The Ritz London

I have been visiting the Rivoli Bar at The Ritz London for over 15 years. Since 2011, I have celebrated birthdays, important occasions, stayed at the hotel several times, and regularly recommended The Ritz to friends and family because historically the service was exceptional and justified the premium pricing. Unfortunately, tonight’s experience was completely contrary to the standards I associated with The Ritz. I visited the Rivoli Bar with a friend to introduce her to what I believed would be an iconic London hospitality experience. We entered through the temporary side entrance due to renovation works and were seated without issue. The bar was not particularly busy. From the moment we sat down, however, the experience became uncomfortable. During a relatively short period, we were interrupted repeatedly by multiple members of staff asking whether we wanted additional drinks or anything else. The interruptions became excessive and intrusive, making it difficult to have a normal conversation. The most disappointing part came around 10:30pm, well before the advertised midnight closing time. While we were both still drinking, we were presented with the bill and pressured to pay immediately because “the bar was closing”. I questioned why we were being asked to settle the bill so early when the Rivoli Bar advertises closing at midnight. Rather than handling the matter professionally, the situation escalated unnecessarily. A manager was called and his attitude was shockingly rude and confrontational. He repeatedly spoke over me, insisted I had to pay immediately because “this is standard procedure everywhere”, and generally treated a long-standing customer with complete disregard. For clarity: I had no issue paying the bill. My objection was being pressured to settle while still consuming our drinks nearly 90 minutes before closing time, combined with the dismissive and aggressive manner in which the situation was handled. I have visited many luxury hotels and bars in London and internationally, and I have never experienced this type of behaviour in a five-star establishment — particularly not at The Ritz. The service standards appear to have deteriorated significantly. What was once elegant, discreet and welcoming hospitality now felt pushy, transactional and unnecessarily hostile. For the first time in 15 years, I left The Ritz genuinely disappointed and embarrassed that I had recommended it so highly to others.

An appalling and deeply condescending experience. My wife and daughter arrived at the Ritz on a cold, rainy day, soaked and freezing after being caught unprepared by the weather. They were dressed somewhat casually and hastily, simply wearing whatever extra layers they had with them, and only wished to come inside for tea, warm up, and wait for me. Instead of being welcomed with the elegance and hospitality one expects from a hotel of this reputation, they were stopped at the entrance by a porter behaving more like a nightclub bouncer. He informed them, in an extremely condescending manner, that there was a dress code. What made the situation even more disappointing is the obvious inconsistency in how such rules appear to be applied. One regularly sees celebrities, influencers, and VIP guests admitted in outfits far less appropriate than what my family was wearing that day. True luxury is not about policing appearances with arrogance; it is about grace, discretion, empathy, and hospitality. Sadly, this experience reflected none of those qualities. The Ritz no longer seems to embody the timeless elegance and class for which it was once renowned.”

I am sorry but for the price the old room ammneities and fittings are amajor let down. The smell of cigarette smoke that lingers I find foul. Service is great but it is just poor value

Our son chose the Ritz London for his coming-of-age birthday. He wanted a special, elegant and special place. It was truly a choice that fully confirmed his expectations. From the moment we entered the hotel, we felt like we were stepping into another world, the interior fragrance, live piano music and the beauty of the interior design captivated us. Dinner in the main restaurant was perfect, the taste of the dishes, the impeccable service, the ballroom like a ballroom from the good old days were a story. The next day we enjoyed an extremely elegant afternoon tea and completed it with an evening at the opera. The room was completed with all kinds of details from chocolate and fine candies, quality cosmetics, beautiful furniture, so the accommodation was at its best. We left with the most beautiful memories and the desire to return.

A classic luxury experience with that old school royal vibe. The service is super attentive and makes you feel really special and the famous afternoon tea is definitely worth it. The hotel looks stunning and elegant but some parts feel a bit traditional rather than modern. Overall it’s expensive but for the experience and atmosphere it’s something you should try at least once.