The Ritz, synonymous with glamour and courtly style, has become part of the international vernacular. Venerated in the musical Puttin’ on the Ritz, starring the debonair Fred Astaire, Ritz talk morphs into common language. Everyday references to a “ritzy” restaurant, “ritzy” dress, or “ritzy” neighborhoods instantly translate to “aristocratic” and “luxurious,” and that, in a nutshell, is The Ritz Hotel.
Setting impeccable standards, personnel know how to make every person feel like royalty. Sixty-five chefs devise head-spinning daily menus, sourcing the finest domestic ingredients. These components in the hands of dedicated professionals are destined to decorate dainty dishes to be placed before the “kings and queens” of the day, their precious guests who are looking for an experience of a lifetime.
Thinking of booking for tea? Then it’s time to ditch the everyday mugs and opt instead for an afternoon of rare indulgence. There is absolutely nothing like being pampered and thoroughly spoilt with a gorgeous formal teatime in the graceful Palm Court at the very heart of The Ritz.
Guests are seated upon golden upholstered Regency-style chairs at tables draped in white linens with spring flower posies, silver sugar bowls, silver tea strainers, and silver creamers. Overhead, an enormous Edwardian glazed milk glass panel, accented with a metallic trellis that includes a Greek key border, geometric squares, and concentric circles, diffuses soft romantic lighting.
Blazing hand-painted golden birdcage chandeliers, simply dripping with crystal, reflect back tenfold from gold leaf gilded mirrors on every wall. César Ritz insisted subtle lighting be especially orchestrated to make sure guests always look their best. The Palm Court salon is magical.
