When someone asks, “What is the most luxurious hotel in Paris?”, the answer almost always comes back to Ritz Paris.
©Photo courtesy of Ritz Paris
For my very first luxury hotel deep dive, I had to start here—at the legendary place that has been the dream of so many women (and men too). This is not just a hotel; it’s where Coco Chanel lived, where Ernest Hemingway drank and wrote, and where Princess Diana spent her final evening. Ritz Paris is a living stage of fashion, literature, and history.
Opened in 1898, the Ritz has hosted icons of every era. Staying here isn’t simply about booking a room—it’s about stepping into Parisian history itself.
In this article, we’ll explore the Ritz’s location, rooms, dining, spa, and the unforgettable stories that make it one of the most iconic hotels in the world.
Coco Chanel – The Ritz as “Home”
From the 1930s until her death in 1971, Coco Chanel lived at the Ritz.
Her boutique was just across Place Vendôme, and her minimalist palette of black, white, and beige blended seamlessly with the hotel’s timeless elegance. Today, her former residence is preserved as the Coco Chanel Suite, a space every fashion lover dreams of experiencing at least once in a lifetime.
Ernest Hemingway – “I Am Here to Liberate the Ritz Bar!”
In 1944, as Paris was being liberated from German occupation, Hemingway famously declared, “I am here to liberate the Ritz bar!” He rushed inside with soldiers, and from that day, his name became forever linked with the hotel.
For decades afterward, he spent countless hours at the bar, writing and drinking. Today, Bar Hemingway is still one of the most legendary hotel bars in the world. Under the creative hands of bartender Colin Field, the cocktails are not just drinks—they are works of art.
Princess Diana – A Tragic Memory
In 1997, just hours before the tragic car accident that shocked the world, Princess Diana and Dodi Al-Fayed dined at the Ritz.
This heartbreaking moment tied Diana’s memory forever to the hotel, making it not only a symbol of glamour, but also a witness to history’s most poignant events.
1. Ritz Paris hotel Location & Accessibility
Address: 15 Place Vendôme, 75001 Paris
- Right on Place Vendôme
- Close to the Louvre Museum, Tuileries Garden, and Opéra Garnier
- Near Chanel’s flagship boutique and luxury shopping streets
Metro Access:
- Madeleine (Lines 8, 12, 14)
- Concorde (Lines 1, 8, 12)
- Tuileries (Line 1)
- Opéra (Line 3, 7, 8)
Every major station is less than a 10-minute walk!
2. Ritz Paris hotel Rooms & Suites
- Around 140 rooms and suites in total
- Classic Louis XVI furnishings, crystal chandeliers, marble bathrooms
- A style that feels like stepping into a royal palace
Highlights:
- Coco Chanel Suite – where Chanel actually lived for over 30 years. The interiors reflect her iconic style.
- Windsor Suite – historically linked with the British royal family.
3. Ritz Paris hotel Dining & Bars – A Stage of Culinary Legends
- L’Espadon: Once Michelin-starred, famous for its dreamy breakfast in the garden terrace.
- Bar Vendôme: The elegant main lounge, perfect for afternoon tea with a view of the garden.
- Bar Hemingway: The heart and soul of Ritz Paris, still considered one of the greatest hotel bars in the world.
4. Ritz Paris hotel Ritz Club & Chanel au Ritz Spa
- Chanel au Ritz Paris: The only spa in the world carrying Chanel’s name. Treatments include the brand’s signature “Le Lift” rituals.
- Indoor Pool & Fitness Club: Often described as the most beautiful hotel pool in Paris, decorated with marble columns and fresco ceilings.
Final Thoughts
The Ritz is not just a hotel—it’s a world of its own. From Coco Chanel’s timeless style to Hemingway’s legendary nights, to Princess Diana’s final chapter, every corner of this hotel tells a story.
To stay here is to step into Parisian history, fashion, and elegance all at once.
Next up in this series: Plaza Athénée, another Parisian icon of luxury. Stay tuned!