The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay — Hotel in Half Moon Bay

Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay|October 2024||We recently celebrated my wife’s 75th birthday with a weekend stay at the Ritz Carlton at Half Moon Bay. I asked the hotel to do something special for my wife and they totally went over the top.||When we arrived, my wife received Happy Birthday greetings from the front security kiosk, the valets, the bellman, and the front desk. We were upgraded to a newly renovated ocean front one bedroom suite in the Guest Houses which is a short walk from the main hotel.||While waiting for our room, we ate lunch at the Ocean Terrace (outdoors) since it was warm and sunny. The view of the 18th green and ocean beyond was very relaxing. We became a little more relaxed when they served my wife a complimentary Happy Birthday glass of champagne. ||In our room (# 826), we found several special “welcome amenities” from the hotel. In the living room there was a mini birthday cake, a bottle of wine and charcuterie board with a Happy Birthday card from Ruben the rooms manager. In the bedroom a dozen brightly colored helium balloons danced on the ceiling. Everything was very festive and delicious. We definitely felt special.||The room renovation reflected changes both large and small (listed below), most of which I really liked. The only items I had mixed feelings about were the motion activated bathroom night light which needs to be adjusted to stay on a bit longer. I also think the tub needs a neck rest for the best soaking experience. A rolled up towel worked well for me. ||We don’t usually order in room dining, but we just couldn’t resist taking advantage of our room’s fantastic ocean view from the new dining room table. We dined at a leisurely pace and could open the sliding glass door to enjoy the breeze. The new table was great for dining, working on a laptop, or just sitting with your “stuff” scattered on the table while looking out at the great view. The table actually changed how much time we spent in the room.||We also dined at the Conservatory and Navio (recently renovated) for dinner. There were plenty of Happy Birthdays received at both restaurants. We had an excellent dinner at the Conservatory and enjoyed the spectacular 7 course tasting menu with wine pairing at Navio. Complimentary Happy Birthday deserts came with both meals. Chefs Francisco Simon and Alain Zhang both provided some table side service to us and congratulated my wife on her milestone Birthday. ||All in all we had a great experience at the Ritz Half Moon Bay. Our tips: 2nd Floor Guest House with Ocean view is a great room. Dine in the room. Tell the Ritz in advance about any special occasion you’re celebrating. Put your name on the upgrade list as far in advance as possible. You might be in a better position to get an upgrade if you arrive before noon (before room assignments are firmed up). The rates are better Sun & Mon nights, but Navio isn’t open those nights.||Thank You Ritz Team for making my wife’s 75th birthday memorable. Special thanks to Chefs Simon & Zhang, Ruben Andrade (asst rooms manager), Mr Nardini, Reid, Maria V. (servers), and the entire staff.| |Renovation comments below for those interested|We stayed in a guesthouse suite several years ago and were interested to see what had changed.||For people who like the Guest House rooms, here’s what we noticed:||• The overall color scheme is lighter and softer than the old dark brown colors.  Furniture, upholstery, drapes, and throw rugs are all lighter and color coordinated well.|• The carpet has been replaced with hardwood floors and throw rugs which gives cleaner feeling |• The new outdoor furniture is much nicer than the previous standard “patio” style furniture.|• The small oval table was replaced with a full dining room table with 4 comfortable chairs.  The table can be used for dining, for work (replaces desk), or a place to hang out with one of the best oceanfront views anywhere.  This is a huge improvement for “in room” dining.  The table has a center base instead of 4 legs so chairs can be positioned anywhere around the table.|• Overhead lighting above the dining room table replaces the pole lamp for living room lighting.  Big improvement.  |• The addition of wooden plant stand increases a “living room” feel.  Nice touch.|• The large, uncomfortable living room sofa couch replaced with a more space efficient and comfortable unit.  Creates more space.|• The solid wood credenza under living room was replaced by table top with fabric stools stored underneath.  Functional and creates a lighter (not heavy) look.  |• Replaced bedroom armchairs and ottomans with a loveseat   Creates more space.|• Removed desk that faces away from the window.  Good move.|• End of the bed bench is gone to create more space.  Suitcases can be unpacked on the low dresser under TV.|• Overhead and wall light in bedroom are an improvement over old floor pole lamp.|• New nightstand lamps with slide dimmer switch replaced by switch closer to the lamp.  Much better.|• New nightstands with plug and connector ports. 100% better.|• Clock radio replaces old clock  Much better.|• Big (60”?) TVS in the living room and bedroom.  Super Nice.  |• Closets reconfigured to his (short hanging clothes) and hers (long hanging clothes). Lighted hanger rod.  Shoe storage nooks.  Great and very functional.|• The safe is now recessed in a dresser drawer in the closet. Much more functional for guests.  Big improvement.|• The shower seems larger, has a bench, new shower heads (waterfall style and European style hand held) and a shelf for the pump bottles of soap, etc.  Excellent upgrade.|• Bathroom seems larger.  Is it an illusion?  Nice|• New, larger soaking tub |• Additional smaller sink if main sink is occupied.  Practical addition.  Nice.|• Improved bathroom lighting & addition of a motion sensitive night light. Nice.|• Simplified automatic shade controls.  Very Good.|• The coffee maker is larger. Real ceramic cups replace paper cups.|• Chilled Wine drawer under coffee maker. Great addition. |• Larger mini-fridge which is nice.|• Mini bar.|All in all – the rooms are lighter, brighter, and more spacious. ...

My wife and I recently completed a 4 night stay at the Ritz Carlton in Half Moon Bay, CA. We went to celebrate my 71st birthday and end the year with some R & R. We were warmly welcomed by the staff who, during our stay, wished me a birthday at every turn.||Birthday aside, we mostly experienced rest, relaxation, and really good service. A stay near the ocean in Half Moon Bay is a great place for R & R. However staying at the Ritz in Half Moon Bay was an extra special experience. The hotel is clean, well maintained, and nicely appointed. The hospitality from the staff and quality dining provided us with a luxury R & R experience. The room upgrade to a suite really added to our experience. We indulged ourselves in many of the hotel offerings such as fine dining at Navio and getting spa treatments. The staff treated us as honored guests which really let us enjoy just being there.||More details about our stay.|• The room upgrade - Wow!  Thank you Ritz!  Room 826 is our favorite room on the property.  Ocean views from a 2nd floor suite.|• Welcome and birthday amenities at different times during our stay - Wow again. Champagne and extra desserts here and there and a gift of bath salts at my wife’s spa treatment. |• Many of the staff acknowledged my 71st birthday with a smile which was fun and festive.||Dining |Navio - Navio is more than a restaurant, it is a culinary experience.  There are two prix fixed meal choices. One is a 3 course meal where you choose an appetizer, entrée, and dessert. The 7 course meal is set and provides almost everything the kitchen makes. We opted for the 3 course meal which was more than enough food for us. We sampled a caviar starter, Mt Lassen trout (like a carpaccio), Waygu beef tartare, Beef tenderloin, Colorado rack of lamb, and special desserts of pear and pumpkin. The new sommelier helped me select a very nice Pinot Noir that paired well with our meal. It was a great birthday dinner. The menu is on the Navio website if interested. ||The Conservatory – We had most of our meals at the Conservatory during our 4 night stay. The quality of the food and ingredients was excellent for all meals. The overall food preparation, taste and presentation was very good.||All the daytime and dinner servers (and support staff) at the Conservatory, Navio, and the Ocean Terrace gave us very good to excellent service. Special shout out to Maria V for her excellent and engaging service. She is an example of someone that gives more than service. She provides hospitality.||We had “in room” dining for one breakfast. The food and service were very good.||Also a special shout out to the entire front desk and concierge staff. Whenever we walked by or called, they were always eager to help and very accommodating. ||If you are in a celebratory mood or want some luxury R & R, I highly recommend the Ritz in Half Moon Bay, CA.||Tips for staying at the Ritz HMB|• I’ve found that the room rates are less expensive after Thanksgiving, for the first 2 ½ weeks in December and the first couple of weeks of January (except New Years).|• Sun to Wed are generally the lowest rates most of the year with the weekends being the highest. (Note: At this time, Navio is not open Sun, Mon, & Tues nights in case that is important to you.)|• If traveling with kids, you might want to get the Club Level option. This is a private lounge with a very nice selection of small bites, snacks, and alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages. The breakfast, lunch, and dinner service artfully laid out on a serving area. You can go back as often as you like and the kids have more freedom than in a restaurant. The view of the courtyard, coastline, and 18th green is very nice. On weekends, there is an omelet bar. Check with the hotel for the Club Level operating months (currently closed).|• The coastal view rooms are less expensive than oceanfront rooms, but still have a nice view of the coast and ocean. Many other hotels would call them ocean view rooms.|• Be sure to mention any special occasions you’re celebrating when you make the reservation. If you are not able to note the special occasion online, call the hotel, give them your confirmation #, and let them know the occasion. You could be greeted with some type of welcome amenity in the room or in the restaurant for a birthday, anniversary, or some special milestone. |• The Ritz HMB staff usually seems well informed about a special occasion you may be celebrating. However if they don’t mention it in the restaurant or elsewhere, you should! They often help celebrate with a tasty little treat or amenity.|• If booking during a slower period, be sure to ask for a room upgrade. You might be surprised.|• Dining – Check Navio’s days and hours of operation before making your reservation. Navio is closed Mon & Tues and is open for brunch but not dinner on Sundays. If you want to experience Navio, you should book one of your nights on a day that Navio is open.|• If you want an ocean view while dining, the Conservatory has a view comparable to Navio. Just go early to get the best table.|• If you have a special dietary need (vegetarian or vegan) and will dine at Navio, let them know in advance. You’ll be glad you did. In our case, Chef Francisco Simon created a special vegetarian menu! But give them several days notice.|• Note: In northern CA, there can be coastal fog from late May to August. That would include Half Moon Bay where the Ritz is located. The morning fog often burns off by the afternoon or it might not. It generally returns in the evening. If you want a lower likelihood of fog, plan your stay before May or...

I am a loyal Ritz Carlton customer - I have stayed in various locations across the United States for 3 consecutive nights in a eow (Dallas, Palm Springs, Colorado etc.) but ever since I moved to San Francisco, I have been visiting the Half Moon Bay location more frequently. My most recent stay was truly what confirmed that this will be the last time.

My fiancee and I visited the Ritz the July 4th holiday weekend to celebrate our anniversary and a promotion. Prior to arriving, I had asked for a room with a firepit and the staff mentioned that a complementary upgrade could not be granted until day of check in. Given the holiday weekend, I completely understood and paid $600 extra for an upgrade. Upon check-in, I also asked if there is any chance we can have a room with a partial view. They said that wouldn’t be possible and made no effort to see what is available. In addition, I asked once again (I had also made a note on my online reservation upon booking) for 2 champagne glasses and extra water bottles. None of these were in our room and I had to call the front desk 3x for them to delivered. Given the July 4th hecticness, I didnt think much of it and gave them the benefit of the doubt so I decided to give it another chance.

Fast forward to 3 months later when I decided to book another trip for myself and my grandmother who is an 84yo traveling all the way from Greece for this stay. Given what I knew from my July stay, I decided to initially book and prepay for a room with a firepit. A couple of weeks before check in, I called to ask for a room with an ocean view. At that time, the gentleman on the phone mentioned that the room booked was in the guesthouse and not the main building. I mentioned that, that was not my intention upon booking and since I am traveling with a disabled senior, I would appreciate if they could move us to the main building. He proceeded to say that would cost additional charges and if I didnt want to prepay, they would have to determine availability for a complementary upgrade upon checking in. I asked to speak with a manager (Miguel) who then confirmed that he has made a note of my request and given that the hotel did not seem fully booked for that night, it would likely be granted - especially given my unique circumstances. I also called a day before checking-in and Miguel said the same thing about low capacity, so I was hopeful and excited!

Upon checking in, I was greeted by a surprisingly rude lady at the front desk (4pm Thursday December 1st). She did not make any effort to grant us our request - we ended up having to pay extra (again) for a room in the main building. This happened even though Miguel himself was present at check in and left it up to her to decide, despite my multiple phone calls with him the weeks prior. After I swiped my card to pay for the change in buildings, she asked us if we needed anything else in the room and I confirmed that my reservation noted foam pillows and extra water bottles. Yet again, these were missing from the room and there were no slippers in the room either. Finally, whenever check in is complete, all guests are always offered a glass of white or red wine (the folks next to us received theirs), neither her nor Miguel offered us anything at all. It felt spiteful and highly unprofessional.

In summary: on top of having to pay extra because my grandma would not be able to walk back and forth from the guesthouse to the main building, our room was missing what we asked for + what should have already been there. Oh and btw - the pillows they brought much later (I called 2x that evening) were not foam pillows.

I am disappointed and honestly shocked. Given what is charged for a room, the minimum I would expect is excellent service. Unfortunately the Ritz has let us down more than once in a matter of 5 months. Even though the hotel’s location is stunning, unless there is a change in the service, I will not...