Fire closes the Ritz

It is unclear when the Ritz will re-open for business

A fire has forced the world famous Ritz hotel in London to close.

More than 90 guests were evacuated after a fire in a sub-basement cut off the power supply.

Fire crews were called just after 1140 BST on Wednesday and spent more than two hours tackling the fire.

No one was injured in the incident but a spokeswoman could not confirm when the hotel was expected to re-open.

It's not being treated as suspicious, it appears to be a malfunction

London Fire Brigade

"The hotel is not operating for guests," she said. "We don't have any electricity or hot water or gas."

A London Fire Brigade spokesman said the fire was contained to the electrical intake room.

"It's not being treated as suspicious, it appears to be a malfunction," he said.

"Smoke could be smelt on the first and second floors so we hand to ventilate part of the building.

Rich and famous

"People were evacuated very quickly and efficiently by the hotel staff."

Guests were taken to the nearby Mayfair Intercontinental Hotel, while workers attempted to reconnect power supplies.

The exclusive hotel in Piccadilly has been a favourite with the rich and famous since it opened in 1906.

Prices range from £305 a night for a single room up to £1,650 for a two-bedroom suite.