THE RITZ LONDON

150 PICADILLY LONDON, W1J 9BR

HOTEL AMENITIES

HOTEL FEATURES

What to expect: Since 1906, the Ritz has dominated Piccadilly. Reminiscent of a French château, the Louis XVI-style interior is adorned with Ionic columns and Belle Epoque furnishings. Stepping inside the lobby's three-story rotunda with its leaded glass ceiling is like entering a fairy tale. Yet the Ritz is warm and welcoming, and executives, celebrating couples, and families breeze in and out, undaunted by the hotel's glamorous pedigree.

Amenity highlights: Service is serious business at the Ritz, where there are two staff members (many in traditional tailcoats) for each guestroom. Guests have 24-hour use of business facilities in the reservations office, including a computer with complimentary high-speed Internet access. Other conveniences include a beauty salon with hair, nail, and facial services for men and women, and a fine jewelry store that sells exclusively designed and custom-crafted pieces.

Insider tip: Located next door, Fortnum & Mason is perhaps London's most "English" department store, with a more intimate atmosphere and more old-world charm than Harrods or Selfridges. The food hall, open seven days a week, offers a cornucopia of gourmet English treats, and the window displays are some of the most elaborate "shows" in the West End.