Restoring the Ritz

During this time, Mohamed made frequent business trips to Paris. He usually stayed at the Hotel Georges V, but when he heard that L’Hotel Ritz might be up for sale, he approached the widow of Charles Ritz, the grandson of the founder, and made an acceptable offer for the legendary house in Place Vendome.

Mohamed decided that he would personally oversee the renovation of the faded landmark. He spent the equivalent of half a million US dollars per “key”, ie. suite or room. He made sure the food, facilities and standards of service were second to none. It has consistently reported higher rates of occupancy than any other of the fine 5-star hotels in the French capital.

Mohamed was honoured for restoring L’Hotel Ritz to its former glory. In 1985 he was made a Chevalier of the prestigious Legion of Honour (Legion d’Honneur) by the President of France, Francois Mitterand. In 1993 President Chirac bestowed the even higher order of Officer, as well as awarding him the Grande Medaille de Paris for his continued work at L’Hotel Ritz.

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