The Ritz London Avis 159

I went to the bar for drinks and snacks recently. I have been there before and I have noticed that in recent years the service has deteriorated beyond belief. It’s a five star hotel but the service provided by some of the staff is worse than lesser star hotels or even high street cafes. The waiter was unprofessional and had a weird attitude. He did not seem to have any professionalism about his manner and service that five star hotels should be able to provide. After all, that is an integral part of the experience a customer pays for, especially when the prices are so high. Also, just to add, they have also completely cut out on a couple of snacks they used to offer with the drinks, now they only offer green olives which are available at any cheap joint one can go to. So the prices have gone up, the quality of service is seriously down and the nik naks have been cancelled. This is The Ritz! It’s actually hurtful to see the decline of a place like The Ritz. Just wanted to add…I am referring to the first waiter who showed me to the table.

Sadly very disappointing. They got my son's name completly wrong. Added a different name on the birthday cake altogether, very embarrassing. The sandwiches were old and stale. Had ben made and left out very evident from the hard edges.

The manager lines to portray a caring attitude but from where I stand that’s the face he wants to show. He hasn’t responded to my issue.

We booked an overnight stay with dinner & breakfast package. The room was very good very comfortable bed. There was no in-room tea/coffee making facility.
The dinner was very good overall with excellent food and service. The wine by the glass is vastly overpriced even by top hotel standards so be aware as it starts around £22 for 125 ml. There are service charges on everything so you need to be aware. As there are major building works at both ends of the building the restaurant currently has obscuring film on the window views to Green Park.

We made the booking for breakfast over one month in advance and recevievd a confirmation email which informed us of their rules regarding dress code, cancellations, service charge, etc. We accepted all of these terms and conditions and understood the “penalties” for any failure on our part to abide by those terms. We did not feel these rules to be unfair: to enjoy breakfast at The Ritz we had to agree to deliver on our part of the bargain. It is, in effect, a contract.

When I booked Breakfast at The Ritz I knew what I was looking forward to. Indeed it was very clearly articulated on their website:

"A sparkling atmosphere
As the sun pours from the dining room’s grand windows, delight in grandeur with our refined Two Michelin Star dining experience in one of Mayfair’s most elegant Two Michelin-starred restaurants."

"With sparkling chandeliers, towering marble columns, and soaring floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the calm oasis of Green Park, the elegant Ritz Restaurant is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful dining rooms in the world."

… and this is what I expected to be delivered. But it wasn’t.

Because of the extensive building work currently being undertaken at The Ritz, there were no “floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the calm oasis of Green Park” and so the room lacked that promised “sparkling atmosphere” that we had expected to enjoy “as the sun pours from the dining room’s grand windows”. I fully understand that the renovations they are currently undertaking mean that the windows overlooking Green Park are now obscured with dull plastic sheets – but that fact was never mentioned to me at any stage from the date of my booking (4 weeks earlier). Instead, their website continued (and continues) to promote the room as though it is operating normally. As I mentioned above, it is in effect a contract: we delivered our side and I had expected The Ritz to deliver on their side of the bargain but, even though they knew in advance that you could not do so, they never informed me. But I was charged full price. No explanations, no apologies.

When we arrived (on time and appropriately dressed – as per the conditions laid down) the dining room was almost empty. We were shown to our assigned table. This table was on the front row of tables nearest the entrance to the restaurant (and furthest from the windows). The seating on our table (and, I noted, as with most other tables) was arranged so that almost every guest including us had their backs to the (now obscured) windows. In our case, we also had our backs to every other guest in the room. So, instead of being able to enjoy “one of the most beautiful dining rooms in the world”, we faced an empty space, a serving trolley, a pillar and the waiters serving area for the entire meal with every other guest sitting behind us. Had we simply walked in off the street without a reservation then I would understand that we may have had no option but to accept a table positioned with a restricted view and with our backs to the room and to all other guests. But we had booked over four weeks in advance. This was unfortunate; or just careless. It really made the experience somewhat more disappointing than it needed to be.

I raised all of these issues in writing with the management within a few days of my visit. Despite several messages and reassurances that they had taken my comments on board, The Ritz refuses to offer any (even partial) refund and continues to advertise its restaurant as though it is functioning normally. In fact the breakfast room had all the charm of a gold-gilded air hangar.

I was misled and feel somewhat ripped-off by all of this.

Egg roll was over powering with the shallots, would not know there was egg in the roll, friend had her coffee pot refilled and when she went to drink it it was cold,had to ask for a glasse of water, most places always have a jug of water on table, disappointed with the experience for being over a hundred pound each.

Part of my wife's retirement celebration. They didn't let us down. Warm friendly welcome, initial drink in the bar where everything was explained. Called through, and taken to a beautifully positioned table. We were looked after by some fantastic staff. The sandwiches and cakes were divine, the tea to die for and the total ambience, decoration and all round service was something else. We were encouraged to take photos as memories of the occasion and we left with such a feel good factor. It isn't a cheap experience but it is one that you should undertake and enjoy it. We were treated as royalty. Alistair and Christine Davies 7th Feb 2026

We visited the Ritz-Carlton Dubai for afternoon tea on the terrace on January 1st, hoping to start the year on a high note. Unfortunately, the experience was deeply disappointing and far below the standards one expects when paying premium prices—especially from a brand like Ritz-Carlton.

Despite the terrace being nearly empty (no more than three other tables), service was practically nonexistent. We repeatedly had to go inside to ask for a waiter just to place our order or request basic assistance. No one asked about allergies or dietary restrictions, which is unacceptable at this level. When we asked the waiter to explain the savoury items, he had no idea what they consisted of. We are pescatarians, yet this was clearly not taken into account.

Even after pointing out to the manager that we were not being checked on, the situation did not improve—in fact, it worsened. Water was placed on the table but never poured. Drinks, including the bottomless sparkling wine, were only refilled when we actively tracked someone down. There was no attentiveness, no anticipation of needs, and no sense of hospitality.

When the food arrived, the presentation was rushed and poorly explained. The waiter could not identify the sauces and said he would check—but never returned with the information. Desserts were brought without asking whether we were ready. By the time we reached the scones, they were cold and rock-hard, and the tea had gone completely cold as well.
After numerous complaints, we asked for the tea to be reheated. The scones, however, were not. At that point, we gave up trying to receive even the most basic level of service. Our water bottle remained almost full the entire afternoon—no one refilled it. Much of the food and dessert was left untouched.
To make matters worse, I became unwell after eating the lobster sandwich. Even after informing the staff that I wasn’t feeling well, nothing was offered beyond a vague “What can we do?”—with no follow-up or concern.

When we finally asked for the bill, it took an unreasonably long time to arrive. Upon speaking again with the manager and explaining everything that had happened (despite having already complained multiple times), his response was simply: “What do you want me to do?”—an astonishing reply in any hospitality setting, let alone a Ritz-Carlton.

The only person who showed professionalism was Tran, another manager, who eventually understood the situation and kindly offered us a complimentary tea while we waited for our taxi.

I am a loyal Ritz-Carlton guest and have always had exceptional experiences in London and the U.S. This experience was the complete opposite and does not reflect the Ritz-Carlton brand in any way. It was disorganised, inattentive, and frankly embarrassing.

What should have been a beautiful start to 2026 turned into a complete disaster. The team (including the managers, apart from Tran) urgently needs proper training in basic service and hospitality.

This was a total disappointment.

The Hotel itself is beautiful. The tea was beautifully presented.
However, I found the staff unfriendly. I waited ages for my tea. When it arrived it was the wrong order. I then was told the tea I received was for another patron. This made me feel uncomfortable. I explained I had afternoon tea booked with the Ritz for a special occasion. However, after my experience I decided to cancel my reservation. Sadly I feel I would not recommend the Ritz.

We had dinner at The Ritz last Friday evening which was a lovely experience with the surroundings, the staff, and decor, however the food was disappointing. The portion size was very small, especially the starters.
I asked to change feta cheese for a hard cheese but for a starter but it was declined. The wine waiter was amazing and very attentive however our waitress was less attentive. The Entertainment was good but expensive @£57 pp, and very loud. Overall an amazing experience, but a limited menu choice.

Sadly The Ritz managed to make a Birthday treat into a humiliating nightmare. Firstly I would say we were smartly suited for the pouring rain. Our journey into town is over an hour. My daughter and I wore jackets and palazzo trousers and both of us wore smart hats. However the staff, who I actually pitied for their miserable jobs, decided our shoes were unsuitable and we could not have afternoon tea. I explained I was not wearing gym shoes. I know the difference between a trainer and comfortable lace up shoe. Bearing in mind I am mid seventies and could see a man already seated in the same style of shoes. I asked for the Manager who then proceeded to tell me we would be charged full price for 3 afternoon teas. We suggested we could take the tea in the Foyer he refused. We suggested he gave us the food we were paying for to take home he refused. When we became more angry he agreed to cancel any charges. We had a very upsetting day and a shocking atmosphere was created in the foyer as they turned away 15 lovely people who we spoke to. Stay away from this dated passé establishment which belongs in another era

We went on a Sunday special occasion believe the Lunch was awful beef wellington they signature was suppose to be med rare was overcooked the restaurant manager sent his apologies we asked for mustard it came as we were finishing my husband to wrote to them by email to complain as we did the room the staff covered they backs they are fair better hotels to go to don’t waste your time and money by entering the premises

Excellent afternoon champagne tea with friends. Well informed sommelier, and tea taster. Sandwiches were very nice and cakes were perfection. The ambience was very nice, it made an excellent afternoon.
Highly recommended.

Doorman felt my orthopedic shoes looked too much like trainers and thus barred from entry. This apparent dress incursion stopped me from dining with my wife for lunch. We have celebrated many family occasions here over the years, unlikely to return.
Dr. K. Pearson ( 78)

Great time here

I was a travelling from Australia and had already paid for an Afternoon Tea at the Ritz and even paid for a cake for my special occasion. When I was getting ready at my London hotel I noticed that my shirt dis not fit. When I spoke to the Ritz, that were unhelpful and didn’t care that I would lose all my money as I could not have a tie and jacket. As an overseas traveller they didn’t care that I had no other clothing to wear and didn’t offer any other alternative to just not allowing me and my wife to attend. They really don’t care if you have issues outside your control. Very poor service.

I went there with a friend of mine for afternoon tea. I had such a wonderful day and so did my friend as we were celebrating her birthday. The staff were friendly and kept the table clean overall we had a good experience and will definitely do it again.

wanted to visit for afternoon tea. As a party of 6 I emailed the Ritz. I received a date and time which I was happy with . I responded with my acceptance. I then received an email stating the time is nolonger available and I wad offerer offered the time of 19.30.
The only thing that had changed was I submitted my dietry requirements requesting halal and diary free .
Also who has afternoon tea at 19.30.
I am disappointed in the way my request was managed I expected better.
People who have halal diets do afternoon tea to. Maybe I am missing something

We got a present for the Ritz afternoon tea

Trading off the past reputation is the way I'd describe this

It was really difficult to book and eventually we got in at a compromise

I have to say at this point never ever buy a voucher for this as it's difficult to use , they are so inflexible and you've effectively only got 9 months to use it as it's a 3 month ahead booking and the voucher is short time limited so that it's in their interest for the booking to not happen

They were difficult and awkward at booking , definitely not a British afternoon tea though

The actual teas were good the cakes and sandwiches were ok but to a somewhat low budget . The older french man was considerate and with great style all the staff at table were good and rehearsed in this formula

What we found a little difficult was after having travelled a way to get there they said it would have to be a compulsory upgrade of cost with Champaign, which we didn't want

It had a premium veneer to it but the Ritz is tired and im afraid to say after experiencing many superb relais c hotels im well versed in great afternoon tea and it's value , so at 150 each for an ok but not brilliant afternoon tea sold as quintessentially British , it was was not great value and flawed

I told them in writing and they told us we didn't know what we were talking about . Pretty shocking

If you want to be treated well or give vouchers go somewhere else

A Return to Grandeur: Another Flawless Stay at The Ritz London (with a few minor quibbles)
Our love affair with The Ritz London continues, and each visit only deepens our admiration for this iconic establishment. From the moment we step through its doors, we are enveloped in an atmosphere of timeless elegance and impeccable service.
Our ritual always begins with a visit to the Rivoli Bar, and once again, it was a highlight of our stay. Tomasz is simply fantastic. His ability to craft exquisite cocktails is matched only by his extensive knowledge, making every drink a delightful experience. He truly elevates the art of bartending.
It's been a true pleasure to witness Jacamo's steady ascent within The Ritz's hospitality ranks over the years. His dedication and natural talent shine through in every role he undertakes, and he continues to be an invaluable asset to the team. His professionalism and warmth contribute significantly to the overall exceptional experience.
A culinary journey awaits at The Ritz Restaurant, and this visit was no exception. We indulged in the 7-course epicurean menu with wine pairing, and it was nothing short of magnificent. The setting itself is splendid, offering a truly grand backdrop for a memorable meal. Every dish was a testament to culinary artistry, and the wine pairings were expertly chosen, enhancing each flavour profile beautifully.
Finally, a special shout-out must go to the pianist. His talent and ability to set the perfect ambiance are undeniable. And for always obliging our request with a short, joyful blast of "My Heart Will Go On," we extend our sincerest thanks. It's these personal touches that truly make our stays at The Ritz unforgettable.
However, our only disappointments lay with some recent changes in the Rivoli Bar. The bar snacks, which were once a delightful accompaniment to our cocktails, are now considerably mediocre. Furthermore, we were not fans of our cocktails being served in novelty cups – mine in a pear with a moonlight effect, and my husband's in what looked like a log – instead of the lovely crystal glasses we've always associated with The Ritz's elegance. While we understand a desire for innovation, we hope that the hotel will reconsider these changes and revert to the classic presentation and quality that we've come to expect and adore.
Despite these minor quibbles, The Ritz London consistently delivers an experience that transcends mere luxury; it's a feeling of being cherished and transported to a world of refined indulgence. We eagerly anticipate our next return.