Stop 12 of 14 · about 8 minutes
Grand Hotel National
Where Ritz and Escoffier began
The story
This is a key stop for anyone who loves hotels. The Grand Hotel National opened in 1870 on the lakefront and wanted to be the most luxurious hotel in the world. From 1877 to 1887 a young Swiss called César Ritz managed its summer seasons here, his first post as a hotel manager. In the summers he worked with the chef Auguste Escoffier, and together they changed hotel service and fine dining forever, later at the Savoy in London and the Ritz in Paris. The word "ritzy" still carries his name.
Key facts
- Opened in 1870 after two years of building.
- César Ritz managed the hotel's summer seasons from 1877 to 1887.
- Auguste Escoffier, "king of chefs", ran its kitchens in the summer seasons.
Good to know
A working hotel: photos from the promenade only, please.