THE RITZ

The renowned seven storey hotel is centrally located in the West End of London, just around the corner from Buckingham Palace and Piccadilly Circus. The 133 plush guestrooms are furnished in the Louis XVI style with original, Edwardian leather topped desks, crystal pendant ceiling lamps, marble fireplaces and silk upholstered headboards. Modern amenities include complimentary high speed Internet connections, satellite television, VCRs. All have Italian marble bathrooms with bathrobes, slippers, heated towel racks and designer toiletries. Since 1906, the Ritz has dominated Piccadilly. Reminiscent of a French château, the Louis XVI style interior is adorned with Ionic columns and Belle Epoque furnishings. Guests can enjoy tea at the fairy tale like Palm Court, savour a formal meal in the extravagant Ritz Restaurant, where the Queen held her private Golden Jubilee party in 2002, or relax with a drink in the Art Deco styled Rivoli bar. (Men are asked to wear a jacket and tie in the Rivoli Bar, Palm Court, and the Ritz Restaurant. Jeans are not acceptable in these areas. Service is serious business at the Ritz, and there are two staff members for each guestroom. The fitness centre is open from early morning until late evening. Complimentary business facilities, including a computer with high speed Internet access, are available 24 hours a day. The hotel also has its own beauty salon for both men and women and a jewellery shop. The hotel is near to London's numerous attractions: Bond Street, Oxford Circus, West minister and Knightsbridge are all within half a mile of the hotel vicinity. London Heathrow airport is located 28 miles from the hotel, a drive of approximately 40 minu tes.The Ritz is located in the St. James's district, at the northeast corner of Green Park. Express trains serve both Heathrow and Gatwick airports into the centre of London, for transfers to taxis or the Underground.The closest Underground station is Green Park. Taxis are best hailed with the assistance of the port er. The best way to explore the area is via the efficient underground system.