Is there a hotel more synonymous with luxury than The Ritz? Its iconic name is known all over the world. With influential guests such as royalty and politicians that date back to their opening in 1906, there is a rich history about the building that casts its magical spell on guests the moment they enter. There’s no royalty in my blood, but while I was a guest at The Ritz London, I felt like it might have been debatable.
My daughters wore invisible tiaras from the second they arrived through the front door. They were given mini teddy bears in the lobby while I checked in, and I couldn’t help but smile as I overheard a staff member talking to my eldest daughter. “If you need anything at all you just call me at the front desk.” The smiling woman said to my 3 year old as she handed her the teddy bear. “It doesn’t matter what time it is, just call. If you want ice cream any time of the day, we’ll bring it to you…as much as you want.”
Well that right there was enough to convince my daughter that this was the greatest hotel on the planet.
As we were escorted up to The Trafalgar Suite, we were informed that this suite was where the movie ‘Notting Hill’ was filmed. The romantic comedy lover in me swooned at the thought of sitting back and putting my feet up on the same couch that Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant probably lounged on.
The suite was expansive and impressive immediately upon opening the door. With a foyer that led to a long hallway, draped with heavily embroidered curtains, I might as well have been entering a palace.
My two princess’ fluttered from room to room, discovering treasures set out for them everywhere they went: a larger teddy bear on their bed, a basket of baby essentials in the bedroom, special kid’s soaps, bathrobes and mini slippers in the bathroom, books and DVDs in the sitting room, and fruit, juice and cookies that disappeared just as quickly as they were spotted.
As my kids buzzed through the suite, I slowly walked around, breathing in the exquisiteness of every square inch of this suite. No detail was left unturned. It was furnished like a palace, and I felt like a queen. Fittingly so, since we pretty much shared a back garden with The Buckingham Palace. As I looked out at the park through the bedroom window I smiled knowing that the real Queen’s Palace was just on the other side of the green space out my window.
The room was outstanding. I was in the king sized bed, with a princess in a crib on one side and another princess in her own little bed on the other. There was a table to do your makeup at the end, a fireplace across from the bed, and when I lied down in the most comfortable bed I’ve even been in, I was gazing up at a gorgeous chandelier.
The living room, with a second fire place, and plenty of seating for my royal family, kept up with the stunning decor and ambiance. I could have stayed in this suite all night, but I had the rest of the hotel to explore!
Walking through the hotel was just as impressive as the suite where we’d be spending the night. 
The Palm Court is where the world famous Afternoon Tea is served. Tea is accompanied by live music, there were many smiling faces can be seen from behind the towers of finger sandwiches and desserts.
If you’re looking for something a bit stronger than tea, head to The Rivoli Bar where you’ll find more luxurious furnishing, but with a very different feel than the rest of the hotel. And cocktails; you’ll also find plenty of cocktails!
There are private rooms available, like the Mary Antoinette Suite. I was told that this room is where Sir Winston Churchill used to hold his meetings: a fun fact for someone like myself who went to a high school named after this historical figure.
As we carried on to the end of the hallway we ended up at The Ritz Restaurant. This restaurant has been known to have some very famous people dine at its tables. The Queen herself chose to celebrate her 80th Birthday there. With a strict dress code, men are required to wear a suit jacket and tie. No matter how high end and expensive your jeans are, they won’t be getting anywhere close to this dining room.
We had dinner at The Ritz Restaurant that evening and it was unbelievable. So much so that it deserves a story all of its own. I will give you a sneak peek though, because we went back to the dining room for breakfast the next morning. The joys of having two young children is that you’re up so early in the morning that you can get the breakfast room nearly all to yourself.
It was a good thing that I had a plane to catch shortly after breakfast because if I had time to linger it might have been a tearful goodbye. This was a hotel stay unlike any other. It left me with memories to treasure for years to come. It’s not everyday that my daughters can share a bubble bath in a stunning marble bathroom and then put on their mini white robes and slippers. We were all treated like royalty for every minute of our stay.
If you get the chance; you need to experience The Ritz. Put it on your bucket list. Save it for an important milestone celebration. But whatever you do; go and see it for yourself. I promise, you will not be disappointed.
Thank you to The Ritz London for having us as their guests. All opinions are my own.