The Ritz Club London Review: A Famous Luxury Casino
Written By Zara Harris
The Ritz Club London Overview
The Ritz Club London boasts the height of luxury and gaming in one of the most renowned hotels in the world. It has hosted musicians like Dame Shirley Bassey, film shoots starring Sir Roger Moore, and apparently is where Johnny Depp developed his taste for whiskey. Open to high-rolling members and hotel guests alike, you’ll be lucky to enjoy this historical venue.
| Opening Hours | 24/7 |
| Dress Code | Smart Casual |
| Table Limits | ￡25 – Available on request |
| Opening Hours | 24/7 |
| Dress Code | Smart Casual |
| Table Limits | ￡5 – Available on request |
| Opening Hours | 24/7 |
| Dress Code | Smart Casual |
| Tournaments | On occasion |
| Address | The Ritz Club, 150 Piccadilly, London W1J 9BS |
| Phone | +44 20 7499 1818 |
| [email protected] | |
| Website | www.theritzclub.com |
The current location of the Club was formerly a restaurant as part of the Ritz Hotel. It was remodeled in the mid 1920s, and in the ‘70s it was leased out to be transformed into a casino. The space was famously restored using 6,000 sheets of gold leaf! London Clubs acquired to space in 1998, and later became the Ritz Hotel Casino Ltd. The Ritz Club London opening hours offer 24/7 service, which is convenient for its roulette, baccarat and poker tables. It of course also offers top-of-the-line food and drink for patrons. The Club is only open to hotel guests and members. Membership does require a hefty fee of ￡1,000, and there is a strict Ritz Club London dress code.
You can apply for membership online as long as you are over 18 years of age, but you may be required to prove your financial capability to take part in game play at the club, and membership comes with a long list of rules as well. Read on for more facts about the casino.
Ritz Club London Games
| Game | Tables/Machines |
|---|---|
| Blackjack | 4 |
| Roulette | 8 |
| Baccarat | 7 |
| Poker | 2 |
The Ritz Club London is definitely a boutique casino. It offers incredible flair and an unbeatable atmosphere with its regal French-inspired design, but that means it is lacking in some gaming areas. For example, there aren’t any Ritz Club London slots or electronic machines.
The Club is almost certainly most known for its ambiance and luxury service, which means when it comes to the Ritz Club London games, table games are king here. The Club is made up of several salons — the Carmen, the Aida, the Amber, and the main salon — which each have a few different tables. Considering its steep membership fee, these limited number of tables are probably fine for such an exclusive space, but they certainly may get a bit crowded from time to time. Baccarat is the most popular game at the Ritz Club, with seven heavily-frequented tables and a ￡25 minimum bet. Roulette also enjoys much patronage, with eight tables but a much lower ￡5 minimum. Three card poker is offered on just two tables, also with a ￡25 minimum buy-in. Most maximum bets are available only on request.
Entertainment at The Ritz Club
The Ritz Club does not have a concert venue or anything along these lines. The truth is, going to the Ritz is a full entertainment experience in itself. Attend the club and let yourself imagine you are in a Bond film. The game play is fun and the setting is absolutely indulgent.
For those interested in doing a bit more outside of gaming during their stay, you do not have to look far outside of the casino for a host of options in London’s vibrant music and arts scene. the Ritz Hotel occasionally hosts events, and the concierge there are sure to be able to recommend shows.
While you are in the neighbourhood, you may also want to explore everything that Piccadilly has to offer. There is a massive amount of theatre in the area, comedy at Leicester Square, world-famous bars, shopping and more.
Where to Stay and Eat at the Ritz
The most obvious choice is to stay at the Ritz Hotel if you’d like the chance to play at the Ritz Club without going through the process of getting a membership! In fact, it’s the only option for playing without a membership. However, if you are a member and you’d like to stay elsewhere, there are many good choices of hotels nearby:
The Ritz Club bills its dining experience as “divine indulgence,” and we can say nothing to the contrary. The club’s intimate Restaurant offers relaxed, “brasserie-style” dining to suit its member’s tastes, with seasonal ingredients and made with exceptional care throughout the day and night. It also offers beautiful international cuisine.
If you are a fan of good cocktails in an incredible setting, you might want to visit the Ritz just for the Club Bar, which offers a collection of the finest champagnes and wines, rare whiskeys and creative mixed drinks made by the best.
Finding the Ritz Club
The Ritz Club is in the heart of London and easily accessible, whether by public transport, when driving yourself, taking a taxi, or walking within the exciting Piccadilly neighbourhood. The hotel’s concierge can even organise car transfer from the airport for interested guests.
Close to Green Park
The Ritz Club and Hotel are easy to reach by public transport. Green Park underground is a two minute walk away, while Piccadilly Circus tube and Hyde Park Corner Station are also quite close by foot. Here are some of the easy public transport options:
- Underground to Green Park
- Underground to Piccadilly Circus
- Underground to Hyde Park Corner
- Various bus routes
Taxi and Car
Though public transport is totally possible, we would gladly recommend using a taxi, which are easily found in the area. Taking a rideshare car is also a possibility, as is driving on your own. The Club is also able to organise car service and limousines for interested guests. You can access the casino via:
- Taxi to the Casino
- Car or limo service
- Car, valet service
- Car, parking at RCP Parking, Arlington Street
Facts about The Ritz Club
Like many land-based UK casinos, the Ritz Club does have a membership requirement. Unlike others, it is not free and interested members must go through an application process that can be started online. If you are prepared to pay the fee and take the time, you will be rewarded with an exclusive and beautiful place to play table games to your heart’s content. The Ritz does not offer a rewards card as such. Probably, being a member of such an exclusive and gorgeous establishment is its own reward! In other words, you will not accumulate points by being a member or playing regularly at the Club.
One of our favourite stories about the Ritz Club is that in 1987, the Australian business tycoon Kerry Packer lost 8 million pounds playing blackjack at the club’s private salon. The house certainly won on that night!
Plan Your Trip Now
If you can afford it, the Ritz Club is sure to be a memorable place for you to spend an evening playing your favourite table games. However, it is probably not the place for most casual gamers or those wanting to get the most bang for their buck. The Ritz Club review bemoans the lack slot machines, but is fantastic for fans of baccarat, blackjack and roulette.
Frequently Asked Questions
We understand you may have additional questions before you go to play at the Ritz Club in London. Read on or email us for more information at [email protected].
How old do you have to be to play at the Ritz Club?
Like most UK casinos, you need to be 18 years old to enter the Ritz Club. Please keep in mind that a membership is required (if you’re not staying at the Ritz Hotel) and that the Ritz Club dress code is enforced.
Does the Ritz Club have any online gambling options?
No, this casino does not have an online platform of any kind. Its strength definitely lies in visiting the facilities in person. However, there are many other fantastic online casinos in the UK, which can be found on our real money UK online casinos page.
What are the Ritz Club’s various minimum and maximum bet limits?
Most buy-ins are ￡25. Maximum bets are available upon request from the casino. See all of their gaming options here.
Does the Ritz Club have any special VIP lounges or offers?
The entire casino experience is basically a VIP experience, since you must be a paying, registered member or a hotel guest to join. The casino does however also offer additional private salons for discreet game play.
