The Ritz Hotel London: Prices, Reviews & History Guide (2025)

The Ritz London, which opened on Piccadilly in May 1906, remains one of the few hotels where the experience itself — the service ritual, the gilt-edged dining rooms, the royal warrants — matters as much as the room you sleep in. This guide draws on the hotel’s own history, verified guest reviews from Booking.com and TripAdvisor, and editorial coverage from Condé Nast Traveller to help you decide whether a stay here fits your priorities.

Last checked: 2026-09-01

Hotel class: 5-star luxury · Location: 150 Piccadilly, Mayfair, London · Number of bedrooms: 136 · Michelin-starred restaurant: Yes

Why is the Ritz Hotel so famous?

The Ritz London’s fame rests on a rare combination of longevity, royal patronage, and location. Opening on 25 May 1906 at 150 Piccadilly, it was immediately regarded as one of the world’s great hotels, according to the hotel’s own history (The Ritz London). Swiss hotelier César Ritz designed it as a destination where affluent guests could expect flawless service and opulent surroundings.

History of The Ritz London

Within a decade, the hotel had welcomed royalty and high society. King Edward VII reportedly said, “Where Ritz goes, I go” — a phrase the hotel still cites (The Ritz London). The hotel received a Royal Warrant for Banqueting and Catering Services in January 2002, a distinction it claims was the first ever awarded to a hotel. In May 2024, King Charles III granted a second Royal Warrant, reinforcing the property’s official royal connection.

Notable guests and royal connections

Princess Diana dined at The Ritz London on the night before her death, a fact that continues to draw curiosity. The hotel itself has hosted countless heads of state, celebrities, and members of the British royal family over the decades. Condé Nast Traveller describes the atmosphere as “British comfort at its absolute finest” (Condé Nast Traveller).

Architecture and location

Set in a landmark building on Piccadilly, in the heart of Mayfair, the hotel sits within walking distance of Green Park, Buckingham Palace, and the West End theatres. The exterior is a classic Beaux-Arts design; inside, the Louis XVI-style interiors feature marble, crystal chandeliers, and hand-painted ceilings.

The bottom line: The Ritz London’s fame is earned through 119 years of continuous operation, direct royal recognition, and a central Mayfair location that few hotels can match.

What is the price of a stay at The Ritz London?

Exact rates are not published in the public sources reviewed, but the hotel’s pricing aligns with its five-star, Michelin-starred positioning. Booking.com gives the property a 9.5/10 guest score, suggesting that those who book generally perceive the cost as appropriate for the experience delivered (Booking.com).

Room rates and suites

The hotel offers 136 bedrooms, ranging from classic doubles to the Royal Suite. A review on Condé Nast Traveller notes that “it doesn’t get much better than this,” reinforcing that the room quality matches the price point (Condé Nast Traveller). Without confirmed current rates, we recommend checking official booking channels for seasonal offers.

Dining costs: afternoon tea and lunch

Afternoon tea at The Ritz London is a signature experience — served in the Palm Court under a skylight, with a pianist and seasonal menus. The price for afternoon tea is a commonly searched topic, but the official site does not list it in a static format; guests should book directly for current pricing. The hotel’s restaurant, which holds two Michelin stars, offers a three-course lunch menu; again, precise figures change periodically.

Package deals

The Ritz London occasionally offers packages that bundle accommodation with afternoon tea or dinner. No specific package details were available in the sources reviewed.

The catch: Without verified current prices, the best advice is to treat The Ritz London as a top-tier luxury investment — the room is only part of the value; the dining, service, and atmosphere are the real draw.

What is the Ritz-Carlton $2000 rule?

This question often causes confusion because of the similar name. The Ritz-Carlton hotel chain — not connected to The Ritz London — has a policy known informally as the “$2,000 rule,” which allows front-line employees to spend up to $2,000 to resolve a guest complaint without manager approval. The Ritz London is a different entity. It is not part of Marriott’s Ritz-Carlton brand; it is independently owned and operated.

The Ritz London does not advertise a comparable discretionary spending policy. The hotel’s approach to service, as described in editorial and guest reviews, focuses on personalised attention rather than a specific monetary threshold.

The pattern: The $2,000 rule applies only to Ritz-Carlton properties, not to The Ritz London. Searchers asking this question are often looking for reassurance about service quality — and on that front, The Ritz London’s 9.5/10 score on Booking.com is a stronger indicator than any corporate policy.

Who owns the Ritz in London?

The Ritz London is currently owned by the Reuben brothers, British-Indian billionaires who purchased the hotel in 2020. Prior to that, it was owned by the Ellerman family, who had held it for several decades. The hotel’s official history page confirms the founding by César Ritz in 1906 but does not detail every ownership change (The Ritz London).

The Ritz Paris, a separate property, is not part of the London hotel’s ownership structure. The two share a founding figure but are independently managed.

Why this matters: Ownership stability under the Reuben brothers has allowed The Ritz London to maintain its traditional service model while making discreet updates, which may be a factor in its consistent high guest ratings.

Alternatives to The Ritz London

If you are weighing multiple luxury hotels in the same area, several comparable properties offer similar levels of heritage and service. The Ritz London distinguishes itself through its royal warrants, two Michelin-starred dining, and the unique afternoon tea experience. Other hotels in Mayfair and nearby St James’s provide quieter backdrops or more contemporary design. We recommend comparing recent guest scores on Booking.com (The Ritz London scores 9.5/10) and TripAdvisor (4.7/5) with those of competing hotels before booking.

Pros and cons

Pricing band

The Ritz London sits at the high end of London’s five-star market. While exact figures vary by season and room type, the hotel’s status as a two-Michelin-star establishment with Royal Warrants suggests that a standard double room falls well above the city’s average luxury rate. Guest reviews consistently suggest the experience — afternoon tea, fine dining, and service — often justifies the cost.

Location and getting there

The Ritz London is at 150 Piccadilly, London W1J 9BR, in the Mayfair district. The nearest tube stations are Green Park (Jubilee, Piccadilly, Victoria lines) and Piccadilly Circus (Bakerloo, Piccadilly lines). Heathrow Airport is about 45 minutes by Heathrow Express and tube, or 50 minutes by car via the M4. The hotel offers valet parking but does not have its own car park.

Sample one-day itinerary

For first-time visitors and luxury seekers, here is how to experience the hotel’s best assets in one day:

• Morning: Check in, then enjoy a coffee in the Palm Court. Stroll through Green Park to Buckingham Palace (10-minute walk).
• Lunch: Book a table at The Ritz Restaurant (two Michelin stars) for a three-course lunch. Reservations essential.
• Afternoon: Afternoon tea in the Palm Court, served with finger sandwiches, scones, and pastries. Follow the dress code (jacket required for men; no jeans or trainers).
• Evening: Pre-dinner cocktails at the Rivoli Bar, then dinner at the restaurant or a nearby Mayfair fine dining option.

Timeline of key events

• 1906: The Ritz London opens on Piccadilly, founded by César Ritz.
• January 2002: Receives Royal Warrant for Banqueting and Catering Services.
• May 2024: Granted a Royal Warrant by King Charles III.
• 2025: Restaurant earns two Michelin stars (per hotel).
• October 2025: Awarded Two Michelin Keys (per hotel).