The Ritz London

It's hard to miss The Ritz's name in dazzling white marquis lights above the hotel's colonnaded entrance. Walking through the revolving door reveals a lobby that is nothing short of extravagant. Grand marble columns surround the circular reception area, but it's the striking red carpeting that captures immediate attention. Just off the lobby is the Long Gallery, a hallway of vaulted arches and French doors that divide drawing rooms. Chandeliers suspended from medallions, elaborate sconces, and shaded lamps give the space a golden glow. Formal seating areas flank the hall's runner where well-heeled guests fill overstuffed velvet couches and Louis XVI chairs. The Palm Court runs a tight ship managing five seatings for afternoon tea in an opulent setting -- think smoked mirrors, a Baroque fountain topped with gilded cherubs, and, of course, a forest of potted palm trees. In stark contrast to neoclassical design, The Rivoli Bar pays homage to Art Deco. High-gloss camphor wood walls set the tone in this sexy, dimly lighted lounge. Pricey craft cocktails, flutes of Champagne, and savory bites are served at intimate tables with curved, low-back chairs. The Ritz London attracts a clientele of moneyed business and leisure travelers along with scores of wide-eyed tourists who come to soak up the glamour.

The Ritz London stands on the edge of Green Park in busy Piccadilly bordering Mayfair. It's a one-minute walk to the tube and close to several tourist sights. The area immediately surrounding the hotel doesn't have much in the way of interesting restaurants or shops. But there are dining options and luxury stores, including Fortnum & Mason a few blocks away.

• One-minute walk to Green Park tube station
• Eight-minute walk to Piccadilly Circus
• Eight-minute walk to Buckingham Palace 
• 13-minute walk to Trafalgar Square
• 15-minute walk to Westminster Abbey
• Seven minutes to Big Ben via tube 
• 14 minutes to London Eye via tube
• 16 minutes to British Museum via tube
• 17 minutes to St. Paul's Cathedral via tube
• 19 minutes to Tate Modern via tube
• 22 minutes to Tower of London via tube
• 31-minute drive to London Heathrow Airport (more with traffic)

At first appearance The Ritz's rooms are elegant and airy. Cream walls have decorative wood paneling, plenty of light streams through floor-to-ceiling windows, and attractive crystal chandeliers hang above. Stately fireplaces, gilded mirrors, period furniture, and textiles in soft shades such as peach, butter yellow, and lapis blue add to the appeal. However, closer inspection reveals the rooms' age, with faded bedding, worn fabric on furniture, and small chips on the floor molding and table legs. Still, amenities are up-to-date with free Wi-Fi, well-stocked minibars, flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, large desks, BOSE iPod docking stations, and safes. The all-marble bathrooms raise the luxe factor with gleaming gold fixtures, bidets, combination bath and showers, Asprey bath products, and terrycloth bathrobes. The Ritz's suites are a significant upgrade: sateen bedspreads, velvet-tufted benches, and gilded architectural details go a long way. High-end suites are palatial with double-high ceilings, expansive drawing rooms, and views of Green Park or Piccadilly. Expect ultra-lavish decor in the way of fine antique furniture, drapery and bedding done in rich, vibrant fabrics, and impressive artworks. Bathrooms are spacious with extravagant marble and some have walk-in showers in addition to free-standing bathtubs. Top-of-the-line suites offer guests a one-way airport ride in a Rolls-Royce Phantom and a 24-hour butler. Rooms start at 215 square feet; suites are three times larger or more. Smoking rooms are also available. 

The Ritz London covers most standard luxury hotel amenities but lacks over-the-top decadence and pizazz for a property of its caliber. It also doesn't deliver on thoughtful details that can make a stay special, such as lobby refreshments and sweets at turndown. But it does provide a traditional English afternoon tea that's as classic as it gets: cut sandwiches, scones with strawberry preserves and Devonshire cream, teacakes, and mini pastries. (Guests should note tea has a smart casual dress code.) The Ritz Restaurant has a continental breakfast (fee) with a local fare add-on that comes with eggs and sides like cucumber sausage and black pudding. The lunch and dinner menu has special-order entrees for two such as venison wellington with roasted parsnip and red cabbage and a six-course seasonal menu (a three-course prix fixe is additionally offered at lunch). A la carte first course choices include a terrine of goose liver with pineapple and gingerbread and mains run the gamut from lobster with spiced carrots and lemon to lamb with cous cous and eggplant. 

On Friday and Saturday evenings, there's live entertainment plus dinner and dancing. For kids, there's complimentary ice cream at the hotel's restaurant and a special menu; game consoles are also available for rooms plus pint-sized bathrobes.

The Ritz's spa is ultra-luxurious and offers a full menu of services for guests and visitors alike. There's a fitness center with up-to-date equipment and free weights but it's on the small side and isn't opened 24-hours. The hotel doesn't have a business center but there's free Wi-Fi throughout, 24-hour room service, a concierge, valet parking, and chauffeur services (for a fee) so guests can tool around town in The Ritz's signature Rolls-Royce Phantom.