The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C.
A Legacy of Service and Innovation

The history of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. originates with the 1983 purchase of The
Ritz-Carlton, Boston by William B. Johnson, and the purchase of rights to The Ritz-Carlton name. The standards of service, dining and facilities of this Boston landmark serve as a benchmark for all
Ritz-Carlton hotels and resorts worldwide.

The legacy of The Ritz-Carlton, Boston begins with the celebrated hotelier César Ritz...the "king of hoteliers and hotelier to kings." His philosophy of service and innovations redefined the luxury hotel experience in Europe through his management of The Ritz in Paris and The Carlton in London.

The Ritz-Carlton, Boston revolutionized hospitality in America by creating in a luxury setting:

• Private bath in guest room
• Lighter fabrics in the guest room to allow for more thorough washing
• White tie and apron uniforms for the waitstaff, black tie for the Maitre d' and morning suits for all other staff, conducive to a formal, professional appearance
• Extensive fresh flowers throughout the public areas
• A lá carte dining, providing choices for diners
• Gourmet cuisine, utilizing the genius and cooking methods of Auguste Escoffier
• Intimate, smaller lobbies for a more personalized guest experience

César Ritz died in 1918, but his wife Marie continued the expansion of hotels bearing his name. In the United States, The Ritz-Carlton Investing Company was established by Albert Keller who bought and franchised the name. In 1927, The Ritz-Carlton, Boston, opened and other hotels followed in New York (at Madison and 54th), Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Atlantic City and Boca Raton. However, by 1940 none of the hotels were operating except The Ritz-Carlton, Boston simply because a wealthy owner was able to maintain its operation.

The Ritz-Carlton, Boston

The Ritz-Carlton, Boston embodies the vision of César Ritz, Yankee ingenuity and Boston social sensibilities.

In 1927, Edward N. Wyner, a local Boston real estate developer, was asked by Mayor Curley to build a world-class hotel. Wyner, who was building an apartment building and was up to the second floor at the time, agreed and changed the apartment building into a hotel. Because of the reputation of The Ritz in Europe and the cosmopolitan society in Boston, Wyner knew The Ritz-Carlton name would secure immediate success. He received permission from The Ritz-Carlton Investing Company and the Paris Ritz for use of the name and set out to create luxury in the heart of Boston. The Ritz-Carlton, Boston opened on May 19, 1927 with a room rate of $15.

In the tradition of César Ritz, Wyner was meticulous about maintaining the privacy of his guests, a policy strictly adhered to today in all Ritz-Carlton hotels. Therefore, the elite were drawn to his hotel. However, he was also very aware of the role and reputation the hotel had in the community: during the Depression, Wyner kept the lights on in vacant hotel rooms to portray an aura of success.

The Ritz-Carlton Logo

The lion and crown Ritz-Carlton logo is a combination of the British royal seal (the crown) and the logo of a financial backer (the lion). This logo was designed by César Ritz.

The Cobalt Blue Goblet

Every Dining Room and Café at Ritz-Carlton hotels and resorts worldwide set their table with the signature cobalt blue glasses. For as long as The Ritz-Carlton, Boston has been in existence, blue goblets have been part of the place setting. These goblets were designed to match the blue Czechoslovakian crystal chandeliers in The Dining Room where they still hang today. Coincidentally, blue glass was considered a status symbol in 1920s Boston. Window glass imported from Europe underwent a chemical reaction when hitting the Boston air and turned blue. Blue glass windows meant the homeowners could afford imported glass. The Ritz-Carlton, being quite fashionable, ordered glasses in this color.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C.

The company quickly grew from this one hotel in 1983 to 53 hotels. Several of these hotels are historic landmarks, following a commitment of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company to preserving architecturally important buildings. Some examples are The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco; The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia; The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans; and The Ritz-Carlton, Huntington Hotel & Spa.

In 1995, Marriott International purchased 49 percent interest in Ritz-Carlton. Three years later, that interest was increased to 99 percent.