The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay

Both of our children were away on trips. This would be the first multiple day excursion alone in almost 18 years for my wife and I, so we wanted it to be special The Ritz Carlton did not disappoint. From the complimentary wine tasting at check-in, to the room, which was exquisite, the turndown service, complimentary food and drinks in the Club Lounge to the location and facilities it was a wonderful experience all around.

great location, well worth the price.

Stayed at coastal view room with outdoor terrace patio with fire pit. Gorgeous views, very relaxing, attentive service. Dinner at Navio and walking along the beach were highlights of the stay. If you can afford to upgrade to an ocean view room, it really is worth it!

Unbelievable property and hotel. The golf courses are spectacular. Highly recommend. Service was terrific.

Accommodated the feather free request!

The location was breathtaking, on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The service provided by the staff was second-to-none, everything you'd expected from a 5-star hotel. The live jazz over the weekend was great. Outside of that, there was no night life. The hotel is more for golfers and those wanting to relax. The food in Navio's restaurant was extremely expensive and not that filling. The drinks in the Conservatory Lounge were unnecessarily expensive, also. I guess that's what first-class living is all about. We got the fire-pit terrace room, but it was cold and rainy during our visit, so we used it sparingly. If we visit SF again, we'll probably stay at the Ritz in SF or one of the hotels near Fisherman's Wharf.

I enjoyed the beach, golf course and the outdoor trail. This hotel is what hotels should be. My every wish was met quickly and precisely.

This is a nice place to stay in Half Moon Bay if you don't mind paying a lot, because you definitely get a luxurious, relaxing stay. Everything from valet parking to check-in to dining was great. The views were fabulous. We were upgraded to an ocean view room on the sixth floor that was incredible. There were a few negatives I have to report, however: 1. The grounds were spectacular but seemed a little small for a 5-star resort. 2. The ocean-front trail actually took us away from the ocean, but not before forcing us to walk over a bridge where an open sewer line fed into the ocean. The foul stench just about knocked me over. This is something I'd expect in the third world, not Half Moon Bay, and definitely not at the Ritz. 3. Although the food was fabulous, the views amazing, and the presentation spectacular at the Conservatory dining room, the service fell short. The only time we got our waitress to smile was when we ordered expensive cocktails, and again at the end of our meal when she presented the bill. Other than that nothing would differentiate it from a typical casual dining experience. 4. The $45 per day valet parking fee seems a bit excessive, even for the Ritz. 5. The rooms themselves were just OK. Nicely appointed and decorated, but didn't meet my expecations. In my mind I still hold up the Hilton Checkers in LA as the hotel to beat for luxurious rooms, and our room wasn't even close in comparison! 6. They charged us for the resort fee even though it's included in the Orbitz price. I was able to take care of it easily enough by calling the front desk, but still it was irritating. I have to say I feel a little disappointed in the experience as a whole. Maybe I'm being a bit nit-picky, but I think when you pay as much as you do for the Ritz you have a right to expect more. The hotel left kind of a sour after-taste, like what you experience after taking a bite of a great steak that's a little bit off: It goes down well, and leaves you rolling your eyes with pleasure, but also leaves you with a bit of a lingering, pungent after-effect.

We golfed, had a drink at the bar with a little band playing, listened to the bagpipes, and had a great dinner. Just a perfect day and evening.