The Ritz Paris has been owned since 1979 by Mohamed Al-Fayed, an Egyptian businessman, who has ensured the most ambitious transformation in its history. After its acquisition, the establishment underwent several closures for renovations and a deep modernization, while preserving its image as an icon of French hospitality.
Unlike most Parisian palaces owned by large international groups, the Ritz remains the exclusive property of a single family. This atypical status contributes to its uniqueness and independence, despite the changes in the industry. The successive transformations of the Ritz have thus shaped a unique identity, balancing heritage and renewal.
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The Ritz Paris, a mirror of a fascinating history and a French art of living
Nestled in Place Vendôme, the Ritz Paris has stood since 1898 as a privileged witness to elegance and refinement in the French style. The establishment embodies the boldness of César Ritz, the Swiss visionary who redefined the codes of luxury hospitality. It is not only its architecture, designed by Charles Mewès, that attracts attention: it is also the historic salons, the legendary Imperial Suite, and the mythical spaces, from the Hemingway Bar to the Proust Salon, that give the place its resonance.
Gastronomy holds a special place. From the beginning, Auguste Escoffier shook up culinary traditions, leaving an indelible mark on the Ritz. Today, L’Espadon, under the direction of Eugénie Béziat, continues this work of inspiration and excellence. It is also here that the Ritz Escoffier School trains a new generation of passionate professionals each year. The Ritz thus becomes a cradle of ideas and a revealer of talents: it does not merely house history; it shapes it in its own way.
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Stepping through the door of the Ritz is to encounter the shadow of Marcel Proust, a loyal client and keen observer, as well as that of Coco Chanel, who resided there for over twenty years. Winston Churchill, Scott Fitzgerald, Jean Cocteau, Colette, Charlie Chaplin: the list of illustrious guests is dizzying. From one corridor to another, every corner bears the trace of these intertwined lives with the upheavals of the 20th century, from the Resistance to the Roaring Twenties, and through the great transformations of the new millennium.
The current owner of the Ritz Paris is part of this continuity, ensuring the spirit of the place is preserved while opening it up to the new codes of luxury and design. This concern for transmission guarantees the Ritz a unique place in the global hotel landscape: here, prestige does not fade; it reinvents itself to attract a cosmopolitan clientele in search of rare experiences, tradition, and authenticity.
Who holds the keys to the Ritz today? A portrait of the current owner and his vision
In 1979, a page turned. The Ritz family faded away, allowing Mohamed Al-Fayed to write a new chapter for the hotel in Place Vendôme. This atypical entrepreneur, also known for having managed Harrods in London, spared no effort or investment to restore the Ritz to its former glory. Through extensive renovation projects, he chose to preserve the soul of the palace while propelling it into modernity.
Al-Fayed’s project: to create a dialogue between heritage and innovation, asserting an uncompromising vision of quality and aesthetics. He personally oversaw the major directions, infusing a style where tradition meets avant-garde. The most striking transformation? That carried out from 2012 to 2016, which allowed the Ritz to regain its splendor while integrating discreet technological amenities and a rethought service offering for today’s travelers.
The owner’s strategy is based on several clear axes:
- Preservation of architectural heritage and exceptional know-how;
- Continuous innovation in services and customer experience;
- Maintaining a rare independence in the palace market, far from group logic.
The result: the Ritz Paris remains an international reference, appreciated for its ability to combine tradition and creativity, attract a loyal clientele, and maintain an impeccable reputation in the luxury universe.
2025: what evolutions for an eternally reinvented palace?
As we approach 2025, the Ritz Paris continues its journey, staying the course on modernity without ever renouncing its past. The renovation works led by Thierry Despont and Atelier COS have subtly integrated the latest technical advancements while respecting the spirit of the place. The design evolves, guided by a demand for comfort, discretion, and respect for the historical setting.
This quest for renewal is evident everywhere: from the meticulous renovation of woodwork to the integration of high-performance energy solutions, every detail receives sharp attention. Iconic spaces such as the Proust, Pompadour, or Vendôme salons now host a varied program, including private events, fashion shows, and cultural meetings, helping to radiate the palace beyond its walls.
Gastronomy remains a pillar. Eugénie Béziat, at L’Espadon, continues the tradition of excellence in cuisine, while François Perret reinvents pastry at Ritz Paris Le Comptoir. This dynamic flows through the various spaces: the Ritz Club & Spa, themed suites, each experience is designed to meet the expectations of an international clientele, eager for uniqueness and excellence.
The palace distinction awarded by Atout France goes beyond symbolic recognition: it validates an art of service and a capacity for constant reinvention. In 2025, the Ritz Paris remains more than ever the place where history is written in the present, a landmark where luxury is experienced naturally and where each stay resembles an extraordinary interlude.
In the bustle of Place Vendôme, the Ritz continues to traverse the ages, faithful to its promise: to offer, to each generation, an experience that marks and endures.