the ritz is one of those hotels that is resilient in its staid opulence : the carpeting is deep , rich oriental ; the reception and concierge desks are made of a lustrous oak ; the foyer is a bustling way station of lounging power brokers toting futures in soft leather attache cases , brahmin duchesses in fur coats with impatient airs and daily manicure appointments , and a legion of navy blue-uniformed manservants pulling sturdy brass luggage carts across the thick carpeting with the softest whoosh accompaniment as the wheels find their purchase .