Amelia Island Ritz-Carlton Gives Kimpton a Run for the Money
October 17, 2016
Lets tip our NPS hat to the people in marketing, shall we? We’re running a conference for a couple of hundred senior people down in Florida. So Amelia Island it is, and the Ritz-Carlton at that. Anyway, how does this property rate? Off the charts.
Room 832
United pulled a ridiculous head fake on the way down: You’re upgraded. Oh, sorry, nevermind. Oh no wait, you ARE upgraded but now there is no room for your suitcase since you’re already seated in the back. In the end the trip was great and NPS appreciates the upgrade. Nice try united! Lets do it again and get it all right next time!!
The hotel provided car service at the airport, and our driver was superlative. He took a shortcut that saved us 20 minutes getting on the island. There was some evidence of hurricane damage on the sides of the road coming in. This island dodged a bullet when hurricane Matthew stayed off shore just two weeks ago.
We were greeted by name at the door with some champagne (which we sadly had to skip), and whisked up to 832 by gregarious staff. Outstanding greeting.
And the amenity shows that someone has been doing their homework. Cocktail? Yep. Sparking water? Yep. Hand written note? Yep. It’s all here and all awesome.
Pirate Loot (chocolate treasure, a cocktail, and sparkling water).
832 is nothing short of palacial. A gorgeous room with an incredible view of the ocean from its five balconies.
Absolutely stunning room @RitzCarlton amelia pic.twitter.com/kpI93eASWF
— noplasticshower (@noplasticshower) October 17, 2016
The suite has two main sections and 5 rooms.
Living area off the bedroom
832 bedroom
Dining area
Of course, we’re here for the showers. This non-plastic shower is also off the charts. Multiple shower heads and a bench? OK then.
Shower in the bathroom suite (itself several rooms)
The bar situation here is not good, which in 2016 is just plain sad. Sure, you can get some scotch if you try hard enough. But no bourbon to speak of. And if you order a proper cocktail (say, something like a sazarac) you will be sorely disappointed. Ever had a cocktail served hot in a glass straight from the dishwasher? How about a sazarac made with angostura? Yeah no.
Time to invest in some people who actually know what they’re doing Marriott. In the meantime, stick with the Mt Gay Extra Old rum (in a glass that has cooled off).
Four showerheads and a sincere wish for some more free time and a real bar for the Ritz-Carlton on Amelia Island. Gorgeous property run by hospitality experts.
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October 19, 2016 at 5:05 pm
In final analysis, the Amelia island Ritz was a great place to host a conference. The staff was top notch (with the notable exception of bar tending and barista staff). The conference staff in particular was remarkably good, well trained, all around excellent. Hotel A/V was also very good.
It really surprises those of us who travel how much difference a bar and good espresso capability makes during a stay. Property leadership would do well to invest in the people part of serving good drinks and passable coffee to go with the planned bar renovation coming up this Fall. The space is world class. Time for excellent mixology and real espresso capability. Your margins will be better, honest (especially if you are working to attract a younger/hipper set of people).
November 6, 2018 at 12:37 pm
[…] Two years ago, we experienced some four showerhead luxury on Amelia Island off the coast of Florida. We’re back for another corporate event (the BSIMM Community Conference), once again with no spare time. […]