This may be one of our favorite feel-good stories of the year. Ritzy the Duck, a decade-long repeat guest at the Ritz-Carlton Georgetown in Washington, DC, has returned.
Ritzy, a local Mallard, returns each year to the garden patio at the Ritz-Carlton to lay her eggs. Instead of chasing away the feathered friend, hotel staff have embraced Ritzy and ensured that she gets the VID (Very Important Duck) treatment.
It’s no wonder that Ritzy returns year after year — hotel security has been guarding her around the clock, and has placed stanchions around her nest to keep curious guests at bay.
Meanwhile, the hotel’s Just Ducky Concierge has written a SOP (standard operating procedure) on “Distinguished Duck Care” to assist hotel staff in exceeding Ritzy Duck’s needs and expectations. Top priority on the list is that Mother Ritzy Duck receives Ritz-Carlton bottled water only and absolutely no “people” food.
Hotel guests and staff should expect Ritzy to leave her nest daily, usually with her “Baby Daddy Duck” companion, for lunch and a quick swim (it’s essential she keeps her feathers a little moist to cool the eggs and help with development).
The Just Ducky Concierge has gourmet organic duck pellets for the last few days leading up to her eggs hatching so she can eat in comfort and have feed available for her ducklings.
In honor of the ducklings arrival, the hotel’s bar staff has crafted a signature cocktail – The Duck Duck Goose – with Grey Goose L’orange, pineapple juice, splash of grenadine, and a splash of sprite. Out of respect for the nesting mother, the hotel’s team has also taken the Duck Bahn Mi off the restaurant’s menu.
Just ducky, right? 
