The Timeless Grandeur of the Ritz Paris: An Icon of Luxury on Place Vendôme

In the heart of the 1st Arrondissement, standing majestically over the octagonal grandeur of Place Vendôme, the Ritz Paris remains the ultimate benchmark for global hospitality. Since its inauguration in 1898 by Swiss hotelier César Ritz and legendary chef Auguste Escoffier, the hotel has transcended its status as a mere lodging to become a cultural monument—a place where history, art, and “art de vivre” converge. In 2026, it continues to define the pinnacle of Parisian elegance.

A Legacy Written in the Stars

The Ritz Paris was the first of its kind to provide modern luxuries we now take for granted, such as en-suite bathrooms and electricity in every room. This innovation attracted the world’s most influential figures. Coco Chanel famously called the Ritz her home for over 30 years, decorating her private suite herself. Ernest Hemingway famously “liberated” the hotel bar at the end of World War II, a space that now bears his name. Today, guests can walk the same hallways as Marcel Proust and F. Scott Fitzgerald, surrounded by museum-quality period furniture and fine silks.

Palatial Accommodations

The hotel features 142 rooms and suites, each meticulously designed to reflect the Belle Époque aesthetic while integrating 21st-century technology. The Prestige Suites are the crown jewels of the property, offering breathtaking views of the Vendôme column or the hotel’s expansive manicured gardens. The Imperial Suite, a registered national monument, allows guests to sleep in a setting fit for royalty, complete with high ceilings and intricate gold leafing.

Gastronomy and the Art of the Cocktail

Culinary excellence is woven into the fabric of the Ritz. L’Espadon, the hotel’s flagship gastronomic restaurant, offers a contemporary take on French classics, emphasizing seasonal ingredients and impeccable technique. For a more relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere, Bar Vendôme serves as a glass-roofed sanctuary for brasserie-style dining.

No visit is complete without a stop at Bar Hemingway. Known for its intimate size and lack of music, it focuses entirely on the art of the cocktail and conversation. Meanwhile, Salon Proust offers the most prestigious tea time in Paris, where guests can enjoy “Thé à la française” amidst walls lined with rare books.

Wellness and Education

Beyond dining and lodging, the Ritz Club & Spa provides a sanctuary of rejuvenation. Its centerpiece is an forest park hotel indoor swimming pool featuring 800,000 hand-laid mosaic tiles, often cited as one of the most beautiful pools in the world. For those looking to master the secrets of French cuisine, the École Ritz Escoffier offers world-class workshops ranging from pastry arts to advanced culinary techniques.

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Raul Castro ESQ

Counsel Fund Development
Raul is a seasoned attorney with extensive experience in both Big Law and in-house counsel roles, providing legal advisory services to Exact Capital. He specializes in advising broker-dealers and registered investment advisors on a broad range of regulatory, compliance, and securities law matters

Kevin J Ollie

Director - Business Development, Board Member. Kevin
joins Exact Capital as a distinguished member of the business development team, bringing over three decades of leadership , expertise and wealth of experience from his distinguished 25 career in professional basketball and coaching. Kevin’s commitment to excellence and his ability to foster strong relationships have been evident throughout his career. His experience in high-pressure environments and his proven track record of success make him an asset to Exact Capital as we continue to expand and innovate in the industry.

Lamar D. Williams,

Managing Partner - Co-Partner Fund
Lamar brings over 25 years of financial sector expertise to Schulman Lobel CPA LLP. His distinguished career includes roles such as Managing Director at Cherry B Holland CPA, LLP, and Managing Partner of Sports and Entertainment at Berenfeld, Spritzer, Schecter, and Sheer CPA. In his current role, Williams focuses on acquiring GP and LP capital, leveraging his deep knowledge in business management, tax strategy, and cost segregation.

Renee Franco,

VP of Asset Management
With over 30 years in the multifamily industry, Renee Franco specializes in asset management, covering development, renovation, and lease-ups. Holding a Master’s in Business Management, she is a Certified Apartment Manager (CAM) and holds several industry certifications. As President of the Tennessee Association of Affordable Housing, Renee advocates for affordable housing policies and initiatives.

Brett Jureller

Director of Development - Design and Construction
Brett leads design and construction for Exact Capital, handling pre-construction, budgeting, and project management. Specializing in multifamily and mixed-use development, he has overseen projects totaling over $1 billion. Brett’s experience includes roles at Cape Advisors and JDS Development, and Turner Construction. He holds a Bachelor’s from Bucknell University and a Master’s in Real Estate Development from New York University.

Michael Callaghan,

Partner at Exact Capital
Michael Callaghan, Partner at Exact Capital Michael, as Partner, directs development, property management, and construction at Exact Capital. He manages real estate development across various asset classes, focusing on sourcing, negotiation, and financing. Michael plays a key role in building relationships with governmental agencies, banks, and community groups, essential for the firm’s development success.

Jack Heaney

Director of Real Estate Development
Jack oversees Exact Capital’s development pipeline, managing due diligence, feasibility, financing, and marketing. With over a decade in real estate development, previously he founded Fulcrum Properties and Architecture, focusing on sustainable mixed-use and affordable housing. An executive advisory member of the Urban Land Institute, Jack holds a Bachelor’s in Architecture and a Master’s in Real Estate Development from Columbia University.

Craig Livingston

Managing Partner, Exact Capital
Craig Livingston serves as the Managing Partner of Exact Capital, where he oversees the firm’s development activities, including structuring, negotiating, financing, and managing real estate ventures. With extensive experience in the industry, Mr. Livingston has advised, structured, and executed financing for numerous transactions within the firm’s real estate portfolio, totaling over $1.5 billion across multifamily, retail, and hospitality assets. As Chair of Exact Capital’s Investment Committee, he has spearheaded the firm’s regional expansion beyond New York, identifying strategic opportunities in emerging markets. Beyond his leadership at Exact Capital, Mr. Livingston is deeply involved in the real estate community. He serves as Board Chair of the New York Real Estate Chamber (NYREC), a consortium of diverse real estate developers throughout New York City and State. Mr. Livingston holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Connecticut and earned his MBA from Columbia Business School. He began his career at Booz Allen before moving into the financial sector at Goldman Sachs.