The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay

If you are not staying at this hotel, be prepared to be treated poorly. Stopped here for lunch on a girls day out, thinking this would be a great treat. Boy were we wrong!! Sat down on the patio outdoors. The view was gorgeous. Waitress (Jolene I think her name was) immediately asked for credit card before we ordered anything, since we weren’t staying at the hotel. Odd, but whatever. She took our drink order and we ordered appetizers. Came back with drinks and app plates. Took food order. While later our food comes out delivered by food runner. Never saw our waitresses at our table again until we were finished eating. Didn’t ask if we needed drink refills, couldn’t ask about our missing appetizer. She was vey attentive to the 3 other tables, but wouldn’t even make eye contact with us so it was very difficult to flag her down. She finally shows up and we let her know we never got our app. She acted surprised that we even ordered it, even though she provided us with plates. Then comes the bill. We wanted it split 4 ways. Seemed to not be a problem, except when we got our cards back, she charged one card for the wrong table whose bill was $20 higher. Food and poor service was not worth the price. This experience put a bit of a damper on a nice girls day out.

They told us that there is no space in the restaurant for breakfast despite the fact that we booked bed & breakfast in advance. Can you imagine for paying for breakfast in advance and then they tall you that there is no table for you!

Visited for 4 nights to attend a series of business meetings. Arrival was met with helpful and courteous greeters; check-in experience was professional, attentive and efficient. Assigned room that overlooked the ocean. Room was of a large size, and nicely adorned with comfortable, aesthetically pleasing and functional furnishings. Large windows provided favorable views of the ocean (despite the rain); draperies could be controlled electronically but when closed blocked access to power plugs needed to power peripherals on the work desk. Everything worked as would be expected; there was a very large TV, the bed was very comfortable, climate control was responsive, wifi worked well and there were ample power outlets next to the bed that was appreciated. Bathroom was generous in size but design required opening and closing doors to access to the room, shower and WC. Water pressure from the shower was adequate but not great. Hotel premises (lobby, restaurants and meeting rooms) were Rtiz-esque - all good. Less than 5 star recommendation refers to the hotel's offerings of food at their restaurants and room service. Food was overly priced ($85 for a club sandwich plus soda + room service) - which I would not mind as much except that the food was badly prepared and flavor-less. Offerings from the restaurants and at organized venues were equally marginal - expensive mediocre food. But service was good and attentive throughout - if not a little perfunctory.

From the moment you arrive, the property feels cinematic, perched dramatically above the Pacific with sweeping bluff-top views that make you pause. The grounds are immaculate, the air is crisp, and the fire pits at sunset are quintessential Northern California luxury. (Tip: Get an ocean view or even partial ocean view - because you cannot put a price tag on falling asleep to the sound of waves crashing).

Check-in was admittedly impacted by an unexpected system outage. While this could have detracted from the experience, the front desk team handled it with professionalism and composure. They communicated clearly, remained gracious under pressure, and did everything possible to minimize inconvenience. It was a strong example of service recovery in action.

During my stay, I encountered a few unexpected personal needs, and this is where the property truly distinguished itself. Guest Services Manager Kate was exceptionally understanding, responsive, and solution-oriented. Her attentiveness and discretion made a meaningful difference, and I felt genuinely cared for rather than processed. That level of individualized hospitality is what defines a luxury experience.

Danny was incredibly sweet and helpful with my luggage.

The rooms are elegant and comfortable, with a calming coastal palette and the kind of quiet that allows you to fully reset. Waking up to the ocean views alone is worth the visit.

Overall, despite the initial technical hiccup, the service, setting, and staff professionalism more than delivered. I appreciate when a property stands behind its hospitality standards, and this one absolutely did.

Looking forward to returning.

What an incredible stay. The staff was so wonderful and the spot was quiet and lovely

We visited Half Moon Bay to celebrate our daughter’s 29th birthday. The hotel was stunning and spotless, making the trip truly memorable. We definitely plan to return!

Exceptional service, incredibly attentive staff, and a perfect location ,we loved it!

The food and services was top notch!! They didn’t overlook a single detail.

Overall, I really enjoyed our stay. The property is absolutely gorgeous—the oceanfront location, the dramatic cliffs, and the coastal walking path are truly stunning. Our room was lovely as well, and the setting right on the water is spectacular.

The service was exceptional throughout our stay. Every staff member we interacted with was warm, attentive, and proactive. Any time I requested something—extra towels, ice, etc.—it arrived quickly, which I really appreciated. My husband also had a great experience golfing and felt the course was beautifully maintained.

As for the beds, they were extremely soft. I didn’t mind them, but my husband prefers a much firmer mattress and found it uncomfortable, so that may depend on personal preference.

I do have two significant complaints:
1. Dog Fees
The pet fee was shockingly high. I’ve stayed at many five-star resorts, and this was by far the most expensive dog fee I’ve encountered. It’s $250 per dog plus an additional $20 per dog, per night—as a simple boarding fee. For our two dogs over three days, this totaled $640. It felt excessive and honestly almost made us reconsider our stay. Other luxury resorts charge a fraction of this.
2. Breakfast Pricing
I fully expect higher prices at the Ritz-Carlton, but some charges felt unreasonable. My $38 omelet didn’t include toast (an additional $6), which wasn’t a huge deal. However, being charged $10 for a small cup of water at breakfast felt outrageous. I’ve never experienced that at any other luxury property and found it very surprising.

Aside from those two issues, our stay was wonderful, and we truly had a great time. I would stay here again, but I do hope the hotel considers adjusting some of these fees

My husband and I took our guest to Ocean Terrace for lunch.
The view was beautiful and our server was very good.
Food is overpriced for what you get, but that's what it is at The Ritz.

However, our brand new car was damaged while valet parking.
I understand accidents happen sometimes.

We had to take a car to get an estimate to repair shop first,
then take photos, exchange emails multiple times with their insurance company.

Now, I need to adjust the schedule and find someone who can follow me to drop off and pick up my car for repairs on weekdays of this busy season,
unless you use Uber out of pocket.

What makes us upset is that the hotel didn't even contact us about
all these hassles.

I assume the hotel does run valet parking, but we were guests for their
restaurant who paid $50 for parking, $250 for lunch just 3 of us.

Exceptional experience from start to finish. Still top-notch! From the second you drive in until departure, no detail is too small, no request too frivolous. Staff is always warm and polite. Rooms are comfortable, chic and well appointed. This is what a five star property is all about. Yes, you pay for it. But it is well worth it!

The location

Everything! Our dog likes it too

Spectacular location. Valet was prompt and very nice. Reception was busy but when checking in Miguel was very gracious and welcoming. Upon hearing it was a special occasion he was kind enough to give us an upgrade. Rooms were beautiful and recommend the ocean view suite with firepit or the ocean view room with ocean front view and balcony. My husband enjoyed the golf, both courses, and I had a wonderful facial in the spa. Really liked the food on the patio with the ocean view. Enjoyed our first night so much we booked another night. of course, as with all travel, there were some hiccups. But guest services was helpful. Very sure we will be back soon.

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Amazing experience!

The staff throughout the resort were extremely friendly and helpful.

Simply put not the experience I expected. Poor food quality really dampened our trip. Nothing special drinks not made well.