Monday, August 2, 2010

The Ritz-Carlton Mystique

“We are Ladies and Gentlemen serving Ladies and Gentlemen.”
The Ritz-Carlton motto


The Ritz-Carlton is a high-end luxury brand hotel that has 71 properties located all over the U.S, and has 23 resorts worldwide. The best part about this luxury brands' business philosophy is it's impeccable service. Little did I know, the Ritz-Carlton has a Learning Institute and Ritz-Carlton Leadership Center that trains future employees and execs in the Ritz-Carlton principles of service. 
According to it's gold standards principles:

“The Ritz-Carlton Hotel is a place where the genuine care and comfort of our guests is our highest mission. We pledge to provide the finest personal service and facilities for our guests who will always enjoy a warm, relaxed, yet refined ambience. The Ritz-Carlton experience enlivens the senses, instills well-being, and fulfills even the unexpressed wishes and needs of our guests.”


This past weekend I had the pleasure of staying at the Ritz-Carlton in Sarasota, Florida and experiencing the gold standard of hospitality. I have always been a fan of luxury hotels, but never have I experienced service that is "The Ritz way."
Lobby:

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The name Ritz-Carlton dates back to the Hôtel Ritz Paris and the Carlton Hotel in London, both operated by the legendary hotelier César Ritz. Loosely related hotels bearing the Ritz name began to appear in North America, including the Ritz-Carlton Montreal in 1912 and the Ritz-Carlton Boston in 1927. The Ritz-Carlton Boston was an immediate success, and became an enduring paragon of high society. In 1983, after two ownership transitions, the expansion of the Boston operation into a worldwide chain of Ritz-Carlton hotels began, headed by hotelier Horst Schulze and developer William B. Johnson.
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company LLC is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Marriott International. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company currently has 32,000 employees! Source

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The photo above is me standing at the entrance fountain at 9:30 in the morning, waiting for the shuttle to take me to the beach. Little did I know, the shuttle wasn't coming for another half hour. Where is that gold standard when I need it? If I want to go to the beach at 9:30, dammit, I want to go now!

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Ok, all is good, this is me at 10:30. Now that I have my feet up in a cozy lounger, and a Ritz blue umbrella over my head, I am queen for a day. Ahhhhh.

The main hotel is located in downtown Sarasota,(on you guessed it,) Ritz-Carlton Blvd, perfectly perched on the bay. This is the view from the 9th floor:

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But having one location just wouldn't do. So the Ritz purchased a parcel of land located directly on the gulf, on Lido beach that houses their private residences, restaurant, second pool, and beach front property.

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Seriously, does it get any better than this? This (photo above) is the private beach/pool club for Ritz guests and residences. It is approximately 3 miles from the main hotel located downtown. Thus the reason for me having to WAIT for the shuttle. And note to self, you can drive your own car to the beach club if you are impatient like me. If you prefer to take the shuttle it arrives every hour on the hour at the downtown location, and every half hour on the half hour at the beach club. 

I have always loved Florida and all it has to offer. The weather, the beaches on the gulf, and shopping are bar none. But now that I have experienced Florida and the Ritz Mystique, I will definitely be going back. If you have never stayed at a Ritz I highly recommend that you do. The hotel and grounds were incredible, the food and ambience amazing, but the service and staff were remarkable, and made the trip memorable and extraordinary! For more info on this luxurious hotel, click here!




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26 comments:

  1. mmm, one of my favorite hotels....love st. thomas ritz and of course, puerto rico. they really make you feel special...every time. looks like you had a blast! lucky you!

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  2. Beautiful! Glad you had a nice stay. The service at the Ritz is like on other. The JW Grande Lakes in Orlando is another great Florida Ritz, the spa is fantastic, hubby loves the golf and the pool with the lazy river is to die for! xo

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  3. Looks like a wonderful place to get away--glad you made the most of the visit.

    We have only stayed at a Ritz-Carlton once or twice, but had good experiences both times.

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  4. i am loving that aqua blue water--reminds me of jamaica! i'm so glad you loved your stay and came back relax and energized for all the fabulous activities (and work) you have coming up!

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  5. Look how cute you are! My wedding was at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel in Dana Point, California and it was FABULOUS. The service was beyond amazing. I've been planning to post on the new Ritz-Carlton here in Charlotte. It's luxe AND LEED certified.

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  6. With all of that gorgeousness, I don't think I would ever want to leave! =)

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  7. I am all ready to book a flight, looks like you had an amazing time.

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  8. wow those are such beautiful views!!

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  9. This looks "AB FAB!" (and you are the cutest!)

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  10. My father gave me a weekend at the Ritz in Philadelphia as a birthday gift. My husband and I had such a wonderful time. You walk through the doors and it is like entering another world. The service, as you said, is impeccable. High tea was an experience I will never forget.

    I had a bath butler! oh my!

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  11. That looks amazing and it's only an hour and a half away from me!

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  12. Well, this is probably the closest I will get to staying at Ritz-Carlton hotel, so thanks for the getaway! You look so cute in your flipflops & sunglasses.

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  13. GOR-geous post & pictures! I loved the little background story - thanks so much for your comment, I'm thrilled it led me here :)

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  14. I'm Jealous is a great way to start this "thank you" for stopping by my blog. I love your blog, and I am adding it to my blogroll.
    The Ritz has always been a favorite of mine, and this one is absolutely beautiful. Looks like you had a nice time.
    Teresa (Splendid Sass)

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  15. We have been fortunate to stay at several Ritz properties while on business trips through my husband's work, but when the economy sank our trips went out the door. They do offer wonderful service and their properties are just stunning and relaxing. Next time I go to Nashville to see my son and grandbabies I will need to come by and see your shop.

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  16. Ahhhh, I wish I were at the Ritz in Sarasota right now! Thanks for sharing pics of this beautiful hotel. Hopefully I'll get to stay there one day.

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  17. oooh I need a vacation... le sigh!

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  18. oh la la!! looks so fab and relaxing--seriously beautirul--glad you had fun chick! thanks for the comment too:)

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  19. Hey Amanda- thanks for stopping by today. I love all the photos of Florida, they are so unlike California. Next time you head to the beach, let me know so I can send you a beach tote. The one Ritz I want to stay at is the original, in Paris. Dreamin.... have a great week, Andrea

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  20. wow it's so pretty there. I love the calm water and the sand... makes me want to take a vacation even though I just had a 3 day weekend LOL

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  21. I love the Ritz Carlton have stayed at several including the one at Laguna Nigel!

    A new giveaway is on my site!

    Karena
    Art by Karena

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  22. No wonder somebody made a song about it, lol!

    Have a great day :)

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  23. You really can't go wrong with the Ritz. It's so nice to know that some things you can count on! The Four Seasons is just fabulous, too! Glad you enjoyed your trip! XO!

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  24. I've heard of it called the Fritz... you do the math.

    it's amazing, beyond!

    cheers
    Susan

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  25. I should plan a mini getaway there. We're only a little over an hour away!

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