The Ritz Paris

The Ritz was created in 1898 by Swiss hotelier César Ritz in partnership with chef Auguste Escoffier, who acquired the former Hôtel de Gramont at 15 Place Vendôme and commissioned architect Charles Mewès to build behind its 18th-century façade. It opened June 1, 1898, as the first hotel in Paris to give every room en-suite electricity and a telephone. The Place Vendôme address is distinct from the Crillon's river-facing position on Place de la Concorde — travelers set on that specific outlook should book there instead.

A 2012-2016 renovation deliberately reduced the hotel's room count from 159 to 142 in order to enlarge suite space. The hotel now carries 71 rooms and 71 suites, including 15 historic Prestige Suites — described as spaces where 18th-century panelling meets period ceilings, old masters, and antique furniture. Several suites are named for famous past guests, including Coco Chanel and Ernest Hemingway.

The on-site Hemingway Bar carries the hotel's literary history into a working bar program, and remains one of the property's signature draws for travelers who want the Ritz's specific character rather than only its room category.

Place Vendôme, Paris

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Weighed the Place Vendôme address, the post-renovation room and suite standard, and the on-site Hemingway Bar against the other Paris palace hotels.