Stage set for Colosseum to begin hosting events again after restoration

Italy’s culture minister says ancient Roman arena will be able to hold ‘cultural events of the highest level’ when work is complete

Red Baron’s Jacobean Apethorpe Palace marks its rebirth with party

Just 18 months after buying Grade I-listed rotting mansion, its French diplomat owner kicks off new era with plan to admit the public for 50 days a year

A tempting reason to re-visit Paris: the new top-to-bottom restored Ritz Paris

reopened Ritz Paris - photos - 2luxury2-
The reopening of Ritz Paris offers travelers a tempting reason to visit Paris in 2016. The 117-year-old landmark closed in 2012 for a top-to-bottom restoration by celebrated architect and designer Thierry W. Despont. The luxury hotel now features a 50-50 ratio of suites to rooms, a renovated Bar Hemingway, dedicated to the novelist and frequent guest, the world’s first and only Chanel Spa, and a tunnel from the parking facility to the hotel for private VIP entrances. Behind the walls, the latest in technology has been added throughout the hotel while great care has been taken to ensure that “the Ritz will always be the Ritz.”

Located on Place Vendôme in the heart of Paris, Ritz Paris reopens with 142 accommodations, an impressive 71 of which are suites. Fifteen suites are named in honor of famed hotel guests, including Ernest Hemingway, the Duke of Winsor, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Coco Chanel, who resided at the Ritz Paris for 34 years. Accommodations are furnished with museum-quality antiques that have been expertly restored, and bathrooms offer TVs, heated floors, plus a separate shower and bath. Two lush gardens span a city block, providing hotel guests with an oasis in the city’s center. A retractable roof and heated floors enable guests to dine on the terrace year round.

reopened Ritz Paris - photos - 2luxury2-2016--

The luxury property offers three restaurants and three bars, including L’Espadon for a gastronomic experience under the direction of Chef Nicolas Sale; a magnetic gathering and dining spot called Bar Vendome; a new informal bistro named the Ritz Bar; the beloved Bar Hemingway; and the Salon Proust, a new lobby feature with book-lined walls and afternoon tea service. The two-story Ritz Club, renovated extensively, is the world’s only spa with an area dedicated to the Chanel art of skincare. Guests will enjoy a neoclassic indoor swimming pool, hammam and sauna, and state-of-the-art fitness facilities.

Travelers who reserve their stay through Virtuoso.com will exclusively receive a generous offering of complimentary benefits like round-trip limo airport transfers with VIP greeting at the airplane door and express customs service, no set check-in and check-out time, room upgrade guaranteed at time of booking, signature breakfast for two in the restaurant L’Espadon, and fiber optic internet.

2016 Ritz Paris - photos - 2luxury2-2016--

reopened Ritz Paris hotel- photos - 2luxury2 reopened Ritz Paris - photos - 2luxury2-2016--- reopened Ritz Paris - photos - 2luxury2-2016- reopened Ritz Paris - photos - 2luxury2 reopened Ritz Paris - photos - 2luxury2-2016

 

 

Parisian Prince de Galles brought back to its original Art Deco splendour

Art deco Parisian Prince de Galles reopens the doors Prince De Galles, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Paris, an iconic jewel on Avenue George V Paris since its opening in 1928, reopend its doors following a meticulous two-year restoration. The restoration, which has brought the hotel back to its original Art Deco splendour, is part of … Read more

Iconic Hôtel de Crillon in Paris is closing for a two-year interior renovation

The legendary Parisian Hôtel de Crillon is the second iconic luxury hotel closing for extensive renovations. Hôtel de Crillon in Paris is supposed to close this fall for a comprehensive interior restoration in order to keep up with competitors such as Mandarin Oriental, Le Royal Monceau and Shangri-La. The large-scale works involve the entire 18th … Read more

The historic Café Royal London, now part of the Set luxury collection, to open in June

Café Royal to become five-star hotel in June The historic Café Royal on London’s Regent Street is to reopen as a 159-room hotel this June, and will form part of The Set, a collection of luxury properties including Hotel Lutetia in Paris. Home to the National Sporting Club for many years as well as being … Read more