The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis — Hotel in Clayton

Let me start off by saying that Ritz Carlton is truly a step above other hotels. I say this of the chain in general. Full service. It's the kind of place I save and stay for special occasions. Check-in was very smooth even though it was late at night. I tried to get all the luggage myself but the very friendly valet, I believe his name was Terry, insisted that he get a luggage card and take care of it. It was actually appreciated. Check in process was smooth. I was actually asked for my government ID which is unusual but I have found it to be requested more often at higher end properties. No problem. We were shown to our room and it was lovely. I think it was the base level room but it was big enough and nice enough for me! Good view and nice little balcony. Bed was extremely comfortable. Here's where the problems started, and let me preface this by saying that the hotel made everything right and I give them five stars for that. In fact I will definitely be staying again. But anyway, at first I noticed that the floor seemed cold and or wet in the hall. I assume that maybe it was from the air conditioner which I had cranked up because even though it was cold outside it was warm in the room when we arrived, too warm. Didn't think much of it at the time. as I inspected the room I discovered that our coffee cups were dirty from prior use. I also discovered that some of the towels had either make up or blood in them. Or on them. I'm not sure which is proper. In any case I didn't need to know if it was makeup or blood, I just knew that I needed new towels. I called down and explained about the towels and the coffee cups and immediately replacements were brought by the same gentleman who had shown us to our room. Good enough. I had also called and asked about leaving my shoes out to be shined and they took them that evening and returned them after I called the next morning. They looked like maybe they had been cleaned but I don't know about polished. Nonetheless, they were returned in good condition and in their own little travel bag. Anyway... Went to sleep after calling down to request a later check out, and slept like a baby. We woke up around the time we had scheduled for check out and so I called down and ask for yet another later check out and they gave me a couple or three more hours. Much more than sufficient and very generous. I thanked them and went to get ready. After I showered I noticed that that wet spot in the hallway which was still cold or damp, was much more so, and so I had my girlfriend check and she agreed that it was wet. It went in the closet as well. At check out I informed the very nice lady at the desk about the floor and when she asked if there were any other issues I did mention about the coffee cup and the towels. Not a huge deal, but as someone who has run a business, it's important to know about issues so that you can fix them. She very graciously offered a comp on one of the incidentals which was more than satisfactory. The valet pulled the car around and we were on our way. The hotel is a gem. It's not perfect, but it is top flight. I would have no hesitation recommending it or staying there again, in fact I look forward to it. Many thanks to the staff for taking such...

Pros: This hotel is in a good location with plenty to do in the area. Immediately upon arriving at the hotel we were greeted by friendly and knowledgeable staff. The lobby of the hotel is very nice and looks very clean and impressive when entering. Our room was a double queen and exactly as pictures show. Beds were comfortable.

Cons: There are some minor things worth mentioning. Immediately on checking into our room it was apparent it had not been cleaned thoroughly. There was a dirty shirt left in the dresser that was easy to spot right away. I notified the hotel staff and they immediately offered to send housekeeping. I declined as it was just once small incident but I did assume they would come collect the shirt; it was still sitting by the door in a plastic bag when we checked out. The bathroom sink did not drain and I heard from several other guest they were experience the same issues. Ordered two whiskey sours from the bar and received two glasses of lime juice with a slight hint of bourbon; this was completely different than what had been served prior too. Not worth the $15 I was charged. When making a breakfast reservation with the hotel restaurant, I was told they had a 10am available, when I asked if I could reserve that they told me no because they had a 10:30am reservation coming. Confused, I asked if they had anything available before 10am and I was told no but they had an 11am available. I mentioned that breakfast was over at 10:30am and the lady told me they had no longer had any remaining spots open and I would not be able to get a reservation. It was a very confusing conversation as I was just asking if they had any available openings. After the failed breakfast reservation I ordered breakfast for the kids to the room with a pot of coffee. They arrived quickly which was great and brought plenty of creamer. Unfortunately they delivered spoiled creamer that was curdled. I called in-room dining and explained what happened and they brought fresh creamer. After checking out I had the valet bring my vehicle and was told by the valet that something happened and my vehicle would not go into park. I got into the vehicle and attempted to shift into park and was unable to. I drove down the road to get out of the way and checked into what the problem was. The shifter had been forced into park and it broke the surrounding plastic guard preventing it from shifting without removing the debris. This is on a 2022 Toyota 4-Runner that has less than 15,000 miles on it.

Final thoughts: This hotel does a great job at making their guest feel welcomed however I do not feel I would be able to rate it a 4-star hotel. The Ritz-Carlton brand implies luxury and that is not exactly what we received. Rates at this hotel are extremely inflated and should match that of a standard 3-star hotel. If I do stay here in the future and it improves, I will...

The Hotel Bar at The Ritz Carlton Clayton - A Hidden Gem

Nestled within the prestigious Ritz Carlton in Clayton, the hotel bar is a well-kept secret that embodies elegance and charm. From the moment you step into the bar, you are greeted with an air of sophistication and refinement that sets the tone for a truly memorable experience.

One of the standout features of the hotel bar is its exquisite cocktail selection. The talented mixologists craft some of the most delectable and innovative cocktails that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Each drink is meticulously prepared, combining premium spirits, fresh ingredients, and creative garnishes. Whether you prefer classic cocktails or more adventurous concoctions, the bar offers a diverse range of options to suit every palate.

The cozy lounge area adds to the overall allure of the hotel bar. With plush seating, soft lighting, and a warm ambiance, it is the perfect setting for a relaxing nightcap or an intimate date night. The attentive and knowledgeable staff are always on hand to ensure that your experience is nothing short of exceptional, offering recommendations and expertly crafted drinks that cater to your preferences.

What sets this hotel bar apart is the seamless integration of its offerings with the overall elegance and beauty of the hotel. The bar seamlessly blends into the luxurious surroundings, creating a cohesive and immersive experience for guests. The attention to detail in the decor and the quality of service truly reflect the Ritz Carlton's commitment to excellence.

In addition to the bar's impressive cocktail menu, it is worth mentioning the impeccable service provided by the staff. The bartenders and servers are not only highly skilled at their craft but also attentive and personable. Their professionalism and willingness to go the extra mile contribute to an exceptional guest experience, making you feel welcome and valued throughout your visit.

Overall, the hotel bar at The Ritz Carlton in Clayton is a hidden gem that deserves recognition. From the stunning hotel rooms to the delightful cocktails and cozy lounge, it offers an enchanting setting for a nightcap or a romantic date night. If you're looking to indulge in a truly memorable experience, this bar is definitely worth a visit. Prepare to be captivated by the elegant atmosphere, mouthwatering drinks, and impeccable service that make it Clayton's...