After a radio report on France Info this morning, the Parisian Twitterverse has been abuzz with the news: The Ritz Paris will close its doors for 27 months for a top-to-bottom overhaul starting in summer 2012. 20 Minutes reports that 450 employees will be let go during the renovation.
Owned by Egyptian businessman Mohamed Al-Fayed, the landmark on the Place Vendôme made the decision after failing to achieve the official “palace hotel” classification this year. French tourism authorities revamped the hotel rating system, and bestowed the top honor on just nine luxury hotels in the entire country. (The Four Seasons George V was recognized four months after the initial announcement.) Notably absent from the list: The Ritz Paris.
Long considered one of the finest hotels in the City of Light, The Ritz Paris is the hotel of choice for A-list celebs when crashing in Paris, who adore the Michelin-starred restaurant and Hemingway Bar.
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