Paris Ritz hotel reopens after extensive four-year renovation
by Kim Megson | 01 Jul 2016
The Ritz Paris hotel has reopened for business after receiving extensive renovation works bankrolled by billionaire businessman Mohamed Al Fayed.
Since 2012, a thousand workers and craftsmen have been working on the revamp of the historic building; the biggest to take place since its opening in 1898.
Architect and designer Thierry W. Despont has overseen the redesign of 142 rooms and suites – named after famous guests such as Marcel Proust, Ernest Hemingway and Charlie Chaplin.
The new design is intended to evoke the glamorous and vibrant spirit of the Ritz Paris – which was home to fashion designer Coco Chanel for 34 years – while integrating new technology into the rooms.
Public spaces such as the hotel’s reception rooms, art gallery and boutique store have also been upgraded, as has the famous Ecole Ritz Escoffier restaurant
In addition, the world’s first ever Chanel-branded spa is set to open at the hotel this week, along with the newly renovated 17,000sq ft (1,579sq m) Ritz Club Paris – two floors dedicated to beauty and wellness.
The latter, which originally opened in 1989, includes a heated indoor swimming pool, hammam, sauna, experience shower, fitness room, manicure and pedicure stations and a David Mallett hair salon.
The Chanel au Ritz Paris is described as a “unique and customised sensory experience”. It features six treatment rooms, each with a private bathroom, as well as a Chanel boutique.
The Ritz Paris was originally due to reopen in March this year, but this was delayed by a fire in January 2016.
Paris Ritz hotel design architecture renovation Mohamed Al Fayed Chanel Chanel au Ritz Paris Thierry W. Despont
A thousand workers and craftsmen have been working on the revamp of the historic building; the biggest renovation since its opening in 1898 Credit: Vincent Leroux
Public spaces have also been refreshed Credit: Adrien Dirand
The hotel features fitness, wellness and spa facilities Credit: Vincent Leroux
Famous guests at the Ritz over the years include Marcel Proust, Ernest Hemingway and Charlie Chaplin
Credit: Vincent Leroux
The new design is intended to evoke the glamorous and vibrant spirit of the Ritz Paris while integrating new technology Credit: Vincent Leroux
The hotel's garden has also been refreshed Credit: Vincent Leroux
The renovation works bankrolled by billionaire businessman Mohamed Al Fayed
Credit: Vincent Leroux
The new design is intended to evoke the glamorous and vibrant spirit of the Ritz Paris Credit: Vincent Leroux
29 Jun 2016
First Chanel-branded spa set to open Friday at The Ritz Paris
19 Jan 2016
Fire damages Ritz Paris
The Ritz Paris hotel has reopened for business after receiving extensive renovation works bankrolled by billionaire businessman Mohamed Al Fayed. Since 2012, a thousand workers and craftsmen have been working on the revamp of the historic building; the biggest to take place since its opening in 1898. Architect and designer Thierry W. Despont has overseen the redesign of 142 rooms and suites – named after famous guests such as Marcel
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