How Cesar Ritz Transformed Luxury Hospitality and Created a Lasting Legacy

How Cesar Ritz Transformed Luxury Hospitality and Created a Lasting Legacy

Known as ‘the king of hoteliers and the hotelier to kings’, César Ritz is a name that is synonymous with luxury and excellence in the hospitality industry. He was notable for his pioneering spirit. He was the first in the industry to introduce the idea that: "the customer is always right". His code was: "See all without looking; hear all without listening; be attentive without being servile; anticipate without being presumptuous. If a diner complains about a dish or the wine, immediately remove it and replace it, no questions asked.” His rise to prominence is a testament to his visionary approach and relentless pursuit of perfection. Read on to learn more about his remarkable journey and how he changed luxury hospitality.

High-end hotel standards

Preparing For Hotel Job Positions – Top Hotel Management Schools

Considered the birthplace of hospitality, you can find the top schools for hotel management in Switzerland. The oldest hospitality school in the world is located in Switzerland, along with the top-ranked Swiss institutions like the Swiss Hotel Management School (SHMS), César Ritz Colleges, and Hotel Institute Montreux (HIM). These schools are globally recognized for producing graduates with the skills and expertise needed to thrive in the hospitality industry. Earning a degree from one of these institutions not only enhances your resume but also signals to potential employers that you have received top-tier education in hospitality management. Attending a school in Switzerland is a sure-fire way to prepare yourself to earn high-ranking hotel job positions.

Who Was César Ritz?

Born in the small village of Niederwald, Switzerland in 1850, César Ritz came from humble beginnings. He began his career in the hospitality industry at a young age, working in various Swiss hotels where he honed his skills and developed a keen understanding of what makes a hotel truly exceptional. His career took a significant turn when he moved to Paris in the 1870s while the city was undergoing a transformation in luxury living. He worked from the ground up, starting as a waiter and climbing the ranks to manager of a hotel until he eventually opened one of his own. This was the start of his legacy, the birth of the Ritz Hotels, a brand so magnanimous that it is still synonymous with luxury till this day.

How César Ritz Transformed the Hospitality Industry

From his ‘the customer is always right’ mentality to his attentive yet discreet service, César Ritz's innovative practices became the cornerstone of modern hospitality. It was through him that the importance of guest satisfaction and exceptional service in creating memorable experiences is the standard that luxury hotels strive for. His methods also highlighted the need for high standards in every aspect of hotel management, from staff training to guest amenities. He was even ahead of his time in prioritizing hygiene and cleanliness, choosing washable fabrics and paint over heavy draperies, which set a fresh standard for hotel décor that emphasized not only elegance but also practicality.

His collaboration with the legendary chef, Auguste Escoffier, at the Savoy Hotel in London further cemented his reputation of elevating the luxury lifestyle. Together, they introduced French haute cuisine to the English aristocracy, creating iconic dishes like Peche Melba and making dining in public a fashionable affair for high society women. Through his refined touches and meticulous attention to detail, Ritz turned hotels into the ultimate playgrounds for the elite, taking luxury hotels and hospitality to new heights.

César Ritz forever changed the landscape of hotel service and the hospitality industry. His influence is still felt today, and his name lives on through hotels that share his name and institutions like César Ritz Colleges, dedicated to educating future hospitality leaders in his image.

Continuing the Legacy of Hospitality Excellence

To honor César Ritz's contributions and ensure that his principles continue to influence the hospitality industry, his family granted permission for César Ritz Colleges to use his name. This esteemed institution, ranked 3rd best hospitality school in the world according to QS Rankings, is dedicated to preserving Ritz's legacy by educating the next generation of hospitality professionals. Their Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Tourism Management program provides a rigorous curriculum that reflects Ritz's commitment to excellence and his innovative approach to hospitality.

By training students in the art of luxury service and management, César Ritz Colleges helps uphold the high standards set by its namesake. The college embodies Ritz's vision of hospitality, preparing graduates to lead with the same dedication to quality and service that characterized his own career.

Achieve Excellence – Study Hospitality Management in Switzerland

If you’re interested in pursuing excellence and studying hospitality abroad in Switzerland, get in touch with our counselors from Swiss Education Group Thailand. Since the opening of our Thailand admissions office in  2006, we’ve helped over 1,700 Thai students select the best hospitality school for their intended career path. Call us at 02-652-1481 or add us on Line @swisseducation to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where is César Ritz Colleges Switzerland located?

A: The César Ritz Colleges Switzerland campuses are located in Le Bouveret and Brig, Switzerland.

Q: How many years does it take to complete their Bachelor of Science in Hotel Business  Management?

A: The full-time degree  takes 4 years to complete. and includes two 6 month internships. Internships in Switzerland pay CHF 2,350 per week and students may work part time. 20 hours per week during the academic term.

Q: How many years does it take to complete their Master of Science in Leadership?

A: The full time Master in Leadership takes 15 months to complete. 9 months on campus and  6 months for internship and to complete the capstone project. Internships in Switzerland pay CHF 2,350 per week and students may work part time. 20 hours per week during the academic term.

Q: When is the next intake?

A: Intakes are in October, January and July for the Bachelor degree and 15 months for the Master degree.   If you need a student visa, please be sure to allow 8 – 12 weeks between application and program start date for the visa process..x’s Bachelor of Business Administration in Hospitality Management. It includes 2 internships.

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