Backstairs at The Ritz Paris

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Backstairs at The Ritz Paris

Many years ago, I used to stay at the Ritz Paris. It was elegance personified — and SO much fun. But times have changed. The Ritz recently re-opened after a complete renovation and its current room prices reflect the vast amount of money spent on the reno. I now prefer the Hotel d’Angleterre in the 6th which leaves me with extra money to spend on other adventures in Paris.

Thankfully, the Ritz still has plenty to offer, even without spending over $1000 a night for a room. I can’t speak for the rooms but, at least in the public spaces, the original decor survives, shiny and clean but otherwise undisturbed. The Ritz bar still serves excellent champagne and the Hemingway Bar still turns out his unique recipe for daiquiris. (Add Maraschino liqueur.)

Hemingway Bar at The Ritz Bar. Photo: Fern Nesson

Before drinking however, I recommend a stroll through the corridors. You will experience luxury at every turn. At the front of the hotel, the halls are lined with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the gardens and grand staircases; at the back, dozens of glass cases display jewelry from the famous shops of the Place Vendôme. A high end shopping mall indeed.

Even the back staircases and bathrooms are elegant and, best of all, at the back entrance on the rue Danou, you can choose between the Art Deco Bar and the Hemingway Bar — each tiny, pristine, perfect.

The Ritz Paris. Photo: Fern Nesson

The Ritz Paris. Photo: Fern Nesson

The Ritz Paris. Photo: Fern Nesson

The Ritz Paris. Photo: Fern Nesson

The Ritz Paris. Photo: Fern Nesson

Hemingway Bar at The Ritz Bar. Photo: Fern Nesson

The Ritz Paris. Photo: Fern Nesson

The Ritz Paris. Photo: Fern Nesson

The Ritz Paris. Photo: Fern Nesson

Lead photo credit : Hemingway Bar at The Ritz Bar. Photo: Fern Nesson

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Based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Fern Nesson is a fine art photographer with an MFA in photography. She visits Paris regularly where she captures interior scenes. Her work is abstract, and brings fresh perspective to lovers of Paris, while also illuminating interesting museum exhibitions and cultural events taking place in the City of Light. She recently published a book compilation of the popular Bonjour Paris series "50 Things I Miss About Paris." Purchase this beautiful, photography-filled book on Amazon or contact Fern directly by email: fernlnesson [at] gmail.com. She's offering a special deal for Bonjour Paris readers: purchase the book at cost, a $25 discount.

Comments

  • Kay Thayer
    2020-09-25 08:43:07
    Kay Thayer
    Thank you for the tour of the classic Hemingway Bar that appears to have survived the renovation Must revisit it has been too long.

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