Ritz development approved

Westminster Council has given the go-ahead for a major redevelopment of the Ritz Hotel, London Piccadilly. The £300m project should be competed in 2025 taking the capacity up to 191 suites.

Andrew Love, the Ritz's senior advisor, said the development is part of a long-term plan to ensure the hotel remains successful and a much-loved institution. (See also BTN 4 October)

He said: "The Ritz is a long-established hotel known throughout the world and it's a cherished institution in both St James and the West End.

"The 5-star service it provides has established itself as a West End and global icon.

"However in recent years there's been a realisation and an acute need to enhance the operation of the Ritz for its guests and visitors."

He continued: "This has been compounded by the pandemic but increasingly due to fierce competition from other globally-renowned hotels.

"Throughout our 115-year history the hotel has undergone many changes.

"The seamless continuation of the building, wrapping around Arlington Street, will keep the character and heritage of the hotel and help complete the vision of its founder, the legendary hotelier Cesar Ritz."

The 5-star hotel has hosted an endless list of famous guests, including the Queen, Winston Churchill and Charlie Chaplin. Maggie Thatcher, a long-time resident, passed away at the Ritz.

www.theritzlondon.com

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