The famed Ritz Paris, first opened in 1889 by the Swiss hotelier César Ritz, is going to close next summer for 27 months to undergo a top to bottom renovation.
Owner Mohamed al Fayed will spare no expense, according to General Manager Christian Boyens. “The owner is more committed than ever and want The Ritz to be the best,” Boyens told HOTELS. “He will put all that is necessary behind the project to make The Ritz the premier hotel in Paris.”
Boyens said everyone is very well aware of the emotional connection guests have with the hotel and the team will take that responsibility very seriously. To that end, a design team that specializes in private homes and mansions, to be led by Thierry Despont, has been brought on board. “We want to keep the ‘maison’ feel of the hotel, while adding amenities to meet modern demands,” Boyens added. “We will be careful to protect the esprit of the hotel.”
Even as this big announcement was made, the hotel today is running at 90% occupancy with standard rooms selling for close to €1,000 a night, according to Boyens, who recently joined the hotel with the knowledge that he would be a part of reshaping the future of the legend that was last renovated in 1979.