you have to be able to consider whether it will continue to enchant clients twenty years down the line . Preserving an identical style carries the risk of quickly depreciating the hotel in value over the years following its opening .
One notable change in the Ritz is that it now boasts an extensive garden of 1600 m2 . In an article in Vanity Fair , Thierry Despont , the architect who renovated the hotel , describes his work : “ The biggest surprise for the client will be his discovery of an enormous garden . He will feel as if he is in the garden of the Palais Royal .” We are taking part here in a strong spirit of conservatism that , in my opinion , runs contrary to luxury . Luxury , for the client , is about finding oneself in an exclusive universe that she will not find elsewhere , a universe where she can discover the best of what ’ s being done . It so sad that the Ritz did not wish to reinterpret the French art of gardens . Repeating the same thing that ’ s been done elsewhere does not bring about new emotions to clients . France has the chance to have numerous talents nurtured in the spirit of irreverence , creativity , and thoughtful fantasies that would have been able to contribute to the brilliance of a hotel .
So Why Have the Changes in This Renovation Been Limited ?
People who work in hotels will often tell you that clients dampen change .
This may be true , but it may also be a good excuse not to take risks . A hotel manager or an investor might worry about the consequences of closing and reopening an establishment for its clients . This is certainly a matter for concern , since a closing might force regular clients to adopt new habits and perhaps discover other hotels . But one should not take this fear to heart because the renovation of a hotel always brings about a repositioning of its offering with a view to expanding its client base . Yet the importance of luxury hotels is being able to reinvent oneself in the conception of a hotel , as well as reinterpreting the service delivered by the hotel staff team ; they are the ones who know to satisfy a client who is always in search of new experiences and expressions of excellence .
For César Ritz , it was important “ to offer one ’ s clients what they will never find elsewhere .” He was willing to pay to achieve this .
The Necessity of Differentiating Oneself in Paris in Order to Attract a New Clientele
London is one example of a destination where the range of luxury hotels is much more varied than that of Paris . The numerous Palaces in London offer a multiplicity of arts of welcoming , ranging from the most classical and traditional to the most eclectically idiosyncratic . You have on the one hand the ultra-classic Ritz
London representing the opulence worthy of the fine British hotel establishment , and on the other hand you have the Rosewood hotel offering an urban and contemporary luxury in a classic building , or even the Bulgari embodying an elegant and glamorous luxury .
The wealth of our heritage is also about knowing to innovate , to reinterpret the essence of the art of welcoming . The design of Ritz Hotel is immaculate , but who would not prefer to be regaled by a new vision from the Ritz that both preserves tradition and yet adds a good dose of innovation to inspire the entire world and become a global benchmark for luxury hotels . Given the current conditions , it remains essential for Palaces to differentiate themselves from one another in order to be able to draw tomorrow ’ s new clientele to Paris .
The Crillon will likely open within the next two years , and the expectations will be even greater than the Ritz . But no doubt that the Rosewood brand behind the hotel will bring the modernity necessary in this historic building while preserving the tradition that characterizes it .
About the author Inspired by the service experience at the heart of luxury hotels , Laurent Delporte , expert of luxury hotels and the French art of welcoming , has made it his mission to uncover the latest trend and accompany hotel projects while bringing the best of what ’ s being done . His insatiable curiosity , transversal view on luxury hotels , and vast network of industry experts , investors , hotel managers , and latest talents constitute his strongest assets . With 31 000 followers related to luxury hotels on Twitter , he is the editor-in-chief behind the French and English site “ Decoding the Luxury Hotel Industry ” at www . laurentdelporte . com / en , which aims to share his knowledge with readers who share his passion for the luxury hotel industry .
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