Luxury stays: the Ritz Hôtel Paris

In this video, we pay our virtual respects to one of the most beautiful luxury hotels in the world, the Ritz Paris, as seen through the eyes of one of its in-house magicians: pastry chef François Perret.

Maintaining a commanding presence on Place Vendôme, it was founded in 1898 by the Swiss hotelier César Ritz in collaboration with the French chef Auguste Escoffier.

Constructed behind the façade of an 18th-century town house, the Ritz was among the first hotels in Europe to provide an ensuite bathroom, electricity and a telephone for each room. Unsurprisingly, it quickly established a reputation for luxury, attracting a clientele that included royalty, politicians, acclaimed writers, film stars and famous singers.

In fact, several of its suites are named in honour of well-known guests, including luxury fashion Maison founder Coco Chanel, while the cocktail lounge Bar Hemingway pays tribute to the American author of the same name. Not until its €400-million renovation in 2012 – reopening in 2016 – had the Ritz ever closed its doors to the high-flyers calling it home.

Yet behind the grandeur of its décor and faultless cuisine of its restaurants and bars, is also a gifted team giving their all to keep the magic and sense of tradition going. Among their number is pastry chef François Perret, who appears in the video to explain his quest for excellence on behalf of the legendary hotel.

View the original video here.