The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay in Northern California is a bucket list redemption for points and miles enthusiasts, but compared to all of the amazing resorts around the world, I thought people must have been exaggerating.
I live in California's Bay Area and take for granted that The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay is only a one hour drive from my home.
When staying at a luxury property, there is a certain level of expectation that comes with it. I had a short, one-night stay at the seaside resort in the fall and it was amazing.
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay is a great place to visit if you're looking for a nice place to stay.
South of San Francisco International Airport lies Half Moon Bay. It is home to Sam's Chowder House, a popular seaside seafood restaurant, as well as legendary surfing, which can get as tall as 6 feet in the waters off the coast of Half Moon Bay. We stopped at Sam's Chowder House to get some food before we left for the beach.
The view of the Northern California coast is one of the top attractions at The Ritz-Carlton. On the way to the hotel from our home in the East Bay, we had a short drive on Highway 1 that was non-stomach turning. Just past a residential area on the coast's edge is where the hotel is located.
I used points and miles on a road trip.
Before you can get to the front entrance of the hotel, you need to stop at the grounds where someone will check your name for a reservation. The concierge was waiting to help us with our luggage and wished us well during our stay.
The first time I saw the hotel lobby, I was taken aback. We were greeted by a chandelier surrounded by flowers and greenery as we entered the hotel. There was a compass on the floor.
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The hotel's restaurant and bar is called The Conservatory. The Ritz-Carlton has a fine dining restaurant called Navio.
There was a less elaborate space in front of the check-in counter with coffered ceilings. Thanks to my Marriott Bonvoy Platinum status, we were told that our room had been upgraded to a coastal view guest room. We dropped off our luggage and went to lunch at The Ocean Terrace, which overlooks the water. They offered us a glass of wine when our room was ready and I was on the phone.
We took advantage of the free time after checking in to walk along the coastal trail that leads to the hotel's golf course. There is a bridge that leads to a public beach. The sky was clear and we were able to watch the waves from high above.
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay has a spa, tennis courts, gas fire pits, and a bagpiper who plays at sunset.
Ashley Onadele is a contestant on The Points Guy.
I redeemed 95,500 Marriott Bonvoy points for a one-night stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, and it was a great deal. Our original room overlooking the golf course would have cost $1,200 for the night, and our upgraded room would have cost more.
The wooden nightstand and entryway furniture brought needed warmth to the room, as well as the cool silver-and-white walls. There was a shower and soaking tub in the marble bathroom. There was a bathrobe hanging between the door and tub.
Ashley Onadele is a contestant on The Points Guy.
The view of the ocean was the main focus of the room. We crowded the chairs around the window and had a discussion about what parents talk about when their kids aren't with them. We didn't hear a peep from anyone walking by the window.
We decided to go for a three-course prix fixe menu at the hotel's fine dining restaurant, where we could choose between the chef's tasting menu or the prix fixe menu. The Kaluga caviar starter was added to the prix fixe instead of the cheese starter.
Kaluga was served inside a small white pumpkin and on top of creme fraiche and pepitas with toast. I had a salad with fresh tomatoes, persimmon and Maine lobster, while my husband had a duck consomme. The main dish was a black cod with Florentine broccolini and cuttlefish pasta and the Colorado lamb rack.
Ashley Onadele is a contestant on The Points Guy.
There was a dessert with coffee. The meal was delicious and the service was great.
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay is one of the best places to stay in the world. It is a 30 minute drive from San Francisco International Airport and a great location for a relaxing staycation.
I can't recommend this hotel enough to anyone, from the gorgeous coastal views to the delicious food and comfortable guest rooms, I can't think of a better place to stay. I'm sure it is.
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