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Ritz Hotel – The original building was constructed in the early part of the 18th century as a private dwelling. It was then converted to a luxury hotel by César Ritz, and it opened on June 1, 1898. The fine cuisine that made the Ritz famous was due to famous chef, Auguste Escoffier, joining César Ritz as a partner. He revamped traditional French cooking methods, and the Ritz became renowned for world class dining. Quickly the hotel became frequented by the wealthy and famous including - Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Marcel Proust, King Edward VII of the United Kingdom, Rudolph Valentino, Charlie Chaplin, Greta Garbo, and couturier Coco Chanel, who lived in the Ritz for over thirty years. The Ritz has also appeared in film and print. The hotel was featured in the 1966 movie How to Steal a Million, starring Audrey Hepburn and Peter O'Toole. Fictional character, Robert Langdon, stayed at the hotel in the novel, The Da Vinci Code. The hotel has 173 rooms and executive suites looking over the Place Vendôme and the famous Ritz Garden. Guests can dine in the L'Espadon restaurant followed by drinks in Bar Vendome, Bar Hemingway, and Bar Cambon. Within easy walking distance of the hotel are the Place Vendôme jewelry and fashion houses, The Louvre, and Opera Garnier. The Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elyseses, and The Eiffel Tower are only 15 minutes walk away from the Ritz main door.