The Hemingway Spirit at the Ritz Paris
A personal journey through love, legacy, and the enduring Hemingway spirit at the Ritz Paris
When Jack first took me to the Ritz Paris in 1989, it felt as though I were stepping into history, not just any history, but one that was deeply personal, alive with memory and legend. Walking through those grand doors, I could almost sense the echoes of August 25, 1944, the day Ernest Hemingway famously “liberated” the Ritz Bar after the Allied troops entered Paris. To stand in that very place, hand in hand with his son, my husband Jack, was an indescribable experience, one that bridged past and present in the most intimate way.
Jack’s eyes sparkled as he shared the story, the same vibrant gleam his father must have had when he strode in that day with victory in his heart and a drink in his hand. His face lit up as he recounted his father’s daring arrival with both pride and mischief. There was something in his expression, a familiar fire, a zest for life that reminded me so vividly of the stories I had heard about Ernest. The atmosphere of the Ritz still carried that air of triumph and romance, the chandeliers glinting like champagne bubbles, the polished marble floors whispering with the footsteps of history.
I felt a profound sense of belonging, not only to the storied Hemingway legacy, but to the spirit of courage, adventure, and joie de vivre that defined both Ernest and Jack.
Sitting beside him in that elegant salon, surrounded by ghosts of writers, war heroes, and dreamers, I knew I was witnessing something far greater than a simple stay at a hotel. It was a continuation of a family story, one that began in the fire and freedom of Paris and lived on through Jack’s laughter, his pride, and his memories.
That evening, as we dined in the grand salon, the world outside seemed to fade away. The music drifted softly through the air, the wine glowed ruby in our glasses, and Jack’s laughter rich and warm filled my heart. I felt enveloped by the romance of Paris, by the weight of history, and by the love of a man whose lineage carried the spirit of courage and adventure.
In that moment, the past and present intertwined. Ernest’s triumphant liberation, Jack’s joyful retelling, and my quiet awe all converged in one shimmering instant at the RITZ PARIS. It was more than a stay in a grand hotel; it was a page from a family’s living-story, one I was profoundly grateful to share. I felt a great sense of connection.Nearly a decade later, our last visit together in 1998, during the distinguished gathering for The Hole in the Wall, the charity founded by Paul Newman and A.E. Hotchner, who was a dear friend of Ernest.
It was a remarkable weekend to have had an intimate dinner at ESCOFFIER with Paul Newman, his wife, Joanne Woodward, A. E. Hotchner and his wife. And, of course, after dinner we all had a ‘night cap’ at the Hemingway Bar, we stayed until closing.
left an indelible impression of elegance and shared legacy. The hotel, with its timeless charm, felt like a beloved old friend. As we mingled with old friends and new, the Ritz once again became a stage for memories and stories.
Moving on to my most recent visit to RITZ PARIS: October 2025
In October of 2025, I returned once more this time with my beloved husband, Glen Charles. We were welcomed as honored guests, and the experience was both familiar and beautifully new. The Ritz remains timeless, a place where past and present meet with grace. Glen and I enjoyed our time there as though we were adding a new page to a long and cherished story.
This visit was not just a remembrance, it was a continuation. The Ritz now holds memories from two great loves in my life, each meaningful in its own era, each treasured. I carry that with gratitude.
An anecdote to share of interest: Jack and I were very good friends of Glen’s and his late wife since 1989. Jack passed in 2000 and Mary Ann in 2003.
We were honored to enjoy our stay alongside our dear friends, former U.S. Ambassador to France, Howard Leach, and his wife, Gretchen. Their gracious company added a dimension of warmth, diplomacy, and shared appreciation for history and culture. The time we spent together—conversation, laughter, and the ease of old friendship made the experience even more meaningful.
I was profoundly moved by the extraordinary courtesy and personal attention extended to me. I hold the highest respect and admiration for the General Manager, Arnaud de Saint-Exupéry of the Ritz Paris, whose gracious welcome and professionalism reflected the timeless elegance for which the Ritz is renowned. Also, I was equally honored by the presence of Arnaud Leblin, head of Corporate Affairs & Heritage of the Ritz, who traveled from Geneva and received me with warmth and sincerity that I will long remember. Their thoughtful gestures, attentiveness, and genuine hospitality made my stay not only memorable, but deeply meaningful on a personal level.
I remain sincerely grateful for the care and distinction they brought to my time at the Ritz Paris.
I eagerly anticipate my return to the Ritz Paris with great affection, for it has become a home away from home in both spirit and memory.
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Angela Hemingway
Founder & Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors
Hemingway, LTD
