Just from the title, I’m sure you can tell what this post is about… That’s right, it’s The Ritz!
I’ve heard so many glowing reviews about this hotel, from friends and family, so as a birthday treat for my sister I decided to book a session of afternoon tea there. I wanted my sister to have a very British experience, so I thought what better place to take her than The Ritz. I chose to book The Palm Court Afternoon Tea experience, which consisted of a variety of premium teas and delicious deserts, all of which are unlimited!
We were so exciting to arrive at the The Ritz for Afternoon Tea (celebration) for sister Birthday.
I’ve heard so many glowing reviews about this hotel, from friends and family, so as a birthday treat for my sister I decided to book a session of afternoon tea there. I wanted my sister to have a very British experience, so I thought what better place to take her than The Ritz. I chose to book The Palm Court Afternoon Tea experience, which consisted of a variety of premium teas and delicious deserts, all of which are unlimited!
We were so exciting to arrive at the The Ritz for Afternoon Tea (celebration) for sister Birthday.
To avoid London’s notorious rush hour traffic we decided to leave extra early, and so arrived earlier than our booking. When we arrived we were met by a smartly dressed and polite doorman, who held the hotel’s door for us. As you enter you’re met by a large United Kingdom flag, suspended from the ceiling, with a vase of lush roses sitting beneath it. We were escorted by another smartly dressed gentleman to the hotel’s main lobby. We weren’t even staying overnight in the hotel but it felt like we were being treated like royalty!
As we were being led through the main corridor, I was simply in awe over our beautiful surrounding. It was decorated in mirrors, flowers, paintings and fine jewellery (sorry I didn’t take any pictures of the jewellery!). The attention to detail was exquisite.
Since as we to wait for our booked time, we decided to explore the hotel and to freshen up before being seated. The toilets were furnished with comfy seats and tables (perfect for that touch of makeup).
Whist we were waiting for our time and seat which we had plenty time to see the surrounding we went to the toilets (as American says The Powder room) to freshen up. The toilet had seats and table (touch of makeup) to sit down.
Whist we were waiting for our time and seat which we had plenty time to see the surrounding we went to the toilets (as American says The Powder room) to freshen up. The toilet had seats and table (touch of makeup) to sit down.
We were finally called to be seated. We were seated in the beautiful Palm Court for our afternoon tea. The tables were adorned with cute chinaware, sparkling silverware and gold tea strainers, all of which perfectly complemented the charm of the room. The graceful ambience of the room was complete with the soothing music being played by the small band of musicians. They played mainly classical music, but also did classical covers of modern songs.
We were finally called to our seating, The Palm Court as we were seated we had traditional Afternoon Tea service, cute chinaware, silver teapots, silver milk jugs and gold tea strainers are used which perfectly complement the charm of the room. The graceful ambiance of tea is complete with perfectly presented waiters and musical from their pianist and harpist which they were playing classical and modern songs (which I didn’t know the songs of).
The Palm Court has high walls of luminous mirrors and elaborates gilded trellis, adoring birdcage chandeliers, a prominent stone fountain inhabited by large gilded statues and at the centre of the room a soaring, vivacious floral display (in the centre of the room) provided for a lovely and calming view.
The butlers arrived to take our teas order, they had extensive selection of 18 different types of loose leaf tea which we had fussy time choosing which one to have which we then finally choose (The Ritz Chai, Earl English Imperial and Mint Chocolate Rooibos) and gave us the selections of Finely Sliced Sandwiches with traditional fillings together with freshly baked scones with strawberry and clotted cream, with selection of afternoon tea cakes and pastries. The sandwiches, scones and cakes were replenished as often as you required. We asked for orange and apple juice which included in the price.
The teas arrived and the butler served us (which were great) whilst we were chatting away and catching up the taste of the teas was quite tasty.
We also had a surprised for my sister as we ordered a cake for her their pianist and harpist were playing happy birthday which she got quite surprised, however when they brought the cake out I was quite disappointed with the size of the cake which was quite small (enough for share of 2) despite there was 6 of us, when I asked the waiter its small apparently there are different size, they didn’t say that a week before when we paid for the afternoon tea. However as we had ate out dessert we asked the waiter to pack the cake to take home.
They were playing "happy birthday"
Those who love the old building history like I do! I found some information of the hotel on the website.
“The Ritz London
The world’s greatest hotel, as conceived by the world’s greatest hotelier. For over a century The Ritz London has been the benchmark by which other hotels are measured. A London landmark at 150 Piccadilly, The Ritz has been home to the great and the good, the intelligentsia, the glitterati and thousands of discerning guests since 1906.
Juxtaposed between the bustling metropolitan areas of Mayfair and St. James, which abound with luxury boutiques, art galleries and iconic attractions; and the tranquil emerald green expanse of Green Park, The Ritz provides the ultimate destination to enjoy the quintessential London experience.”
As this is a 5* hotel the hotel does have a dress code; Gentlemen are required to wear a jacket and tie for afternoon tea in The Palm Court and for lunch and dinner in The Ritz Restaurant. In all other areas of the hotel (The Ritz Restaurant breakfast service, The Rivoli Bar, The Long Gallery) and The Ritz Club, smart casual attire is suitable. Please note that trainers or sportswear are not permitted in any of the hotel or Club’s restaurants or bars. Its written on the website.
I would rate this a 5* out of 5* for the butler services
For the rating for the food I would rate this as a 3 out of 5* just because of the selection of halal food.
However despite my rating and experience on the halal variety, just for the one in a lifetime experience I would definitely recommend this amazing hotel to visit to feel the britishness.
This is the address:
The Ritz Hotel (London) Ltd.
150 Piccadilly,
London.
W1J 9BR
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7493 8181
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