Ritz-Cartlton Palm Beach, Florida, USA

This hotel will touch all your senses says Robin Roth

21 October 2008

From the moment I drove into the Ritz-Carlton entrance, with its lavish landscaping and beautiful fountains, I felt the glamorous, renowned mystique of the Palm Beach world. I was quite taken by the warm and easy ambiance, combined with the stunning grandeur of the newly decorated foyer which displayed a spectacular view of the Atlantic Ocean . The décor of the lobby is relaxed and open, yet ultra-stylish and elegant with calming earth tones and extraordinarily lush, cozy sitting areas. 

The grounds of the hotel comprises acres of gorgeous tropical gardens, exclusive beach front property, cool ocean breezes, and an abundance of South Florida sunshine.

The award winning Ritz-Carlton offers the first-of-its-kind approach to service with an exceptionally trained staff presenting personalized service who remarkably knew my name upon entering the hotel even before I registered. Every request was greeted with kind words such as,  “Of couse as you wish”, “No worries”, "My pleasure", and “Absolutely right away”. How special to hear in today’s fast paced world.

The Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach Hotel has several different room categories. I stayed in a stunning deluxe, ocean- front king suite. Both the chic living room and bedroom featured a double-sized private balcony overlooking the pool areas and the ocean as far as the eye could see. My suite was not only beautiful but immensely roomy and comfortable with every amenity I could dream of. Lanai terrace guestrooms and suites are a great way to enjoy the comfort and flexibility of the first floor with easy access to the beach and swimming pools.

Club Level guestrooms and suites are a premier selection for any traveller desiring that extra special touch. The Club Lounge with Concierge is an extra benefit of choosing this category.

All the hotel rooms have a  private balcony, marble bath with rain showerheads, separate bathtub, hair dryer, exquisite Italian-made mahogany furnishings, wood-lined closet, sleeper chair and ottoman,  32” LCD HDTV flat-screen television with DVD player, On-demand video and viewing guide, laptop-friendly safe, wireless internet, two-line cordless telephones, complimentary morning newspaper, twice-daily housekeeping attention, room service available 24 hours a day, bath butler and bath menus, complimentary overnight shoeshine, overnight laundry service, dry cleaning, and a fully stocked honour bar. Suites offer the above amenities with the addition or upgrade of: bedside pamper-panel controls, sofa sleeper instead of chair, bedroom chaise, two bathrooms, oversized ocean-view bathtub, two 32" LCD HDTV flat-screen television and DVD players.

Dining at the Ritz-Carlton offers several options:

Temple Orange

Ocean-view restaurant with in and out-door dining, serving breakfast, lunch and featuring contemporary Italian cuisine for dinner. I myself highly recommend the Barolo braised veal shank and the grouper Potacchio, simply yummy. Don’t forget the “molten cake and shake for dessert”.

Oceanfront Cabana Dining

In the private cabanas, chefs create a unique, customized, magical evening on the ocean's edge.


Breeze

Cocktails and light fare on the ocean's edge.

Stir Bar & The Terrace

Daytime location for refreshments and a light menu, and the evening social center around the oceanfront terrace and fire pit.

Angle

Is an ultra upscale, modern American restaurant with regional influences, fresh seafood and prime cuts.   

One of my favorite experiences at the Ritz was their lovely afternoon tea. The gorgeous ocean view setting, comfy couches, luscious tea sandwiches, scones and pastries make this event an enjoyable afternoon must.

The hotel features two incredible outdoor pools, a 3,000-square-foot oceanfront terrace with a lovely evening fire pit, oceanfront dining and the AquaNuts Ritz Kids facility. The Aquanuts is an astounding playroom with computers, music and dress up costumes, sports, games, arts and crafts, swimming pool play, and nature tours and is ideal for kids. For teenagers there is the Coast Teens Lounge.

Some other features are the Boutique Spa with luxurious Spa treatments, a state of the art fitness facility, oceanfront cabana rentals filled with everything imaginable, three tennis courts with on-site pro, preferred seating at most of the area’s featured attractions, full aquatic sports, boating and fishing, technology butler services, babysitting services, limousine services, valet parking, and shopping concierge.

Another key perk is the 24-hour access Golden Parachute Business Lounge. The Ritz-Carlton Palm Beach offers the most innovative, futuristic, progressive facilities and approach for their business guests. The centre has computer terminals, screen LCD televisions, high speed internet access, colour printer, copy machines and fax, support staff, audio visual services, equipment rental, shipping and administrative services. There are, also air-conditioned Pool-side Business Cabanas with private terraces adjacent to the resort pool where business professionals can conduct a conference call, a meeting, or even a working lunch.

This stunning hotel is first class yet regarding what to wear, I felt just as comfortable wearing swim wear as I did formal attire.

Verdict: This top notch hotel  is the ideal destination for a romantic getaway, honeymoon, family vacation, a luxurious, restful escape, or simply for the purpose of business.

www.Ritzcarlton.com
Tel:  561-533-6000  
100 South Ocean Boulevard, Manalapan , FL 33462 USA