America’s Best Ritz-Carlton Properties Will Have You Dreaming

Ritz-Carlton is one of the best hotel brands in the world — and these are its best properties.

One of Marriott’s — and the world’s — most recognized hotel brands, the Ritz-Carlton is synonymous with opulent luxury. Every single property is unique, offering travelers an escape from the boring beige and square designs that plague the hospitality industry. Consistency is found in the absolutely irreproachable quality of service, minute attention to detail and excellent dining options.

The brand has about 100 hotels and 50 residential properties, boasting a presence in 30 countries and territories around the world. In the U.S. alone, you’ll find over 40 hotels. And while they are all excellent and worth staying at, these are America’s top Ritz-Carlton properties.

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The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe — California

Don Riddle / Courtesy of Ritz-Carlton

With water so clear, it almost seems like a dream, Lake Tahoe is one of America’s indisputable treasures. Enjoy this gem with a stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe. In the summer, the resort offers complimentary paddle boards and kayaks, as well as water sports equipment for rent. Winter brings with it ski-in, ski-out access to Northstar California.

Regardless of the season, the end of the day is for pampering yourself. Book a treatment at the 17,000-square-foot spa or hang out in the outdoor whirlpool and fireplaces of the Lake Club.

Book it: The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe

The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas — U.S. Virgin Islands

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One of the three main islands of the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Thomas is tropical paradise personified. Guests of The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas can expect unique experiences that connect them to the island’s culture. Join the Archipelago Journey for a beach dining experience that highlights local cuisine. But you won’t be just indulging in great food and good rum — you’ll also have the opportunity to carve coconuts and use interactive bar codes to learn about each dish and the history of the territory.

An unbeatable location is a given — this is the Ritz-Carlton after all — but you can also expect live music and entertainment, a Seaside Spa Cabana and luxury catamarans that you can rent for an idyllic day out on the water.

Book it: The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas

The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay — California

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Though it’s under an hour from San Francisco, Half Moon Bay continues to be a hidden gem for out-of-state visitors. Overlooking the area’s magnificent coastal bluffs, The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay claims the best real estate in town. When you’re not enjoying walking along the sand, you can dine at the in-house restaurant, Navio, or get in your rounds at the resort’s two championship golf courses.

If you’re able to tear yourself away from this gorgeous property, take a stroll along Main Street. Half Moon Bay has actively prohibited chain stores and restaurants from taking over this central area, so you’ll find unique independent shops selling local produce.

Book it: The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay

Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve — San Juan, Puerto Rico

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The Ritz-Carlton Reserve is a sub-brand of the Ritz-Carlton that is, as the name suggests, even more exclusive. Guests can expect truly personalized service, unmatched designs and unique experiences.

Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve was built in the 1950s with minute attention to detail. This isn’t a resort that overshadows its location, but that blends with it. A Personal Embajador greets every guest and makes sure all details of the vacation turn out perfect. The dedicated traditional healer at the garden spa will also provide treatment that fits your specific needs.

Guests who want to go beyond the usual resort experience and gain knowledge and skills to take home can take part in the Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program. Activities include educational snorkeling trips and upcycled art workshops. Children can also participate in a culinary experience, where they pick produce from the garden and cook meals using solar ovens.

Book it: Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans — Louisiana

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Arguably the most exciting city in the U.S., New Orleans is music, food and soul. The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans perfectly understands this, which is why it strives to give guests the full experience of the Big Easy.

Set in a 1908 building in the French Quarter, the hotel has a traditional courtyard where guests can escape from the heat and socialize. A bistro, lounge and café serve local and international dishes. But the hotel’s most impressive offer is personalized jazz lessons with an in-house musician. You won’t just hear live jazz — you’ll actually get to play it.

Book it: The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans

The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain — Arizona

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Escape from the noise of the city with a trip to The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain. Tucked in the high Sonoran Desert, the property has privileged views of the Tortolita Mountains and is conveniently near Tucson. Stroll around tall saguaros or spend time in one of the three swimming pools — one of which has a 235-foot waterslide — and championship golf courses. And don’t worry about finding culinary variety. Even if you don’t leave the hotel, you’ll have five excellent dining options to choose from.

That said, you should definitely book an outdoor natural adventure. The exciting options include hitting up numerous hiking trails, stargazing experiences, ranger-led tours of the canyon and more.

Book it: The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain

The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee — Georgia

Robin Bish / Courtesy of Ritz-Carlton

Though it’s not Georgia’s most well-known destination, Lake Oconee attracts in-state visitors who want a blissful waterside vacation. The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee is without a doubt, the area’s best hotel, boasting 30 acres along the lake.

Of course, water activities are the main draw here, with opportunities to go fishing, boating or swimming. But the property also has five championship golf courses and private sporting grounds for those who want to do archery and clay shooting. At any time of year, you’ll also want to go hiking or biking on nearby trails, surrounded by Georgia pines.

Book it: The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee

The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota — Florida

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Though Miami draws more attention as a beach destination, Sarasota is the perfect Florida getaway for those looking for a luxurious retreat away from crowds and noise. The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota is set in the heart of Downtown, overlooking Sarasota Bay, which provides absolutely breathtaking sunsets. The property is next to the bridge that connects to Lido Key, where guests of the Ritz-Carlton will find an exclusive beach club.

For activities outside the water, guests can go shopping in St. Armand’s Circle, also located in Lido Key, or go golfing at the hotel’s in-house course.

Book it: The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota

The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park — New York

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Wake up and step into one of America’s most iconic urban green spaces when you stay at The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park. Set in a historic 1930 property, the hotel is near other famous Manhattan attractions like Fifth Avenue, the MoMa and Broadway. In true New York fashion, the decor is anything but basic or repetitive. Expect art and photography from local and international artists like Rodney Smith or Cecil Beaton.

Though you won’t be spending most of your time in the hotel, set aside some time to dine at Contour gastro lounge. If walking around the park isn’t enough to get your heart rate up, do virtual fitness classes at the futuristic Movement Studio.

Book it: The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park

Best Ritz-Carlton Properties Roundup

The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee Georgia

Courtesy of Ritz-Carlton