Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay

Thinking we might want to stay a few nights and play a few rounds of golf - was looking at the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay. Any thoughts?

A few really nice holes and I like that R-C but it is an older property. You really want golf Carmel/Monterey or Bandon Dunes are very serious steps upwards.

A better version of R-C HMB is the St Regis Monarch Bay in So-Cal.

This Ritz is not good. Best thing about it, is the aerial pictures of the property.

Jason

When we stayed there we were in one of the the guest houses on the golf course down the hill away from the main building. It was really nice and I have stayed in a lot of Ritz Carltons. We had dinner in the restaurant and it was very good. Nice fires outside at night. Outside the property is beautiful. Did not play the course. Service was typical RC. I would definitely go back.

George

Thanks for the feedback - doesn’t sound like it’s worth the coin. If we decide to do this trip I might just book the Inn at Spanish Bay.

Doc - we have stayed at the St. Regis Monarch Beach and agree it is very nice.

Thumbs up for Spanish Bay.

We are overdue to stay there - last time we stayed at Spanish Bay, Tom Kite won the U.S. Open. We played Pebble on Tuesday after the Open and the rough was still high - it was quite the round.

That happy hour with the bagpipes is as good as happy hours get.

Had this experience in Myrtle Beach at Legends. Sitting outside after the round nearing twilight with a pint in my hand and my two brother in laws.

Up the 18th fairway comes a bagpipe player in full kit blaring away.

For those few minutes the world was perfect.

Don’t listen to the HMB naysayers. OK, listen to them, but it’s a spectacular place to be. Have only stayed there once, a few years ago, but it was absolutely great. Wife used the spa, which was great by her. Scenery is unparalleled, sitting out on the patio by the fire is great. It’s only an hour drive for us to go over there, and we sometimes do that just to have lunch or light dinner in the lounge, taking in the spectacular view/sunset (not the main dining room, have never eaten in there). Golf course is perfectly decent.

I might prefer to spend time in Carmel and Pacific Grove, where there’s a bit more to do (and more golf options), but that’s also another 2 hours of driving for you, but HMB is a great option in my book.

Yeah, that feeling.

Agree. Stayed for one night several years ago. My review is on TripAdvisor and I gave it an “avoid” rating.

Too bad. It is in a beautiful setting but the service and the general cleanliness (of room and grounds) were sadly wanting on our stay.

Any other alternative suggestions for a couple days tacked on before/after a Napa visit (flying in and out of SFO)?

+1 on bagpipe player and happy hour. We had a great time there 2 years ago!

Sherri,

It you have extra days after a Napa visit your options might be limited by time/distance. You could hit Sonoma County with multiple options of locations for tasting wines, relaxing at the beach/bay or staying at/near a casino. Occidental used to be an interesting place to have dinner, but it’s been many, many, many years since I’ve been there. If you want casual, Sonoma County is probably the best option. Otherwise, you can find some place to stay in San Francisco and hit anything you haven’t already been to.

So I’ve never stayed at RC HMB, but I’ve been to Bandon Dunes 4x. If you are looking to play golf and that is your focus then BD can’t be beat. If that’s what ur looking for I’m happy to discuss further. If not, I hope that you enjoy whatever you do