The Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach

Excellent resort! Exceptional service, everything was covered for us to have a great vacation. Staff is friendly and professional at all times.

What a dissapointment. We stayed at the Ritz-​Carlton Palm Beach for Memorial Day weekend, 2013. It was my first time in Palm Beach. I was excited to be staying at a hotel with such a prestigious reputation, as we were ready to splurge for the holiday weekend. We considered staying at The Breakers, but decided on Ritz-​Carlton. We made a huge mistake.
Some highlights (I mean lowlights) include:
1) THE LOOK: The layout, look, feel of the pool area and pool bar/​café was dissapointing. Might as well been a Holiday Inn. (Call me a snob but for the pricepoint of $ 450/​night, I just expected something more upscale.) The lobby was somewhat impressive, but certain touches, like flowers, were not.
2) THE STAFF: There were grossly understaffed pool waiters, bartenders, towel help. We had to chase down staff for a drink, and still would wait 15 – 20 minutes for someone to take an order. Once they did, it’d take too long to get that drink/​food. One of the waiters told us, «we’re seeing more than we expected this weekend.» If they’re anything like me, other people typically book hotels weeks in advance so it shouldn’t have been a surprise. They had enough time to staff for it. No excuse.
3) THE POOLSIDE MENU: The poolside food was subpar at best. It was skimpy with a small number of items, all of which were just what you’d see at a city public pool snack bar — no exaggeration.
3) THE HOUSEKEEPING: I had to remind the housekeeping that my room hadn’t been cleaned one day, and it was at 5pm and still hadn’t been done. I have a sense they forgot and weren’t planning on turning it over at all that day. We did NOT have the do not disturb light on.
4) THE RESTAURANT SERVICE: Temple Orange restaurant service was bad. Waitress outside was insincere, sporting a fake almost blank stare and forced smile, always saying «my pleasure» to anything we asked for. It was the worst on our last morning, when we were there for breakfast at 8am inside and there were only 2 other tables being used. We still had to flag someone down to get our water glasses filled.
I could go on and on but I’m tired. Of ranting. I hope this helps others considering hotel options in Palm Beach.

Nice Hotel, unfortunately slightly dirty beach. Some rooms could need restauration, but at the end of the day a nice location with fantastic service.

Photographed a wedding here a couple weeks ago. One of the most gorgeous wedding by far I’ve seen. The staff was very much on top of things and the food was very good!

Stayed here just one night for my boyfriend’s best friend’s wedding. The venue was beautiful, although I wasn’t able to use a lot of the facilities because I was studying for the bar exam. On a positive note, I can tell you all about what the room looked like, because I spent almost all my time in there. Room was comfortable, although very dimly lit– too dark for me. Balcony overlooking the water was beautiful. Food was SO expensive. I went downstairs to the bar to order a fruit plate (not on menu) and it cost me about $ 20 (pictured). So not worth it. Their wedding was absolutely stunning, so not sure how much of it was the hotel’s doing, but the venue made for a wonderful event. If I ever got a deal here with good rates I would come back and enjoy the facilities I am sure.
TIP: The bathroom in the room is HUGE and absolutely GORGEOUS.

I came here with four girlfriends in October for a four day/​3 night deluxe spa vacation and it was everything we could have hoped for! Our standard room was beautiful, the grand lounge was spectacular (esp at night with the great up-​lighting and an amazing DJ), we loved the pool and poolside refreshment, the beach was so relaxing & perfect for a warm ocean swim, and Spa Eau was other-​wordly: we never wanted to leave!
As a tip: we found the best Spa Eau deals on their Facebook page as well as through their email list.
We loved all of our treatments (manis, pedis, massage, scrubs, floatation) and we lounged in the spa’s courtyard for days wearing our plush RC bathrobes while swinging in the hanging chairs above the babbling pond while nibbling on their complimentary cupcakes. My only regret is not buying the fantastic RC PB signature scented lotion and candles that are used throughout the property. I haven’t found anything else like them elsewhere.
There are so many fun, whimsical touches throughout the spa including a charming wishing well as you enter the spa, a beautiful chandelier made from hundreds of vintage champagne glasses, wonderful heated tile lounging beds in the sauna (next to the fully-​enveloping rain shower), as well as the jumbo chess set in the gardens.
The resort’s location was fantastic, too: just minutes to The Breakers (gorgeous!) and the Flagler mansion (must see). Lively Miami is about an hour away and the tropical Florida Keys are just south of there.
My girlfriends and I can’t wait to return though I’m sure it would also be a very romantic destination for two!

Property is really nice — typical Ritz Carlton. There are a lot of staff around, all very attentive. Pool staff is great– warning: We are here on a busy holiday weekend and pool and beach chairs are gone by 9am. I don’t really like fighting for a beach chair, but once we got settled, it was a great day. Lunch at Breezes– we ate pool side. Food is very reasonable– frozen drinks are a bit high at $ 14 for a frozen drink.
Check in was okay. If you get Ahmed, you may be better off waiting for the next assistant to help. Our room was not «available», which is not uncommon for a hotel and I was okay with that, except that Ahmed was condescending in his tone and acted like he was doing us a favor by getting us another room. Not how I like to start my vacation.
All in all, a nice place to get away for a few days with kids.

Everything at the Ritz is wonderful! Except for there Spa Eau! Not worth the price. I have been there 3 times. Each time I was treated not the best and my massage was so so. Hope this helps! The Ritz run spas are wonderful! Eau Spa is not run by the Ritz. :(

I ventured here last night with some friends. I can’t speak to a hotel stay here, but they have a LOVELY bar area in the back that’s right on the beach. The best thing of all was that is was an unusually chilly evening in South Florida and they have this classy, circular seating area around a large bonfire (that is, if bonfires can actually be classy)…the seating consisted of cozy couches, some with tables and others with cozy chairs and small side tables. It was so beautiful to sit in front of the fire, look up at the stars and hear the ocean in the background… the best of all worlds. The people watching was really interesting as well… I won’t get into specifics but I was riveted!
Expect to pay premium prices… one of my friends foolishly asked if there were any happy hour specials and the waitress gave her a stern look and said «No…this is The Ritz» (sniff — nose in the air)! I will warn you that the food was not extraordinary by any means… we ordered a flat bread pizza, a sushi roll and a cheese plate… meh…it put food in our bellies to sop up the wine, but I was not blown away. That being said, I will definitely go back for the ambiance alone was worth every, single penny… easy for me to say, though — I didn’t foot the bill! :-)

My one and only complaint: no free wifi. Huge problem for someone on business and a blessing in disguise for those wanting to get away from it all.
I loved everything else about my stay and didn’t want to leave. I wasn’t just treated well, I was spoiled. I never opened a door for myself, my kids never got nasty looks from employees nor other guests, and most importantly — we all relaxed and didn’t worry about a darn thing. The staff at the front desk is super informative and can help you with just about anything including getting a car rental. There’s a small library at the front desk as well which consists of DVDs. We decided to make it movie night and checked out a few, then bought some popcorn while out in town. When we made it up to the room, we realized that there wasn’t a microwave in there. Whoops! One phone call down to the front desk and ten minutes later, we had a microwave delivered to our room. If that’s not customer service, I’m not sure what is.
The beach front access is convenient no matter which way your room faces. There were always towels available and even a little stash of toys for kids to use on the beach. The only downside is that when the tide comes in, the beach almost disappears. At least that was the case on a couple of nights for us.
The elegance of the Ritz and hospitality could not have been better for our young family of four. I would recommend it for couples as well; one of the pools is «suggested» for adults only, making it a quiet place to crash after a long day of doing nothing if you find yourself sans kiddos. However, if you want to ensure you have a kid-​free pool, call ahead and ask if any events have been booked before your stay. One of the nights we stayed we were redirected to the «tranquility pool» (even though we were with our children) since a private event had been booked at the main pool. So sorry for the guests that were expecting a quiet day in the piscina. Yikes! Regardless, we weren’t treated any differently from the bartenders there nor the other guests.
I love Palm Beach, but I think I like the Ritz even more. I can’t imagine staying any where else if I find myself back in FL. Oh! And don’t be surprised if you run into big-​name celebrities while there. That’s just how the Ritz rolls.

All these 5 star reviews must be incentivized or fake, this is by far the worst Ritz I have ever stayed at. I am not a snob but for 600 a night there are expectations.
First, this hotel is not in or even near Palm Beach. I had business in Palm Beach and as we usually do we brought up the Ritz web site to check if they had a hotel where we were going. Sure enough the Ritz lists Palm Beach as a location where they have a hotel. Called Amex booked and received a time of booking upgrade to an ocean view room.
9:00 PM driving north from Miami to Palm Beach took an hour 20. GPS took me to 100 ocean Blvd in Palm Beach. Not a hotel in sight. Called the hotel and was advised to drive 30 minutes south to Manalapan. Wait, Manalapan? Why do you call it the Ritz Palm Beach if it’s not in or near Palm Beach? Nobody had a good answer but I think we all know why, if they called it Ritz Carlton Manalapan nobody going to Palm Beach would book a stay here!
9:30 PM… checked in, pushy bell hop wants his tip before bringing bags up. I tip him and he switches with another bell hop. Nice, feeling like a mark not a guest at this point.
9:40 PM… mediocre dinner at the main restaurant, waiters taking drinks away before they are empty, bringing entrées before apps are done, 18% auto grat on a party of 2. Filet, salad, shrimp app and calamari plus $ 80 bottle of wine. Total? $ 280. I have eaten at Michelin 5 star restaurants for that price.
9:00 AM… woke up, opened the blinds only to see another building. No ocean in sight (pic attached), not even from the balcony. Surely there was a mix up right? This is a Ritz not a motel 8. Called the hotel to clear it up. Was told that indeed I am in an Ocean View.
I quote «Sir you are in an ocean view. If you lean over the balcony and turn your head to the left you can see the ocean.»
Seriously. If you are limber and unafraid of heights you can see the ocean for a few moments at a time.
Lesson? If you want a nice hotel with a view of the ocean in or near Palm Beach, FL do not stay here. Ritz Carlton should be embarrassed to license their brand to this mid grade deceptive motel quality scam of a hotel.

Love the Ritz in Palm Beach. Excellent service by all the staff and the place is just beautiful! The rooms are great and the beach is just to die for.

We just celebrated our «Forty & Fabulous» girls weekend at the Ritz. It was FANTASTIC!!! Everyone has a that unique way of making you feel special. Everything they do is «my pleasure». I LOVE that!
There were ten of us so we really moved in for three days. The Ritz delivered a giant, yummy cupcake & a bottle of champagne to our suite as their gift to us. The ambience in the lobby in the evening is so luxurious.
The pool area was too crowded & we couldn’t find chairs all together so we decided on a cabana — I definitely recommend it! Plus an umbrella on the beach. MARC TOOK SUCH GOOD CARE OF US!!! He was friendly, attentive & adorable. (You may want to remind parents that the Serenity Pool is for adults only).
Breakfast was delicious. Most of us ordered the Hangover Skillet. However, the service for breakfast was very very slow. The garden at Eau Spa is definitely something to see. Spend a few hours relaxing, reading, or napping after an incredible massage.
Ritz Palm Beach… we’ll all definitely be returning. And tell Marc we said «Hi». And John, too. REMARKABLE SERVICE bar none!

I stayed during the high season in the winter and could not get a waiter at the pool, the service was terrible. I also had the WORST Pina Coloda I ever drank, they use a cheap mix to make them. The casual restuarant where u have breakfast also had very bad service, we sat at our table on two occassions I had to get up and find a waiter. Food was good though. The bon fire area at night in the back also had terribrl bar service again I had to get up and find a waiter. I will never stay at the Ritz Carlton Palm Beach again. Sooo over rated. when I made a complaint they just said sorry and we hope you come back. Seems like these chain allegedly 4– 5 diamond hotels are no longer looking at the details any longer. Ritz Carlton… no more!!!
I suggest «The Breakers» in Palm Beach, they are the best I have stayed there 5 times.

If you can keep driving… please contine to Boca Raton instead! use your money wisely and go to the Boca Beach Club.
This week I spent almost $ 500 for one night at the ritz.
Ok fine, the lobby is nice… but they had a big party going on for Lexus sales people? and I had to walk past a ton of salespeople drinking and eating stinky snacks in the hallway outside the «ballroom» to get to my room.
Beach is pretty small, and you better cross your fingers that the tide is out. otherwise you ay not even be able to fit a lay out chair between the water and the seawall.
Like I said, Keep driving down the highway and go straight to Boca Raton and forget about sleepy ol palm beach…

how can I give a 5 star beach front hotel a 4 star review? It’s hard to judge 5 star hotels against other 5 star hotels because they all start being so amazing that you have to nit pick. Sure the hotel staff and management will get on their soapboxes about what image and extra’s they bring to the table but it all comes down to the details.
I only stay at these hotels on business trips which allows me to interact with multiple hotel depts and staff.
The Ritz is #$#ing beautiful. Their valet and front desk staff is impeccable.
When my company drops thousands (if not millions) at these places my expectations match the $$$ sign. I had to setup some printers and network routers. Using our Batphone that the hotel provided us, I called the front desk to ask for one of their IT guys to come down. They sent a AV guy (audio/​video) who wasn’t versed in the ways of networking. When I asked where the IT guy was they said he supports multiple hotels and was out at another location. Thus the 4 star review.
As a guest I would never have to deal with this and would’ve never known about their IT being spread too thin.
Onward my dear friends!
They have two pools and I could only find 1 hot-​tub. I didn’t knock then down another star for this because it’s a smaller property and might not have enough room for multiple pools and hot-​tubs.
Also the beach hadn’t been manicured the day I actually got down there. Yes these resorts rake the crap (seaweed, broken shells and rocks) off their beaches to create a tranquil experience for their guest. My foot went right into a pile of seaweed full or sharp half broken shells. Can you believe it! heheh
Any way the ritz is an amazing place and I’d stay there again.

This hotel is amazing!
Private beach? Check!
Gorgeous Lobby? Check!
Clean rooms? Check!
Friendly staff? Check!
Check! check! check!
Everything you want in a hotel is right here. It is kind of in the middle of no where but it’s what makes it great. Beautiful all around and I would definitely be back when I’m in Palm Beach again. Yes, this hotel is a pricey but what can you expect from a 5 star hotel and in a prime location in West Palm Beach. Worth every penny you spend! The wait service isnt too shabby as well. Order a mojito by the beach and have it delivered to you… you don’t have to move a single muscle haha

Its a Ritz,
few years back a major re-​do, grounds and pools 5 stars, it is a classic and the food well worth the price, rooms ocean view well worth the price.
I see lots of folks say about kids, never had a problem with kids at the pool it is more than large area for all to enjoy!

This place is awesome. Its as good as it gets. Every Restaurant I tried was outstanding. They have a seafood Buffet that was outstanding. The place on the sea wall was a perfect place to sit back and take it all in. If youwalk down the beach to the public beach. There is also a great place their to get breakfast or lunch.
The Beach was perfect. Lots of fish swimming in the water of all colors.
The Pools at the Ritz were great. It was perfect to sit down and just let the time roll by.
The Bars, were even better. The Housekeeping was perfect. I travel a lot, 50+ nights a year in a hotel. This was one of the finest hotels I ever stayed in.

Very Nice Ritz Carlton on Manalapan.
What’s not to like… oh the $ 5 soda from the pool bar and the $ 28 valet parking.

Everything you ever heard about the Ritz is true. Exceptional service, elegant décor, attention to detail, and all the amenities at your fingertips. I wish I could say that I was at the Ritz for a vacation, but in truth, I was there for a conference. What a fabulous venue for a conference. Every meal, every snack, was beautifully presented, and artfully displayed. Everything about my stay was relaxing and pampering.
The staff was always eager to please and willing to arrange your every vacation/​travel need. In my case, transportation from the airport to Shangri La, AKA, the Ritz Carlton, and return to airport, post-​conference. They arranged for «Brad’s Car Service» to supply my transportation needs, and supply my needs he did, seamlessly. For more on his car service, see my review of his business run out of Bouynton, Florida. Suffice to say, for any and all your transportation needs, I highly recommend «Brad’s Car Service».
If you are looking for an appropriate venue for a conference, I can tell you, from an attendees point of view, it was wonderful. Plenty of space, comfortable seating, good acoustics, excellent and diverse food offerings. From hot, savory breakfast, pastries, luscious ripe fruit, to delicious lunch fare, like salads, soups, flatbread pizza, all were enticing. The Gala dinner, replete with cocktails and hors d’ oeuvres, was sumptuous, with 5 star presentations. The menus, as well as the snacks and beverages, were varied and delicious.
So, no matter what your specific need is, I’m sure that the Ritz will make every attempt to satisfy your needs, and satiate your senses.