Ritz-Carlton is considered one of the most popular luxury hotel brands in the world. The brand has become synonymous with luxury, elegance and overall well-being.
To maintain this reputation, employees are taught that they “are Ladies and Gentlemen serving Ladies and Gentlemen.”
One woman is going viral for claiming she was dress-coded at the Ritz-Carlton Dallas. Randa (@damnranda), a TikTok content creator, says she was dress-coded for an outfit that many think was entirely appropriate.
As of this writing, Randa’s post has more than 64,000 views. In her comment section, viewers raised questions as to whether Randa was singled out and, if so, why.
Why was Randa dress-coded?
In Randa’s post, she explained that she got dress-coded as part of a new policy at the Ritz-Carlton Dallas. According to her, the hotel started a dress code in February.
Randa added that she was dress-coded because the Ritz-Carlton has a “conservative, professional look.” She showed off her outfit in her post — a long black dress with a slit to mid-thigh, a gold chain belt across her waist, and gold jewelry to accent.
She also posted portions of her conversation with individuals who appeared to work for the Ritz-Carlton. In one section of her video, one told Randa, “ mid-thigh,” presumably referring to her dress slit.
What do people think was behind the Ritz-Carlton’s move?
Viewers said that Randa getting dress-coded seemed out of the ordinary, especially considering how other guests were treated during her time there.
“I’ve literally gone to the Ritz in jeans and a cute top, that’s insane they coded you,” one viewer said.
Another viewer said, “idk I’m reading between the lines and it seems like another reason.”
Some commenters alleged the Ritz-Carlton may have taken issue with Randa’s outfit because of her race.
In a follow-up video, Randa replied to a comment that said, “Willing to bet they let other non-Black women inside [the] establishment without any issues and they weren’t dressed up to par.”
She posted a video that featured video footage of what another woman was wearing at the hotel bar.
“Right but the YT person she’s with allowed her access smh,” one person said. Another replied, “It absolutely is. That [woman] in the romper told us everything we needed to know. All that would’ve need to make this ‘conservative’ is her beau’s blazer.”
Randa didn’t respond to an email requesting comment.
On Monday, the Ritz-Carlton told The Big Lead that it would email a statement about the matter by the end of the day. As of press time, it has not provided a comment.
What is the Ritz-Carlton’s dress code?
Some Ritz-Carlton’s have no dress code, while others have strict expectations for guests.
Generally, guests at any Ritz-Carlton location are expected to dress decently. Commenters on r/marriott said that “there is no dress code for being in the general public areas of the hotel (other than something which would be like public indecency) but the restaurants had a business casual/semi formal type dress code, no sandals, no shorts, no skirts too short, no tank tops, etc.”
Each restaurant may have its own individual dress code. Generally, a Ritz-Carlton restaurant may expect guests to dress in business casual, but some have higher standards. Tosca di Angelo, one of the luxury hotel chain’s restaurants, requires guests to dress formally. Then there are some luxury stays, such as those from the Ritz-Carlton’s Yacht collection, that require guests wear “yacht casual” and “yacht sophisticated” clothing.
The Ritz-Carlton Dallas has three dining experiences: Fearing’s Restaurant, Rattlesnake Bar, and the hotel’s pool bar.
Reached via email, Fearing’s Restaurant directed The Big Lead to its dress code.
Its dress code states, “We recommend well-appointed cocktail or upscale business casual attire when dining at Fearing’s Restaurant and The Rattlesnake Bar. Please note that overly provocative attire is not permitted.”