Classified as a five star hotel. Our ratings (1-5 stars):
Overall: 4.5 stars -Although the Ritz is more expensive than many hotels in this category, the amenities and ambience, make this a top choice for a fantasy escape to Paris. For first time visitors to Paris, the seductiveness of the Ritz, may make it hard to leave the hotel and experience the beauty of Paris.
Instead, we recommend the Ritz to seasoned Parisian travelers who have the time to indulge in the French "art de vivre" (art of life) - visit the elegant spa for a facial and massage, sip champagne in one of the most stunning indoor pool settings in the world, relax and have the Ritz staff procure for you your favorite chocolates or that "hard-to-find" souvenir, and order a custom gourmet meal delivered to your room via 24 hour room service. The Ritz is expensive, but if you think of the Ritz as a destination, not just a setting for your Parisian travels, the cost does not seem so extreme.
Location: 5 stars - Located in heart of Paris at the Place Vendôme , the Ritz is centrally located to the Louvre, the Tuileries, and a short walk to the Opera.
The streets adjacent to the Ritz may have more square feet of luxury goods than anywhere else in the world. According to French law, only jewelers can be situated on the Place Vendôme, so when leaving the Ritz, you'll be surrounded by magnificent gems in all the store windows. It is a short walk to "designer's row" on Rue du Faubourg St-Honoré, where you can "shop until you drop" at Gucci, Hermès, and Chanel boutiques (whose namesake, Coco Chanel, made the Ritz her home). Famous gourmet food stores, like Fauchon and Hediard, are located around the corner.
At night, the area is an elegant backdrop for cocktails after an evening out.
Style and Decor: 5 stars - From the moment you enter the revolving doors of the Ritz, off the impressive Place Vendôme, you are surrounded in luxury. The hotel is elegant, quiet, full of old world charm, and above all, simply gorgeous. The décor is not the sleek style of most luxury hotels but has more of an aristocratic country feel. Think the palace at Versailles. When you enter the Ritz, the city recedes and you expect to step outside to sweeping lawns and vast forests. The courtyard garden with its rich greenery, statues and fountain, as well as an abundance of fresh flowers - courtesy of a staff of 5 florists - reinforce the impression that the hustle of the city is far away.
Ritz lobby with floral display Staff: 5 stars – With a staff of 600, you would think that you would see people everywhere, but the service is wonderfully unobtrusive, with staff literally fading into the woodwork. There is a whole network of “hidden” passageways within the building which enables the staff to slip behind almost invisible doors in the wall and disappear. The service is impeccable - sold out theater tickets, impossible to get restaurant reservations, and obscure items magically appear at your request - 24 hours a day.
Amenities: 5 stars - The Ritz contains two bars, a Michelin starred restaurant, a Spa serving both men and women, and an indoor pool with a pool bar. A few of the stellar amenities for hotel guests at the Ritz are described below. More amenities available to the public at the Ritz are described in our article "Five Ritzy Experiences at the Hotel Ritz."
Restaurant: The hotel’s L’Espadon Restaurant, is a Michelin star rated restaurant, overseen by the award-winning chef, Michel Roth. L’Espadon was the first French starred restaurant to offer a gourmet vegetarian menu. Interesting menu items, such as the monochrome menu (e.g., all red food) are a fun additional to the traditional French menu selections. The restaurant decor is opulent with trompe l’oeil ceilings, swagged drapes, and views into the garden.
L'Espandon Restaurant
Bar: The Ritz’s most famous bar, the Hemingway Bar is a bit of a surprise. On first entrance, it is a bit less than what most people expect. It is also a bit more. The small size encourages a clubby, intimate, feeling among the guests. The anecdotes surrounding Hemingway’s time spent at this bar are numerous as well as amusing. One is that a young Hemingway, before he became famous, used to "play the ponies" at the local track to earn enough money to have a drink at the Ritz once a week. Hemingway has also been quoted as saying, "When I dream of heaven and the afterlife, the action always takes place at the Ritz Paris". Visit the Hemingway Bar, soak up the literary atmosphere with a cocktail, and toast to Hemingway's memory - "Papa" Hemingway would be pleased. 
Hemingway Bar
Pool: When you enter the pool room of The Ritz’s Health club and Spa, you are amazed to find that you are actually several stories underground. Modeled after ancient Greco-roman baths, the soaring ceiling, creative use of lighting, and frescoes on the ceiling and wall create a space that feels light and airy. If you stay at the Ritz, do not miss having a cocktail poolside. It is an unforgettable experience.
Ritz Pool
Value for Money: 3 stars - For many of the people who stay at the Ritz, money is no object. What if you're well off enough to enjoy a fabulous stay at the Ritz, but not well off enough to do it without giving careful thought to your bank balance? Is it worth the splurge?
Our bottom line: There are many luxurious hotels with exceptional service in Paris for you to rest your head at night. If you are looking for more than a bedroom, but for a pampering experience or a fantasy escape, book a room at the Ritz. For you, the memories of your stay will be priceless.
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