suites are much more spacious. Always check the square meterage of the specific room category before booking.

How does The Ritz compare to other London luxury hotels like The Savoy or Claridge’s?

The Ritz is more formal and historically “French” in its Louis XVI style. The Savoy has more Art Deco flair and a legendary theatre bar. Claridge’s is similarly prestigious but with a slightly more contemporary (though still classic) design sense. The Ritz’s dress code is the most stringent.

Is it family-friendly?

Children are welcome, with amenities like children’s menus and in-room gaming consoles. However, the formal atmosphere and dress code mean it’s best suited for well-behaved older children or very special family occasions.

Can non-guests use the spa or pool?

The hotel has no spa or pool. The fitness centre is for guests only.

What’s the cancellation policy?

This varies by rate type. Flexible rates often allow free cancellation 24-72 hours before arrival. Advanced Purchase rates are typically non-refundable. Always confirm the specific terms at the time of booking.