Ritz Paris

There are many fabulous French hotels that still don't get the Palace distinction, with the Ritz Paris being a prime example.

The Palace designation goes through rigorous vetting with only 31 hotels holding the honor, yet somehow the Ritz Paris doesn't have it. It shows how competitive the French luxury market is — you can be an absolute legend like the Ritz and still not meet every technical requirement for that official recognition.

The airport service starts at just under €400 each way for gate-side pickup, and it's worth every euro to be met at the gate.

The meet and greet is borderline useless on departure unless you need carry-on assistance, but incredible value arriving when Paris immigration can be brutal. A number of the best Paris hotels include this with certain room categories, but the Ritz charges separately.

The Four Seasons pen is pretty nice, but the Ritz Paris pen is my all-time favorite hotel pen so far.

I like to 'rescue' a pen after every fancy hotel stay, and while Four Seasons does good work, nothing beats the Ritz Paris pen for elegance and quality. It's those small details that really show a hotel's attention to luxury.

The Ritz Paris remains in a class of its own, with classical music playing underwater at the pool and sumptuous drapes throughout.

This property continues to set the standard for Parisian luxury with its unique touches like underwater classical music at the swimming pool. The marble fireplaces and sumptuous drapes create an atmosphere that no other hotel can quite replicate in the city.

Just had an amazing stay at the Ritz Paris in one of their Signature Suites and wanted to hear what makes everyone else's favorites special.

The Signature Suite experience was incredible — definitely lived up to the hotel's legendary reputation for luxury and service. Curious to compare notes with other luxury travelers about what draws them back to their favorite Paris properties.

I found the Ritz charming but almost like being in a museum or palace — it felt like you could be nowhere else but Paris.

The aesthetic question really matters here because they're all quite different yet deliver similar service levels. The Ritz has this incredible sense of place that's uniquely Parisian, while something like Cheval Blanc feels more like that generic high-end international style. If you want to feel transported to a specific time and place, the Ritz absolutely delivers that magic.

I've been to all the Paris palaces ad nauseam, and while I don't think any single one is perfect, the Ritz is definitely the most fun of them all.

Four Seasons wins on food and service overall, but the Ritz has this energy that's just more enjoyable to be around. The location in the cloister of palaces on the eighth is phenomenal — you're surrounded by all the luxury you could want. The main issue is their food really doesn't live up to the hotel's stature, which is disappointing at this price point. But for pure hotel experience and atmosphere, it's hard to beat.

I stayed at the Ritz for a few nights and found it bordering on great, especially after experiencing their welcome party of five staff members greeting my car.

The deluxe junior suite on the fifth floor had stunning courtyard views and incredible quiet despite being in central Paris. The bed was extremely comfortable with proper top sheets, and I slept perfectly even after plenty of red wine. The bathroom's rainfall shower had unbelievable water pressure, and the tub was actually a good size. You have to love the golden swans and classical Ritz aesthetic, but if you do, this place delivers exactly what you'd expect.

After staying at both Rosewood Crillon and the Ritz back-to-back, I have to say the Ritz just wasn't my thing — it feels smaller and more constrained.

The Ritz is completely 'Parisian' in that classical sense, but Rosewood wins on almost every hard product measure. Better water pressure, better lighting, better room amenities, better spa, better gym design. The Ritz service is high level, don't get me wrong, but the overall feeling is more cramped. It's not flawed, just not for everyone — some people will love that intensely French aesthetic, but if you prefer modern touches mixed with history, Rosewood delivers that better.

Despite reading negative reviews about discrimination, I experienced nothing but warm welcomes and generous upgrades during my stay.

Many staff members came out to warmly welcome us, and we were generously upgraded to a truly wonderful room. Every corner was immaculately maintained despite the hotel's long history. It perfectly fulfilled my romantic vision of Paris, and I'd absolutely love to visit again.

The Ritz Paris is truly in a class of its own — from arrival to departure, the service was simply unparalleled, among the finest I've experienced anywhere in the world.

We were graciously offered an upgrade to the F. Scott Fitzgerald Suite, which made an already exceptional stay feel even more special. Every detail was handled with care, warmth, and effortless precision that never felt intrusive. There's a sense of history, elegance, and quiet confidence here that's impossible to replicate — it stays with you long after you leave.

After spending €400 at the spa and money at Bar Hemingway, we were rudely rushed out of the lobby while trying to see their famous Christmas tree.

Despite being invited on social media to marvel at the Christmas tree, a rude doorman asked why we were there and told us to 'do it quickly.' He physically ushered my husband out despite us holding Ritz hot chocolate as evidence of patronage. We were the only ones in the lobby, hardly crowded. This completely contradicts their welcoming Christmas marketing.

My friend and I were denied access to the Ritz boutique with a series of inconsistent excuses that felt dismissive and disappointing.

The security guard looked us up and down, then tried suggesting it was too late despite being within opening hours. When we offered to put away a camera, he still refused. Finally claimed the boutique was 'at capacity' though that didn't align with what we could see. The handling felt opaque and inconsistent — luxury should be about how guests are treated, not just beautiful spaces.

We spent nine nights celebrating my sister's birthday, and the staff made every moment special with their incredible warmth and professionalism.

The concierge team was outstanding — extremely friendly and always helpful. At the Hemingway Bar, staff took time to share the bar's history with such calmness and patience. One staff member even gifted me a book about Place Vendôme after giving me a detailed suite tour, which was incredibly touching. I already miss the staff and their genuine dedication.

The afternoon tea experience fell far below London Ritz standards, with casual dress codes ignored and just hot drinks with cake, no sandwiches.

We followed the advertised dress code with suit and tie, yet found families in shorts sitting nearby staring rudely. The afternoon tea was just hot drinks and cake, not a sandwich in sight. Having experienced the London site many times, this was so disappointing we pledged never to return.