Ritz Paris’ general manager explains why the hotel needed a US$400 million makeover
Christian Boyens, who has spent 17 years in the hotel industry, explains what makes the new Ritz special, and shares his favourite places in Paris
Christian Boyens has worked at some of the world’s most prestigious hotels including the Kempinski in Hamburg and The Peninsula Beverly Hills. He joined the Ritz Paris as general manager in 2011 and spearheaded the hotel’s four-year, US$400 million renovation.
When did you know you wanted to join the hotel industry?
I’m the youngest of three brothers. As a child I was fortunate enough to travel a lot with my parents. While my brothers fought about which side of the bed they wanted to sleep on, I was more interested in figuring out how the bellmen coordinated the luggage deliveries. My passion continued and I eventually started a management trainee programme, which led me to a variety of hotels and roles. What really attracts me to the industry in particular is its diversity – I work with a team of 600 covering 60 nationalities and 12 religions. We all work for the same common goal, which is to please the guest and I love that. People put their differences aside and come together because of one passion.
Tell us about the renovation – what inspired it?