Ritz Paris to Close in 2012 for Two Year Renovation

  • October 19, 2011
Ritz Paris to Close in 2012 for Two Year Renovation
The five-star hotel failed earlier this year to win France's coveted "palace" designation. In a statement, the hotel said the "unprecedented renovation project" would start in the summer of 2012 and take 27 months. Financial details were not disclosed.

It said hotel facilities, including its 160 rooms and suites, would preserve their traditional style while "offering the latest technological innovations."

Founded in 1898 by Cesar Ritz and French chef Auguste Escoffier, the hotel is also home to L'Espadon restaurant, which has two Michelin stars, and the Ritz-Escoffier cooking school. Both will also close during the renovation.

Only about 30 of the hotel's about 500 employees would be kept on during the renovation, a hotel spokesman said.

"The renovation project is indispensable in order to maintain the pre-eminent position of the Ritz Paris," Ritz Paris company president Frank Klein said in the statement. "Today, our objective is two-fold -- to perpetuate the tradition of excellence established by its founder, Cesar Ritz, in 1898, and to ensure personalized support for our employees during the temporary closure of the hotel."

Hotel Profile: Ritz Paris