One of the grandes dames of Paris hotels, the Hotel de Crillon, is undergoing its first major renovation since becoming a hotel in 1909. Work began in 2013 and is scheduled for completion in 2015.

When César Ritz founded his palatial hotel in 1898, his vision was to offer “all the refinements that a prince could wish for his own home.” His wish came true. During its lifetime, many of the crowned heads of Europe have enjoyed the Ritz’s elegant luxury – hence the word “ritzy”.