The Ritz: A Century of Wealth, Privilege, and Perfection | Up Close

 

César Ritz's 1898 sacking from The Savoy for embezzlement and fraud spurred him to launch his own luxury hotel brand, immediately transforming his reputation into the "King of Hoteliers." Backed by his elite clientele, he opened the Ritz Paris in 1898 and the Carlton Hotel in London, setting new standards for luxury, personal service, and modern amenities like en-suite bathrooms.

 

The Sacking and Its Aftermath

• The Scandal: In March 1898, Richard D'Oyly Carte dismissed César Ritz (manager), Auguste Escoffier (chef), and their associates from the Savoy for stealing over £3,400 in wine, spirits, and accepting supplier kickbacks, totaling roughly £19,137, or over £2 million in modern value.
• The Reaction: Rather than retiring in disgrace, Ritz, supported by patrons such as Lady de Grey who stated "Where Ritz goes, I go," seized the opportunity to create his own brand, fulfilling a long-held ambition to serve his clientele directly.

Creation of the Ritz Hotels

• Ritz Paris (1898): Ritz purchased a building on Place Vendôme in Paris, opening the Hôtel Ritz Paris in June 1898. It was designed to provide ultimate, intimate luxury with ensuite bathrooms, exceptional lighting, and immense focus on hygiene and comfort.
• Carlton Hotel & The Ritz London (1899/1906): Following the Paris success, Ritz opened the Carlton Hotel in London in 1899 to directly compete with the Savoy. In 1906, he opened the legendary Ritz London, fully cementing the "ritzy" brand of luxury.
• Partnering with Escoffier: The pair leveraged their elite reputation to attract their former Savoy clientele to their new establishments, solidifying the formula for modern hotel luxury.