London’s most iconic hotel set to close for up to two years

THE ICONIC Ritz Hotel in London could soon close, ahead of a huge £300million redevelopment project taking place over the next two years.

Under the new ownership of Qatari businessman Abdulhadi Mana Al-Hajri since 2020, renovation talks have been at the forefront of discussion for the last few years.

With the ever-evolving landscape of luxury travel and higher guest expectations increasing, competition in the luxury hotel space is high.

The ambitious project is said to be one of the biggest refurbishments in the hotel’s history, which includes a new structure to accommodate more rooms and a modernisation of the hotel's interiors.

Brand-new wellness facilities, including a grand two-story subterranean spa, a 20m swimming pool, several treatment rooms and a steam sauna, along with a dedicated salon are also part of the improvements.

A source at the hotel told The Sun that the Grade II* listed building would be closed for renovation as early as November this year.

An expansion into the neighbouring building on Arlington Street is already in construction.

The hotel source said guests will be temporarily accommodated in the new building when the main building closes for renovation.

The two-phase revamp is said to take up to two years, with a completion date of 2028.

Known for its opulent interiors, lavish furnishing and iconic clientele, The Ritz opened in 1906 with the aim of becoming the most luxurious hotel in the world.

It even resulted in the word 'ritzy' - meaning luxurious and fancy - to enter the English language.

Currently housing 111 rooms and 25 suites, plans to update the Grade II * listed building will help the hotel keep its prestigious position.

There are reports of the hotel working with innovative designers such as EPR architects who have worked with hotels such as the Rosewood London and The Hoxton in Shepard's Bush.

A Ritz spokesperson was unable to confirm the timeline of the current renovation project or whether the hotel will be closed by the end of the year.

Their team issued the following statement: “The development of The Ritz London continues to progress well, evolving the vision of our founder, legendary hotelier César Ritz.”

“This inspired project will ensure that the unique essence of the hotel is retained, sympathetically restored and sensitively enhanced to reaffirm its status, for generations to come, as one of the world’s most iconic hotels.”

The Ritz hotel has only ever closed once in it's 118-year history, which was in 2020 during the pandemic.

The hotel was said to be one of the favourite's of Queen Elizabeth II, celebrating both her Golden Jubilee in 2002 and 80th birthday in 2006 there.

Other famous guests have included Winston Churchill, Charlie Chaplin and Margaret Thatcher, who died at the hotel in 2013.

If you want to stay yourself you will have to start saving as rooms start from £725 a night.

A more affordable option that's popular with tourists is afternoon tea at The Palm Court, costing around £76.

Another lavish hotel in London is The Peninsula, the first billion-pound hotel in the UK.

Having opened last year, here's what you can expect inside.