Luxury Hotels - Which is the supreme Ritz-Carlton property?

I am very interested in this brand of hotel, and will probably be staying at RC HK later in the year, maybe even in the Carlton Suite.

Looking through their website I can see many awesome properties, especially some of the resorts such as Sanya and Soma Bay, but I was wondering which property is known as the ultimate, or the flagship Ritz-Carlton hotel/resort in the world?

I am very interested in this brand of hotel, and will probably be staying at RC HK later in the year, maybe even in the Carlton Suite.

Looking through their website I can see many awesome properties, especially some of the resorts such as Sanya and Soma Bay, but I was wondering which property is known as the ultimate, or the flagship Ritz-Carlton hotel/resort in the world?

The RC Central Park is an excellent property. Their Berlin, HK, and SF, properties are also all beautiful.

Friend of mine really liked his stay at RC Laguna Niguel in California.

The Reserve Brand of Ritz Carlton is highly regarded ( Phulay Bay )

RCCP +!^

The Reserve Brand of Ritz Carlton is highly regarded ( Phulay Bay )

I also love Phulay Bay, but doesn't seem to get too many glowing reviews around here.

I wonder why there are no more Ritz Carlton Reserves? Surely Phulay Bay is a success for the brand? Why not add another, say Maldives or Samoa...

Phulay Bay without doubt. Stay in a Royal Beach Villa.

I remember hearing about another Reserve property planned for Thailand, but can't remember where. I think the R-C Reserve concept has a lot of potential.

Phulay Bay without doubt. Stay in a Royal Beach Villa.

I remember hearing about another Reserve property planned for Thailand, but can't remember where. I think the R-C Reserve concept has a lot of potential.

Agree completely re Phulay Bay. But the ironic thing is that to me what made it stand out as such a fine property was that it was *nothing* like a normal Ritz Carlton. Closer to an Aman. Nice quite there, but pretty darn close.

I've stayed at plenty of RC's globally and none are even close to Phulay Bay in that sense. By the way, regarding the 'Reserve' properties, the website had indicated a new one under development in Puerto Rico at some point, but references to it seemed to have disappeared last time I checked.

Quite a pity as I agree that the Reserve concept indeed does have significant potential. And it could become even more important if we see a devaluation of the Aman brand under new ownership...

By the way, regarding the 'Reserve' properties, the website had indicated a new one under development in Puerto Rico at some point, but references to it seemed to have disappeared last time I checked.

http://www.doradobeach.com/hotel/

115 rooms + residences.

Also, the long in development Ritz in Turks and Caicos is now also branded as a Reserve property. It's scheduled to have 125 suites and 75 villas.

To me, one of the qualifications for a resort to be more 'Aman-like' is that it is small (I believe Phulay Bay is something like 50 villas). Neither of the two properties that are scheduled to open as 'Reserve' properties meet that qualification, in my opinion.

http://www.doradobeach.com/hotel/

115 rooms + residences.

Also, the long in development Ritz in Turks and Caicos is now also branded as a Reserve property. It's scheduled to have 125 suites and 75 villas.

To me, one of the qualifications for a resort to be more 'Aman-like' is that it is small (I believe Phulay Bay is something like 50 villas). Neither of the two properties that are scheduled to open as 'Reserve' properties meet that qualification, in my opinion.

Thanks for the link. Nice website, but the pictures do little to inspire me. As you've indicated, it looks rather large and elaborate, especially in the imagery of the Beach Club.

Agreed on the importance of exclusivity and privacy to elevate the experience to Aman levels. Looks like RC is poisoning a good brand before it even gets off the ground...

That's a tough call and pretty subjective. I've stayed at 51 RC's so I don't have direct exposure to every single property. So far my favorites would include Half Moon Bay (CA) and Bali, but I'm not sure which property I would say is the most luxurious. They are all pretty darn good.

I've been to about 30 RC properties worldwide on three continents.

Good standouts for me: RC cps NYC, Bahrain, Doha
Underperformers: San Juan (worst in the system?), St Thomas

There's not a best....depends what you need/want. City vs Resort. Kids, couples, business travel. Those are big variables which will impact the answer.

Although Ritz is not always my favorite, I really like the Hotel Arts in Barcelona with a sea facing exec room on club floor, and like the Ritz Singapore with a harbor facing club premier or suite. Have not been to the ritz in hong kong but it is on my list! I like the ritz central park in NYC, but prefer the four seasons.

I am very interested in this brand of hotel, and will probably be staying at RC HK later in the year, maybe even in the Carlton Suite.

Looking through their website I can see many awesome properties, especially some of the resorts such as Sanya and Soma Bay, but I was wondering which property is known as the ultimate, or the flagship Ritz-Carlton hotel/resort in the world?
In a sense, Hong Kong is too new to serve as the flagship property that you're implicitly considering. NYC is always a good guess for inquiries of this sort, as are London, Paris and perhaps Tokyo, plus other European and American focal cities.

In the disappointing category, I would include the deflagged Huntingdon Beach Pasadena, Amelia Island near Jacksonville Florida, pre-renovation Montreal, pre-renovation Singapore, etc. even though these are all excellent hotels.

For me either Shanghai-Pudong or Hong Kong

In the disappointing category, I would include the deflagged Huntingdon Beach Pasadena, Amelia Island near Jacksonville Florida, pre-renovation Montreal, pre-renovation Singapore, etc. even though these are all excellent hotels.

Thankfully, the Pasadena location was re-flagged in [2007], and is no longer a Ritz.

In a sense, Hong Kong is too new to serve as the flagship property that you're implicitly considering. NYC is always a good guess for inquiries of this sort, as are London, Paris and perhaps Tokyo, plus other European and American focal cities.

The Ritz London is only a partner hotel (not under R-C management). The Ritz Paris has no affiliation whatsoever with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company.

R-C Tokyo has some very good points, but also quite a few drawbacks ranging from awkwardly designed suites, overall poor quality finish on rooms and public space, and inconsistent service. It has an excellent location and overall is an acceptable choice, but it is far from being the best R-C property.

In Asia I think Hong Kong and Phulay Bay are quite clearly positioned as flagship properties. In North America, R-C Central Park also stands out, as no other R-C city hotel in the region even compares.

For those wondering, it seems RC have reinvested their efforts in the Reserve brand...

Their website now shows the following to be in development:

Tamuda Bay, Morocco
Muscat, Oman
Dorado Bay, Puerto Rico (opening December 2012)
Los Cabos
West Caicos

This may not be news for some people, but for me I am sure the last time I looked on the website (a matter of weeks ago) only Phulay Bay was present!

Ritz central park is great but had bad service (too busy) over holidays last year despite suite over central park being beautiful view. Crazy I know, but we actually prefer the layouts and view of the suites at Battery Park location in NY, although a subway/taxi to everywhere. Love RC HK but will wait to see how develops as so new (stayed there in month after opening). Overall, favorite (although rooms need a refresh in some cases) is always Grand Cayman, best large beach resort around. And I would say that the Reserve properties looks great but not sure that is really in line with question as a "Ritz Carlton" property, as is a whole different concept. Some people like the smaller, Aman style experience as is clear on this board in particular. But Ritz Carlton is more traditional large hotel experience, either at resorts or in cities, and HK and GC are tops in the two categories that I have been to in last couple years.

RC Central Park and Hong Kong ^
RCHK is my favorite.

Bahrain and Doha were mentioned above. I don't like the RC Bahrain much, the RC Doha is rather nice but far from the "supreme" RC experience. You mention Sanya - a colleague who spent some time there complained about the service, although I had a wonderful time, experienced great service, and think the property is lovely and relaxing, so I would recommend it.

For me, the supremo RC is the RC Chicago :p:D

For me, the supremo RC is the RC Chicago :p:D

There always has to be a joker in the class :)

For those wondering, it seems RC have reinvested their efforts in the Reserve brand...

Their website now shows the following to be in development:

Tamuda Bay, Morocco
Muscat, Oman
Dorado Bay, Puerto Rico (opening December 2012)
Los Cabos
West Caicos

This may not be news for some people, but for me I am sure the last time I looked on the website (a matter of weeks ago) only Phulay Bay was present!

Thanks for posting, this is great news. Looking forward to trying these out. I assume that the lack of dates on everything but PR means they will open in 2013 and beyond..

Good, gives me time to continue my Aman journeys..

I think Ritz-Carlton has lost their way somewhat in recent years. I recently stayed at their downtown Los Angeles location and it was shockingly bad. The room decor reminded me of a Hilton Garden Inn.

I think Ritz-Carlton has lost their way somewhat in recent years. I recently stayed at their downtown Los Angeles location and it was shockingly bad. The room decor reminded me of a Hilton Garden Inn.

Funny you should mention- I stayed at the Naples FL location which is directly on the golf course and had a similar thought- it was a holiday inn with a marble bathroom.

For me, the supremo RC is the RC Chicago :p:D

;)

Just thought I'd share this awesome 19 minute tour of RC Phulay Bay, from YouTuber MrKesavaraj:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Liu4XuBMqM&feature=g-u-u

What do people think?

Just thought I'd share this awesome 19 minute tour of RC Phulay Bay, from YouTuber MrKesavaraj:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Liu4XuBMqM&feature=g-u-u

What do people think?

I am a fan of Phulay Bay, and will stay again.

I do not think this video does the property justice, as it seems to have been taken at dead low tide. Also the villa shown is a 'Beach Villa' which is not one of the best choices at the resort. The Reserve and Royal Beach Villas are much nicer.

Picking one, I'd say:
RCCP- though, like others in NYC these days, it hobbles on without a proper restaurant. In the days of Atelier and cavair in the Club, it was my favorite hotel in the world.

Looking fwd to trying Moscow next week assuming I get a visa in time...

HK, Sin, Pudong in Asia
Barcelona, Wolfsburg, Istanbul and Dublin
Bahrain
Kapalua, Toronto, Bachelor Gultch, Tucson and Dallas

There is lots of love for the RCCP here and while I love the location, I don't quite get it being at the top of the list. I've only stayed at 5 RC's of varying tiers, all but one on club level, but if they were side by side on central Park, the RCCP would probably be my 4th or 5th choice. There really isn't a heck of a lot to the hotel as far as big city hotels go and it currently doesn't even have a restaurant.
Don't get me wrong, I really like the hotel and would stay again but for the Tier 5 level, I was a bit underwhelmed. What am I missing?

What am I missing?

You're not missing anything in particular I'd say. RCCP is residential in feel and doesnt have the flash of the MO over at TWC for example. But that's not a knock against RCCP; it's just a different experience. I'd say the most similar 5* to it in how it feels is Trump Intl. And, between the two, the hotel common areas' layout heavily favor the RCCP imo...though the restaurants at Trump are the best among all the 5*s in the city.

Wolfsburg

Wolfsburg has always interested me although I have never stayed there- a "design" RC is an interesting idea and was only ever really launched in Germany (ex-Berlin with Lagerfield and Wolfsburg). Is it worth a weekend?

The RC in Maui is one of my favourites

I always enjoy Hong Kong.

There seems to be a fairly good number of people on this board and from other credible sources that RCCP is not only the best RC but the best hotel in NYC (which puts it among the best hotels in the world).

Ritz-Carlton Dorado Beach will open on 12/12/12, and it should be a stunning resort. Every room is beach front.

Ritz-Carlton Dorado Beach will open on 12/12/12, and it should be a stunning resort. Every room is beach front.
Any idea on rates/packages there David? Or is it too early to speculate.

rack rates were posted a while ago by someone on this board but I can't find them :( . Think it was about 1500 dollars / night for the lowest accomodation.

Any idea on rates/packages there David? Or is it too early to speculate.

Actually you can book online for stays starting early next year (random search shows for a week long stay in july 2013 :
959 USD for Ocean Reserve (lowest) and 6 room categories are available (from 959 to 2400 USD for their tranquility suite).
Rates are available on the website (http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Reserve/DoradoBeach/Default.htm) but no packages yet

Any idea on rates/packages there David? Or is it too early to speculate.
https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Reserve/DoradoBeach/Default.htm
dorado site up
reservations from jan 2 and low season starts apr 7 (easter = mar 31)
i have to assume the rates loaded so far are rack (only) as theyre extremely high

had forgotten, also confirming rack rates >Reservations will open August 1st.
Rack rates are expected to be;

Already booked Dorado for 12/18.

Other favorites HK, Pudong, Singapore, Dubai Beach, Barcelona, Toronto, Dove Mountain, Key Biscayne, Bachelor Guch. Moscow but because there is little choice until 4S or MO open!

There seems to be a fairly good number of people on this board and from other credible sources that RCCP is not only the best RC but the best hotel in NYC (which puts it among the best hotels in the world).

Just logged another stay at RCCP. Wonderful service and staff; and among the very best front door staffs in the world. Rooms still immaculate. But until the restaurant and bar re-open; it's very difficult to say that it's the best in NYC. It simply gets an incomplete grade in those key areas for now, while the other hotels have the advantage of even having the facilities to grade. The good news is that apparently Norman will be back when the bar re-opens.

All this being said, the hotel aspects are superb and if that's all you need you simply cannot go wrong here.

I just got an email from Phulay Bay that included a link to their new property video http://www.phulay-bay.com/en/Video-Phulay-Bay-A-Ritz-Carlton-Reserve

For me Phulay Bay is clearly the top Ritz-Carlton property, and I am looking forward to Dorado Beach and hopefully other Reserve properties in the future.

For City hotels I would vote for Hong Kong and New York Central Park, although I am curious to see how the Vienna property (formerly Shangri-La) will turn out.

Ritz-Carlton Dorado Beach will open on 12/12/12, and it should be a stunning resort. Every room is beach front.

Do you think they will pull it off in terms of service?

Every RC in the islands is terrible (as to service and food), with the RC-San Juan ranking as the worst in the system (imho). The St Regis Bahia also fails to deliver on the service experience (though Fern is quite good).

I know the Dorado Beach is contemplated to be the deluxe tier of RCs, and the location looks nice...but is it executable in Puerto Rico by anyone?

Just logged another stay at RCCP. Wonderful service and staff; and among the very best front door staffs in the world. Rooms still immaculate. But until the restaurant and bar re-open; it's very difficult to say that it's the best in NYC. It simply gets an incomplete grade in those key areas for now, while the other hotels have the advantage of even having the facilities to grade. The good news is that apparently Norman will be back when the bar re-opens.

All this being said, the hotel aspects are superb and if that's all you need you simply cannot go wrong here.

I struggle to rank a hotel in NYC above the RCCPS either.

Their facility, the old St Moritz Hotel, has some tough limitations - for example, there is only room for one restaurant and a diminutive bar.

The MO, for example, has far better hotel facilities (spa, pool, bar), but is an inferior hotel overall.

I just got an email from Phulay Bay that included a link to their new property video http://www.phulay-bay.com/en/Video-Phulay-Bay-A-Ritz-Carlton-Reserve

For me Phulay Bay is clearly the top Ritz-Carlton property, and I am looking forward to Dorado Beach and hopefully other Reserve properties in the future.

For City hotels I would vote for Hong Kong and New York Central Park, although I am curious to see how the Vienna property (formerly Shangri-La) will turn out.

Fantastic video, appreciate you sending the link. Certainly makes me want to return soon. Besides, sometimes we need a change of pace from Phuket, right?

Certainly makes me want to return soon. Besides, sometimes we need a change of pace from Phuket, right?

I totally agree, in Fact I go to Krabi more regularly then I go to Phuket. The video reminds me of how delicious the food is at Phulay Bay.

For me either Shanghai-Pudong or Hong Kong

But, they're both on the wrong side of the river/harbor. In spite of the small rooms, I actually like the Portman (and it is cheap), though I feel that Shangri-La did much better job running it than RC (e.g. the men's spa used to be amazing).

Has anyone stayed at the Ritz Battery Park? I have some points to spend and the RCCP isn't available this Wednesday.

Has anyone stayed at the Ritz Battery Park? I have some points to spend and the RCCP isn't available this Wednesday.


sure, we generally like RCBP if the location is ok for you. should be a decent amount of fairly recent thoughts here if you search...

Has anyone stayed at the Ritz Battery Park? I have some points to spend and the RCCP isn't available this Wednesday.

It's a good hotel, it's the location that makes it another type of stay entirely. Certain weekends it can feel almost deserted, in Jan-Feb you can find rates as low as $240 (I believe I've posted about this elsewhere on this forum previously).

[QUOTE=DrivingRain;19361532]Just logged another stay at RCCP. Wonderful service and staff; and among the very best front door staffs in the world. Rooms still immaculate. But until the restaurant and bar re-open; it's very difficult to say that it's the best in NYC. It simply gets an incomplete grade in those key areas for now, while the other hotels have the advantage of even having the facilities to grade. The good news is that apparently Norman will be back when the bar re-opens.

All this being said, the hotel aspects are superb and if that's all you need you simply cannot go wrong here.
Do you know when the bar reopens?I met Norman a good few times when there,a true professional, a real old timer,old style New york barman.
I hope he's keeping well,I knew he had some health issues a few years ago.
Is the bar likely to be open in November when we're back?

What about the Ritz Carlton Miami South Beach ?
how would you rate that ?

What about the Ritz Carlton Miami South Beach ?
how would you rate that ?

The clientele is predominantly younger than on most RCs which makes the experience somewhat different. I was there just last week, in the off-season it feels somewhat empty while the Loews next door was buzzing with activity.

As I think I've said on this forum before, I consider the Georgetown Ritz to be their best property in the United States.

The clientele is predominantly younger than on most RCs which makes the experience somewhat different. I was there just last week, in the off-season it feels somewhat empty while the Loews next door was buzzing with activity.
Was the room renovation finished ?
How are the new rooms ?

Was the room renovation finished ?
How are the new rooms ?

I just went there for lunch. I actually stayed at the RC Fort Lauderdale.


Which was a great hotel. Though we were woken two mornings by heavy construction on the floor above us (and continued construction around lunch on the third day). The 15th floor and up are hotel residences and being renovated apparently.

I brought this up with the front desk on the 2nd day and they said it would not resume yet it did. I was disappointed that this happened at an RC. They conceded that this was unacceptable and took of half a day's charge but I would have preferred they were upfront with me and moved me to another room.

15th floor and up are hotel residences and being renovated apparently


34 condohotel on floors 15-17 (11 on 15th, 10 on 16th, 13 on 17th)
28 residences on floors 18-24 (1 year min lease last i checked)

I'm currently staying on the club level of the R-C South beach and can confirm the renovations are finished.
The coridoors have new carpet wallpaper and lights leading to the rooms.
Everything in our room is new including the shower fittings.
I like the new decor,its a kind of art deco contemporary.

While I've always felt at home here,I'm seeing a definite ratchet upwards in the level of service.Everyone greets you,everyone smiling.
Lunch presentations in the club lounge are also very good.The hostesses are exceptionally friendly and help full.
I see they have access to the room map/reservation system and were sorting someone with a room change to one with a balcony(floors 7 and 8 have none).
We're on virtuoso so prefer to have breakfast by the pool which is included and is a full buffet with an omelette station,whereas the club at this time is just a continental.
There is a narrow terrace on the club lounge,but it is closed,its like the one at the four seasons Hong Kong so too narrow to have seating,I must ask why its closed though.