Fact 1: The Birth of an American Icon
Founded in 1983, the Ritz-Carlton hotel company was established by William B. Johnson, becoming an iconic symbol of luxury and sophistication. Although the famed hotel brand takes its name from the illustrious Swiss hotelier Cesar Ritz, Johnson was the pioneer behind the Ritz-Carlton we know and love today.
Fact 2: A Dab Hand at Presidential Stays
Ritz-Carlton enjoys the honor of hosting an array of distinguished guests, with U.S. Presidents topping the list. The Ritz-Carlton Suite in the D.C. Ritz-Carlton is often referred to as the 'Oval Suite' due to its resemblance to the White House's Oval Office.
Fact 3: A-List Chef Lineup
Ritz-Carlton incorporates several restaurants helmed by globally renowned chefs. One prominent example includes a restaurant by the three-Michelin-starred chef, Eric Ripert, located in the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman.
Fact 4: Pioneers of Individualized Guest Recognition
Ritz-Carlton was one of the first hotel chains to recognize guests individually. To this day, the brand trains employees to identify guests by name as a form of respect and acknowledgment, maintaining their commitment to unexcelled personal service.
Fact 5: Environmental Crusaders
Ritz-Carlton is committed to a sustainability initiative known as "Community Footprints". Their focus ranges from environmental responsibility – like reducing energy and water usage – to contributing to local communities through volunteering.
Fact 6: Home to the World’s Highest Hotel
The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong holds the record for the highest hotel globally. This luxury hotel boasts a bar and swimming pool on the 118th floor, offering magnificent views of the city and the harbor, truly a delightful sight to behold.
Fact 7: Ritz-Carlton’s Mystery Shoppers
The excellence in service at Ritz-Carlton is maintained via mystery shoppers who evaluate every facet of their service. This mystery shopper tactic ensures staff are always up to par with the company's high standards.
Fact 8: Exceptional Employee Training
Ritz-Carlton invests significantly in employee training. Each new staff member undergoes an intensive orientation program called 'The Ritz-Carlton Mystique' to ensure they understand the brand's culture and devotion to customer service.
Fact 9: The Thieving Duck
The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island became famous for a resident duck known as Amelia, who had a liking for stealing hotel guests' sugar packets. The duck became so popular it even had its own book entitled "Amelia's Longest, Biggest, Most-Fights-Ever Tea Party."
Fact 10: The Gold Standards
Ritz-Carlton operates with their unique Gold Standards, a collection of processes, values, and philosophies that define their distinctive service and guide every guest interaction.
Fact 11: Winner of Numerous Awards
Ritz-Carlton has won numerous accolades for their superb service, including being the only five-star hotel brand to win the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award twice in the U.S.
Fact 12: An Insider’s Collection of Experiences
Ritz-Carlton offers a curated collection of local, immersive experiences under their program 'The Ritz-Carlton Insider’s Guide'. This program allows guests to engage in authentic local culture beyond the classic sightseeing tours.
Fact 13: Feeding the Hungry
Ritz-Carlton is dedicated to giving back to the communities they operate in. They have a food donation program in line with food safety regulations to distribute untouched food from events to local charity organizations.
Fact 14: The Ladies and Gentlemen of Ritz-Carlton
Ritz-Carlton staff are referred to as "Ladies and Gentlemen," emphasizing that they are the most important resource in their service commitment to guests.
Fact 15: Expansion into Luxury Yachting
2018 marked a significant year for the brand as the Ritz-Carlton announced their foray into the luxury yachting cruise industry, becoming the first luxury hotel brand to have this cruise offering.
Fact 16: The Birth of a Bedtime Tradition
It was a Ritz-Carlton, Boston tradition to leave a small piece of chocolate on their guests' pillows. This idea was so admired it eventually scored universal adoption throughout the hotel industry.
Fact 17: Even the Lions Stay at Ritz
Ritz-Carlton hosted an unusual guest in 2008 when Christian, the lion, took up residence briefly. Christian was initially purchased from Harrods' pet department, acquiring fame following his release into the wild and reuniting with his previous owners a year later.
Fact 18: Employee Empowerment
Ritz-Carlton empowers their employees with the ability to spend up to $2000 to make a guest satisfied without requiring management approval – highlighting the brand's absolute commitment to guest satisfaction.
Fact 19: A Resident Señorita
The Ritz-Carlton, Abama in Spain has a resident opera singer fondly known as Señorita Il Maestro. Her breathtaking performances add to the unforgettable experience for guests during their stay.
Fact 20: The Legendary Bellmen
The bellmen at the Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul are legendary for offering exclusive insider tips to the city, helping guests uncover the hidden treasures of this historic city.
In conclusion, the Ritz-Carlton isn't just a hotel brand - it is an experience that transcends the conventional, steeped in a rich history of delivering exceptional service through its unique traditions and commitment to providing personalized guest experiences.