We went to the RC for a weekend away. Although the property is very nice as you drive up to the hotel (the palms lining each side are fantastic). The overall interior of the property is in need of a face lift.

Positive Comments:

1. Check in was very smooth with friendly associates and bellman.
2. The Spa associates were friendly with the treatments received top notch.
3. The Sunday NY Times on the hotel door was a very nice touch.
4. Breakfast was very good with excellent service

Negative Comments:

1. Room was tired and dated. Bleach spots on the carpet, towels were thin and had seen better day's. Shower Curtain belonged in my grandmothers house, not at the RC.

2. Hotel Furnishings were in need of a face lift. The Bar while nice, the furniture was faded and tired looking.

3. Cig butts were not swept off of the area outside the Health Club on the 2nd floor. It looked dirty and not maintained on a regular basis.

4. Gift Shop, while it stocked very nice items, was over crowded and hard to shop. The visual apperance of merchandise and layout was lacking.

Having read several negative comments regarding The Ritz Carlton I approached my stay with a little trepidation. However, with the exception of one point, The Ritz exceeded my expectations and I would have no hesitation in recommending it.

That one exception was, as mentioned by a previous reviewer, a room on the 2nd floor overlooking a roof. I refused to accept the room and after several minutes negotation, undertaken by the Bell Boy who brought up our luggage, was moved to a 5th floor room. When booking on the hotel's website you can request a room on a high floor, however, there is no guarantee that this request will be granted. Beware. I had previously seen comments about rooms being small. I travel extensively for business, and yes I've had bigger rooms but have certainly had smaller and would not say this was a problem.

All hotel staff we encountered gave excellent, friendly service. The beach club staff in particular kept glasses of water flowing even when they were busy at the weekend. Do try the bar's signature drink, a chocolate Martini. No doubt packed with calories but if you have a sweet tooth absolutely wonderful.

Do try The Ritz Carlton. It's down town location (this is a US town with a centre you can walk round with good restaurants), coupled with the beach club, gives you the best of both worlds. The complimentary hotel shuttle bus to St Armands Circle and the beach club negates the need to drive. On that subject if you wish to save the valet parking fee you may find parking space on the drive ways leading up to the hotel.

My wife and I were married last November 10, 2007 at the Ritz Carlton beach club in Sarasota, Florida. I read several of the reviews prior to choosing this destination and I was rather nervous. I'd have to say that when things first started off we too had a very bad experience. The Rep that we were given was too young, not married and had little experience. Since we were planning this wedding from California, we didn't have the time for mistakes. The Rep's big mistake happened when my wife flew down there and he didn't show up where he was supposed to and several hours passed by and then he blamed her for the mishap. Bad idea. It was at this time we had had enough and we gave the hotel an ultimatum and they stepped up. The Rep was promptly replaced by the Director of meetings and special events, Mel Van Den Bergh. From that day forward, the entire experience changed. Mel was always in constant contact with us, arranged every last detail, threw in many extras and turned our wedding into the most perfect day possible. Working with Mel was truly first class. I do not think he ever said "No" to us. Everything was possible and I mean everything. We received bottles of wine and champagne, chocolates, flowers, golf shirts and cards signed by all the staff. We didn't know if it was going to rain or freeze us out on our wedding night and when the clouds went away and the evening warmed up, they didn't charge us for the tent or heaters. Mel took care of all the little particulars and he also wasn't afraid to make several recommendations which turned out to really make things special. And it wasn't just Mel. Once we arrived at the hotel everyone knew who we were and went the extra mile to please us. Not only us but all our guests and family! On the day of the wedding Mel assigned two coordinators to help my wife with any last minute details which really took a load off of her and most of the wedding party. Maria one of the coordinators was just outstanding. As for the food, it was insane. Our guests still talk about the appetizers especially the lamb chops! We had a surf and turf sit down dinner that would rival any five star restaurant. Mel and the Ritz Carlton made our wedding the best it could possibly be. There are many other tidbits that I could talk about that were also special but I wouldn't want to take away those moments from anyone else who is lucky enough to have their wedding there. Needless to say, I would recommend the Ritz Carlton to everyone who wants a story book wedding down on the beach. We plan to go back every year to celebrate what a fantastic experience it was and hopefully say hi to Mel and all the staff because they have become family! All the best, Bill & Sue Fisher

On the plus side, the staff was friendly and helpful. The location and views are great. On the negative, the hotel room looked like it needed updating. The beds were uncomfortable and the furniture looked worn. Expected more from a Ritz Carlton. It was just okay.