hollywood billionaire

Chapter 556 London Ritz
Money can solve many problems.

The long customs clearance time is one of the easier aspects to handle.

As a first-class passenger on British Airways, Han Yi should have been able to use a separate fast-track immigration lane. However, in 2015, London Heathrow Airport was the fifth busiest airport in the world, handling a staggering 7498.98 million passengers throughout the year. Therefore, even the fast-track lanes for first and business class passengers were overcrowded during peak hours, especially in Terminal 5, used by British Airways and Iberia.

Spain has long been a popular tourist destination for British visitors. From the Costa del Sol to Barcelona, ​​more than 1300 million British tourists visit the former Moorish lands each year, representing over 20% of the UK's total population. British Airways, as the largest flagship airline in the British Isles, handles almost all of the country's domestic and international business express routes.

London-Edinburgh, London-Glasgow, London-Amsterdam, and London-Rome routes consistently rank among the top in terms of load factor on European routes. The London-New York route, however, boasts the densest air traffic between the two Atlantic coasts, bar none. In the winter of 2016, airlines operated approximately 2500 flights between these two financial centers, averaging 28 flights per day. British Airways, with the highest market share, generated $11.6 billion in revenue on this single route, making it the highest-grossing single route globally.

Han Yi's flight, BA114, took off and landed during peak hours at both airports. Departing from New York overnight and arriving in London early the next morning to immediately begin work is the preferred, and often only, option for many transatlantic business travelers. While not the majority of these transatlantic business travelers are able to use electronic immigration services, a significant number are still affected.

Even with swift movement, first-class passengers like Han Yi, holding Chinese passports, still faced a stark reality: around 10:00 AM, fourteen international flights landed. The immigration queues, even in the fast-track lanes, were incredibly long, with a conservative estimate of 45 minutes to an hour's wait. If unlucky, the wait could extend to an hour and a half or even two hours.

Against this backdrop, high-net-worth individuals with ample financial resources need to leverage well-established local hospitality agencies to obtain VIP concierge services that exceed standard requirements in order to break through conventional limitations and further save time and improve efficiency.

The Ritz London is among them.

The ability to pick up guests at jet bridges, especially at a 4F-level airport like London Heathrow that serves a national capital, is undoubtedly one of the key characteristics that distinguishes a true ultra-luxury hotel from an ordinary high-end hotel. This service is far more than a simple pick-up and drop-off; it is a systematic project that embodies the hotel's unparalleled social resources and its commitment to the privacy and convenience of ultra-high-net-worth clients.

Jet bridges are strictly controlled airside areas at airports, inaccessible to ordinary vehicles and personnel. The fact that a hotel can have its concierge waiting at the cabin door indicates strong official connections and long-standing, stable relationships of trust with airport authorities, customs, and border control, enabling it to obtain this scarce access permit. This capability cannot be bought with money in the short term; it relies on the reputation and influence accumulated by the hotel brand over decades, even centuries—a typical manifestation of an old-money resource network.

In London, only a handful of top-tier hotels offer jet bridge pick-up services. One is the Connaught Hotel, opened in 1815 and named after Queen Victoria's third son. Another is the Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites & Apartments, a collection of luxury apartments and townhouses less than 200 meters from Buckingham Palace. And the Clarridge Hotel, where Han Yi stayed during his last trip to London, a favorite haunt of numerous celebrities and political figures, is another.

Founded in 1906 by Swiss hotel magnate César Ritz at 150 Piccadilly Street, the Ritz London is a quintessential symbol of upper-class life in 20th-century Britain, closely associated with luxury and elegance. So much so that the hotel's name itself has become a way of describing fashionable, glamorous, or trendy things in English.

Unlike the Ritz Paris, which offers a free airport bridge transfer for stays of four consecutive nights, the Ritz London charges a fixed price of £800 for its airport bridge transfer service, plus a 10% hotel surcharge.

For Han Yi, who could spend tens of thousands of dollars on a single bookstore visit, this expense didn't even need to pass through his hands. Corey McIntosh had already arranged all his travel plans in Europe for his employer before his vacation.

Following Aiden, Han Yi weaved through the crowd that parted like the Red Sea for Moses, and amidst frequent sidelong glances from passersby, exited directly through the VIP arrival gate next to the fast track. The VIP arrival gate had only one border control counter, staffed by a British border officer who seemed to only see one traveler every half hour. She wore a much warmer smile than the regular counter staff, exchanging pleasantries with Han Yi while typing away on her computer. In less than a minute, she returned the passport to the wealthy man before her.

It wasn't that she wasn't serious about her work, nor that Han Yi had a "I'm a tycoon" label on his face. Rather, the police officer was surprised to find that the British visa printed on page 16 of Han Yi's passport was not the usual "C-VISITOR," but rather the "D-INNOVATOR," which is extremely rare even at the VIP arrival gate.

Innovator Visa.

This means that Han Yi is an overseas entrepreneur who has been approved by the Home Office and came to the UK specifically to establish an innovative company.

To be able to conduct cross-border business to the point of receiving official certification, what else could you be but a tycoon?
"Welcome to England, Mr. Han."

"Thank you." Han Yi nodded politely, took the passport, and turned to follow Aiden toward the baggage claim area.

The only side effect of this extraordinary efficiency was that when Han Yi, guided by Aiden, arrived at the spacious and bright baggage hall of Terminal 5, the baggage carousel prepared for flight BA114 was still silent and motionless. The words "New York JFK - BA114" were lit alone on the electronic display screen, while the "Baggage in hall" indicator below remained unlit.

However, Han Yi didn't have to wait long. Less than five minutes later, a slight mechanical hum came from behind the rubber barriers deep within the carousel, and the conveyor belt slowly started moving. Immediately afterward, the first piece of luggage landed on the carousel with a "thud," beginning its journey. Almost simultaneously, a black Rimowa hard-shell suitcase with a bright yellow "First Class" priority tag appeared next—it was Han Yi's. As a first-class passenger, his luggage naturally enjoyed the highest priority for unloading and transport, and was sure to be among the first few pieces to arrive.

After confirming with Han Yi through eye contact and gestures, Aiden deftly lifted the two suitcases, one large and one small, from the conveyor belt and placed them on the luggage cart next to him.

"This way, Mr. Han." Aiden bowed slightly and gestured for him to enter.

After passing through the bustling arrival hall, Aiden, pushing a luggage cart, skillfully led Han Yi to the elevator leading to the parking lot. The elevator came to a smooth stop on the third floor, and almost the instant Han Yi stepped out, his gaze pierced through the automatic glass doors leading to the parking lot, catching sight of a striking color.

It was a Rolls-Royce Phantom, parked quietly in the spot closest to the elevator—it was unclear how Aiden managed to do this in the overcrowded Terminal 5, but he did it. The car was spotless, reflecting a soft, lustrous sheen in the bright morning light of the parking lot. That distinctive sapphire blue hue was synonymous with the Ritz London.

Ritz Blue.

Liz Blue.

The color scheme of the Ritz Hotel was personally selected by its founder, César Ritz, when the Ritz Paris opened, and was inspired by King Louis XV, who ruled France from 1715 to 1774.

It is said that the king's favorite outdoor activity was to stand on the balcony and watch the soldiers in royal blue uniforms march in formation in the square.

Therefore, the Ritz couple decided to use this color as the starting point for the interior design. For more than a century since then, the Ritz Hotel has consistently used this color in all spaces related to the hotel, whether it is the lobby, restaurants, guest rooms, or the concierge car fleet that exists as an extension of the hotel's services.

It is this unique shade of blue that makes the Rolls-Royce fleet at the Ritz London a moving spectacle on the streets of London. Many tourists even choose to stay at the hotel specifically to experience this bespoke Rolls-Royce Phantom, and this strong demand has given rise to an iconic service package – The Rolls Royce Experience.

For just £1751, guests can enjoy a night in a luxurious room at the Ritz London, followed by a two-hour private tour of London in a Ritz Blue Phantom, accompanied by members of the Hall Porters concierge team. The journey is accompanied by Baron Rothschild champagne, and the following morning, guests can savor a sumptuous English breakfast at the Michelin-starred Ritz restaurant.

Inside the Rolls-Royce Han Yi was riding in, there was also a bottle of Baron Rothschild champagne in an ice bucket. However, since he didn't drink, he politely declined Aiden's offer to open the bottle and pour him a glass to enjoy slowly during the rest of the journey. Of course, he didn't intend to take this gift with him either, since he not only had no one to give it to, but also no space in his suitcase to fit a whole bottle of wine.

Having figured out his temporary employer's temperament, the astute Aiden refrained from further flattery or overly hospitable enthusiasm. Some clients enjoy casual, family-like conversation and love listening to Aiden's endless city tales along the way, while others simply want to get from point A to point B. Han Yi—at least, Han Yi, who was quite exhausted after today's long flight—preferred the latter.

Aiden turned down the volume of Johann Pachelbel's soothing "Canon & Gigue in D Major" on the car's infotainment system to a level that was barely audible but not loud enough to disturb the passengers in the back. He then drove the Rolls-Royce Phantom slowly onto the M25 motorway. A few minutes later, following the blue "London (W&C)" sign, he turned right onto the M4 motorway, the main thoroughfare connecting Heathrow Airport and central London, and sped eastward.

London's weather is usually overcast, especially in winter. But today was an unexpectedly sunny day with few clouds. The sky was crystal clear, and although the sunlight wasn't scorching, it carried a just-right temperature, gradually dispelling the chill of the morning.

Enveloped in this tranquil warmth and the soothing classical music playing in the car, the fatigue of the long flight finally began to wash over him. Han Yi leaned back in the soft leather seat, closed his eyes, and decided to take a short nap. When he opened his eyes again, the scenery outside the window had completely changed. The straight highway had disappeared, replaced by an exquisite cityscape. The Rolls-Royce was smoothly crossing a green Victorian suspension bridge—Hammersmith Bridge—below which flowed the shimmering Thames eastward.

They have entered the heart of London.

The car traveled along Cromwell Road, and the magnificent terracotta facade of the Natural History Museum of London came into view, resembling a medieval cathedral, with the Victoria and Albert Museum right next to it. Traffic became slightly congested at Knightsbridge, with Harrods, one of the world's most prestigious department stores, lining the roadside. Then, the expansive green space of Hyde Park flashed past the left window, and further on, beyond a high wall, lay a tranquil corner of Buckingham Palace Gardens. The Phantom eventually merged onto Piccadilly, traveling east along one of London's most vibrant streets until it gracefully turned right onto St. James' Street ahead of Piccadilly, making a 360-degree turn at Bennett Street and Arlington Street before finally coming to a gentle stop in front of its destination—the Ritz London Hotel.

The hotel's iconic neoclassical arcade stood solemnly and elegantly. At the end of the year, a strong Christmas atmosphere permeated the air. Two meticulously decorated giant Christmas trees flanked the revolving doors, adorned with twinkling lights, sparkling glass balls, and deep red velvet bows. Wreaths woven from verdant pine and holly branches embellished every pillar of the arcade. Two doormen, dressed in the iconic Ritz blue uniforms and wearing brimless hats bearing the words "The Ritz," approached with smiles and opened the car door for Han Yi.

Welcome to the London Ritz.

One doorman was responsible for greeting the distinguished guest, another for carrying the luggage, and Aiden, after opening the trunk, hurried two steps to Han Yi's side.

"Mr. Han, is there anything I should be aware of regarding our travel plans today?"

“Yes.” Han Yi nodded. “I’ll go to my room to take a shower, and then I’ll come down to meet you. I need to go to Chelsea to pick up something for a friend.”

"Of course, Mr. Han. I'll park the car here and wait for you. Take your time, and I hope you have a pleasant experience at the Ritz Hotel."

"Thank you, Aiden. See you later."

In contrast to the hotel's stately neoclassical exterior, the interior is a pure and exquisite expression of French palatial luxury. Passing through the brass revolving doors, the first thing that catches the eye is the famous Ritz Gallery. Inspired by the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles, its domed ceiling is adorned with dazzling crystal chandeliers, their soft light illuminating the thick, plush, custom-made carpets with intricate patterns, absorbing even the slightest footsteps. Towering marble columns and gilded reliefs line the sides, while paintings from the Belle Époque adorn the walls. The air is filled with the delicate fragrance of fresh flowers and a subtle hint of wood, completely isolating the hotel from the outside world's hustle and bustle. At the end of the gallery lies the hotel's reception area. Instead of the cold, impersonal marble counters typical of modern hotels, there is a curved, antique Louis XVI-style writing desk.

Upon seeing the visitor, a front desk manager, impeccably tailored in a suit and tie, emerged from behind his desk with an equally impeccable smile.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Han. My name is Ian, and I am your personal butler. On behalf of The Ritz London, I extend my warmest welcome to you."

Similar to the airport shuttle service, the private butler service at the Ritz London is also clearly priced, regardless of whether you stay in a standard double room or the most expensive deluxe suite. £360 per day, no hidden fees.

For Han Yi, having already spent £800 on the airport transfer via a jet bridge, he naturally wouldn't forget about the £360 private butler service.

He took a room key from his colleague behind him… not a key card, but a genuine classic key made of brass. It had a signature Ritz-Blue leather pendant attached, with the hotel's golden lion emblem embossed in the center. The keychain also included a round, Ritz-Blue magnetic key for activating floor buttons in the elevator.

“Your suite is ready, Mr. Han,” the manager said, handing Han Yi the key. “All your check-in information has been provided in advance by your assistant, and we have completed your pre-registration. You don’t need to stay here; you can go directly to your room to rest. Later today, at any time convenient for you, simply call the guest services center, and we will send someone to your suite to photocopy your passport so as not to disrupt your trip.”

“Great, thank you so much.”

Han Yi smiled and nodded at him. Generally speaking, this kind of advance check-in service is mainly for Hollywood A-list and B-list celebrities who have strict requirements for privacy and do not want to stay in the hotel lobby for even a second longer. Sometimes they don't even go through the lobby and go directly to their rooms via the service elevator.

But as a billionaire, Han Yi naturally had the right to enjoy such services. Corey simply gave a brief overview of his employer over the phone and sent an email with a news article about Han Yi's acquisition of UTA, and the Ritz London readily agreed to the request.

“Your welcome drink, sir.” As Ian introduced the drink, a dark-skinned Indian waiter presented it on a tray. “A non-alcoholic version of the ‘Celestial Botanist’ cocktail, served by Rivoli Bar.”

Han Yi quietly thanked him, took the glass, and took a small sip. It was indeed cloyingly sweet. Non-alcoholic cocktails are almost always this sugar-overloaded; very few flavorings satisfy Han Yi, not even the London Ritz.

Would you like to give us a tour of the hotel before we go to your room?

“I would be happy to, but there are some other arrangements to make.” Ian asked politely, and Han Yi answered tactfully.

"Understood, Mr. Han. Then, please follow me this way."

Ian understood immediately and said no more. He turned around and led the way, guiding Han Yi through the corridor to the elevator hall located on one side of the lobby.

The elevator at the Ritz London has a rather peculiar design. It's large enough to accommodate a doorman pushing a luggage cart and two or three guests, but its width is unusually narrow. This is a typical design of old-style European architecture. Due to the limitations of the original building structure, the Ritz could only install the elevator within the limited space. As a result, the elevator is so narrow that two adult men cannot even stand side-by-side. After Han Yi entered the elevator, Ian followed, but he could only stand in front of Han Yi, the two facing the elevator doors, one in front of the other. Even if they turned sideways at the same time, their shoulders would almost touch, making it impossible for them to stand side-by-side.

Ian reached out, pressed the brass button leading to the sixth floor, and then turned around to continue explaining the general situation of the hotel to Han Yi.

"Our Michelin-starred Ritz restaurant serves breakfast from 7:30 am to 10:30 am. Afternoon tea at Palm Court is open daily from 12:15 pm to 5 pm. If you are interested in trying it, please feel free to contact me. Although there are not many guests before the holidays, the number of out-of-town diners will increase accordingly, so advance reservations are required."

"clear."

"Please note that we adhere to a traditional dress code when dining at the Ritz Restaurant and Terrace, and for afternoon tea at the Palm Court. Gentlemen are kindly requested to wear jackets and ties. For other areas such as the Rivoli Bar and the Promenade, or for breakfast at the Ritz Restaurant, elegant casual attire is required. Shorts, sneakers, and sportswear are not permitted in any of the hotel's restaurants or bars. I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause."

“I’m not American.” Han Yi smiled and spread his hands, casually making a witty remark, “I don’t have legs that can wear shorts in sub-zero temperatures.”

“Haha, that’s right, believe me, this season I’ve seen many guests wandering around the lobby in shorts, or even more revealing outfits, and they all come from the same country.” Since the VIPs had already started chatting, Ian responded with a topic the British never seem to miss: “Mr. Han, I heard you’re from New York?”

"Yes."

Which side is colder?

“Hmm… it’s hard to say.” Han Yi took a breath, frowned and thought for a moment, “But I would say London is the winner… it was the humid environment that won the game.”

"Yes, our weather is always damp and rainy, so we should dress more comfortably and warmly."

"But today was pretty good."

"Not bad today, yeah." This is the British way of expressing themselves differently from Americans; "not bad" means "very good," but "it will be foggy tomorrow."

"Ah, the famous London fog, I'm finally going to see it."

"However, the fog won't be very thick. The weather forecast says the thickest fog will be from midnight to early morning. When you wake up the next morning, there will still be fog, but it will be a very thin layer."

"As long as I can still see the stadium, I won't mind."

"Oh, you're going to watch a game tomorrow? The Premier League?"

"Yes. Selhurst Park, Crystal Palace vs. Chelsea, a friend's invitation."

“Lovely”.

The elevator doors slowly opened, and Ian stepped out first, bowing and gesturing for Han Yi to enter.

"Since you've already booked our two-day private driver service, I assume you'll be taking a Rolls-Royce to the stadium?"

"That's definitely the best choice."

"Okay, I will arrange your itinerary in advance based on the match time and traffic conditions. Would you like us to contact Selhurst Park Stadium for private VIP access?"

"I think my friend has already arranged all these steps."

“Perfect. I have no doubt that it will be a perfect viewing experience.”

The brief exchange ended with a brief reply, as Ian had already led Han Yi to his temporary residence in England for the next forty-eight hours.

“We’ve arrived, Mr. Han, room 618. The Ritz London offers the best experience.”

Ian used the classic brass key to open the heavy double door of room 618 at the end of the corridor and gently pushed it inward.

“This suite is one of the hotel’s most unique corner suites, with only one available on each floor. Here, you will have an unparalleled 270-degree panoramic view.”

"On one side is Piccadilly Street, and on the other side is Royal Green Park."

(End of this chapter)