The Ritz Weddings

"Simply the best!!"
My wife and I had been planning our visit to the Ritz for over a year, as the final leg of a 6 week trip to Europe. We had stayed at the Ritz on our wedding night, 34 years ago.
We had called in 2 years ago just for a nostalgic sticky beak when passing. At that time we were greeted in the lobby by Mr Wlodek Ostojski. He couldn’t have been more welcoming and he walked us round the restaurant and function areas and then back to the Palm Court. There he insisted we sit down and have a glass of champagne and he introduced us to Mr Ian Gomes, the resident pianist. Ian regaled us with stories and played us a Sinatra medley while we sipped the champagne.
We resolved at that point that we must come back and stay.
So last year, when we were planning this trip we corresponded with Maria Sanz, who was extremely helpful in booking our recent 5 night stay.
The stay also included a one night stay for my Mum, brother and sister in law for an early celebration of Mum’s 90th, which is in December.
On our arrival we were given a warm and friendly welcome by the team at check in. The lovely Louisa from Lisbon took us to our room.
The rooms are fantastic with such elegance and quality. The bed was so comfortable and my wife chose from the pillow menu.
Breakfast in the Ritz restaurant was very stylish with plenty of choice.
When the rest of the family checked in we had dinner at the Ritz Restaurant on the Sunday night and a fabulous high tea in the Palm Court on Monday. Both sensational experiences.
We introduced Mum to Ian Gomes and they sang duets of very old songs. Ian gave Mum some CDs of him playing which was very kind.
We got to know Michael, one of the doormen, partly due to my morning runs around Hyde/Green parks. Apart from the clear character fault of being a Spurs fan, Michael was a great guy and always welcomed us with a joke.
We were delighted to catch up with Mr Ostojski and he was kind enough to send us a bottle of champagne which we all enjoyed with afternoon tea. Another lovely, kind thought.
Sandra the chamber maid was a very nice person and we enjoyed seeing her in the evenings.
The Ritz is unique because it combines excellence in the property with superb service. It is not stuffy or pompous but stylish, understated and friendly. We found all of the staff to be outstanding and it is obvious that the culture is such that many have worked there for many years. Culture in any organisation is only created over the long term.
The Ritz has its own personality which is a combination of its unique location, the beauty of the property, but most of all its fabulous staff.
We will be back!!
Many thanks to all at the Ritz.

"Stepping back in time, almost entirely in a good way"
My wife and I stayed here the night of our wedding. To be honest we were a little worse for wear when we turned up but the porter kindly escorted/supported us up the steps and in to the foyer. From there we eventually made it to our room. The bed was beautifully decorated with a set of rose petals arranged in a heart shape; very thoughtful and much appreciated.

The room was lovely, comfortable bed and good pillows, large bathrooms and all the fixtures and fittings. In a slightly rogue move I ordered the classic burger and chips at about 1am but damn it was good. Chips were definitely triple cooked.

We awoke and went down for breakfast and this is where I believe The Ritz experience exceeds many of the other hotels I have stayed in. Breakfast has THE best spread of pastries, cakes, cold cuts, quiche and everything in between AND a hot food menu that has breakfasts cooked to order. With hangover suitably soothed we took our leave. And accidentally stole the key. Sorry about that; have returned.

"Anniversary Treat"
Treated ourselves for our silver wedding to a 2 night stay at the Ritz. I can only say the stay was everything and more than we expected. Superb service, attention to detail and sumptuous atmosphere. Dined in restaurant - again first class, the wine waiter was outstanding and educating. Loved it all!

"A lovely experience"
My husband and I were given champagne afternoon tea at The Ritz as a wedding gift. We didn't realise how difficult it would be to get a booking at a suitable time to have afternoon tea but eventually booked a date in 10 months after the wedding! When we arrived we were surprised at how small the Palm Court was and this is probably one of the reasons why it was so difficult to get a booking. Despite its modest size however, all the tables seemed to be positioned in such a way that all guests could enjoy a level of privacy.
We started off with a glass of champagne each and a selection of sandwiches and cakes. We were both surprised at the freshness of the sandwiches and there was plenty of variety for all tastes. When our sandwich levels were low they were quickly refilled by staff. We moved on to scones, both fruit and plain, which were nicely warmed and delicious served with jam and clotted cream. Before we reached the cakes on the top tier of the stand, a trolley with today's selection of cakes was wheeled round. Despite being very full already we couldn't resist the chocolate and pear tart and hazelnut and chocolate cake. Overall the cakes were nice but I would say that they were quite standard for an afternoon tea, and nothing particularly special.
Everything was presented beautifully though and the pianist playing throughout the sitting created a very charming, relaxed atmosphere. The staff were fantastic from the outset- they were attentive but not intrusive. They were friendly and happy to offer recommendations from the selections of tea on offer and were experts in photography for the guests!
Although I think that the actual food is pretty standard for a hotel afternoon tea, I think it is the ambiance, attention to detail and the staff that makes tea at The Ritz such a lovely experience and one that I will hopefully be lucky enough to do again.