1 Night in Coastal Paradise: Why The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay Is Worth Splashing

I’ve read it Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Crescent Bay in Northern California is a redemption list for points and miles enthusiasts — but compared to all the incredible resorts around the world, I honestly think people must be exaggerating.

As someone who lives in California Bay AreaI have a habit of forgetting that I live in one of the most beautiful places in the world, and assume that The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay is only about an hour’s drive from my house, giving me an excuse to go and see if it lives. under the hype for myself.

From the Ritz-Carltons to the Four Seasons and Waldorf Astorias, there is a certain level of expectation when staying at a luxury hotel — and my expectations are high. But I must say, my brief one night stay at the seaside resort this past fall was magical from the moment we turned into the resort.

Here’s a quick rundown of what I love about The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, and why you should consider visiting.

Location, location, location

Crescent Bay is a short 30-minute drive south San Francisco International Airport (SFO). It’s the house of Sam’s chowder house, a popular beachfront seafood restaurant and legendary surfing activity because waves are known to reach as high as 6 feet in the waters off Crescent Bay. We’re definitely not in town for the surf, although we did stop at Sam’s Chowder House for take away on the beach before heading home on our way out of town.

There’s a lot to explore at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, but the views of the Northern California coast have to be at the top of the list. The drive to the hotel from our home in the East Bay included a short drive on the legendary Highway 1 – fortunately the stretch didn’t turn around. The hotel is about a 10 minute drive from the highway, just passing through a residential area on the edge of the sea.

Related: How I spent $0 using points and miles on a highway trip on Highway 1

Outside the entrance to sit Greenhouse, restaurants and more casual bars of the hotel. Further inside is NavioRitz-Carlton’s upscale restaurant, but more on that later.

In the next area, directly in front of the check-in counter, is a much less complicated space with wooden ceilings and modern rugs. At the counter we were told that our room had been upgraded from a deluxe to a guest room with a sea view, thanks to my help. Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Status. Our room wasn’t ready yet, so we dropped our luggage and headed out for lunch at The Ocean Terrace overlooking the water. When our room was ready, they called my cell phone and offered us a glass of wine that we could bring.

After check-in and before dinner reservations, we took advantage of our free time to walk along the coastal trail that surrounds the hotel’s golf course. The path includes a pedestrian bridge over the water that leads to a public beach. Luckily for us, the sky was clear and we saw the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean from above.

In addition to the stunning views, some of the amenities at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay include a spa, tennis courts, gas pits overlooking the ocean, and a bagpipe player who plays daily at sunset.

I exchanged 95,500 Marriott Bonvoy points for our one night stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay – and it was well worth the splash. Otherwise our original deluxe room overlooking the golf course would have cost $1,200 per night, and our upgraded room with ocean view would certainly have cost more.

Cool silver-white walls are another accent to the seaside location without feeling overwhelming, and the wooden nightstands and entryway furniture bring much-needed warmth to the room. The spacious marble bathroom features a separate shower and soaking tub with Diptyque Philosykos bath products. A bathrobe hangs between the door and the tub, and slippers can be found inside the closet.

However, the focal point of the room is easily the ocean view. We packed the chairs around the window and sipped wine while discussing whatever parents talked about when their kids weren’t with them. It was so peaceful and beautiful, and we couldn’t hear anyone peeking through the window.

restaurant

We decided to take advantage of the amazing prizes available and splurge on dinner at Navio, the hotel’s fine-dining restaurant, where we could choose between a three-course set menu or a full set menu. Chef’s Tasting Menu. We decided on the highest fixed ($155 per person) but added the Kaluga caviar starter from the chef’s tasting menu instead of the cheese appetizer.

Kaluga caviar is served inside a small white pumpkin and topped with creme fraiche and pepitas with toasted brioche bread. For my first course, I enjoyed a salad with fresh tomatoes, persimmons, and Maine lobster, while my husband ate the duck stew. For our main course, we shared the delicious black cod with Florentine broccoli and squid pasta and the Colorado lamb rack with eggplant puree.

first belong to 3

ASHLEY ONADELE/THE POINT

Dessert was a light chocolate cake with espresso and Vietnamese coffee. The meal and service were divine.

Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Crescent Bay in fact, it deserves a spot on the point and mile enthusiasts list. It’s just a 30-minute drive from San Francisco International Airport and is a perfect spot for locals looking for a relaxing vacation.

From the beautiful seaside setting to the delicious food and comfortable, well-appointed rooms, I can’t recommend anyone to stay at this hotel – especially those who are considering splurging on Bonvoy points worthy or not. Believe me, it is.