A review of the Ritz Carlton at Half Moon Bay

The Ritz Carlton at Half Moon Bay was the first Ritz we stayed at together, leading to a love of Ritz properties. While the Ritz at Half Moon Bay is less than an hour from home, we regularly use our Marriott points for a luxurious night away at this stunning property. 

We had been to this property to enjoy a cocktail, watch the sunset, and have lunch, but the night after our wedding was our first stay at this hotel. Since we got married in September and Mark is a teacher, we only had a one-night honeymoon before returning to work. We had planned to take a longer one later in the year, but like everything in 2020, Covid ruined those plans. Since our first stay in 2019, we’ve returned many times to enjoy all this hotel has to offer.

Location

Perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the Ritz Carlton has the best ocean views of any coastal hotel within an hour’s drive of San Francisco. With the dramatic coastlines, foggy mornings, and a bagpiper playing as the sun sets, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to Scotland. 

Whether you’re visiting San Francisco or a local, Half Moon Bay is a great day trip from anywhere in the bay, and you won’t find a better place to stay than the Ritz.

Rooms

We’ve stayed in various rooms at the Ritz – rooms with ocean views, rooms with balconies, and rooms overlooking the golf course. All of them have been wonderful, but to no surprise, our favorite rooms have been the ones with ocean views and balconies. There are also rooms on the first floor with ocean views and private firepits on the patio. We haven’t had the privilege to stay in one of these, but hope to one day.

Sunsets

Sunset at the Ritz is a must-do experience. If you’re out exploring Half Moon Bay, be sure to make it back for sunset. Starting an hour before sunset, a bagpiper serenades guests while walking the grounds. I recommend heading to The Ocean Terrace and grabbing a seat before the sun begins to set. The bagpipes, the colorful sunsets, and the coastal views make this my favorite place to watch the sunset. We’ve seen a lot of beautiful sunsets, but none compare to the ambiance and beauty of the sunsets at the Ritz Half Moon Bay.

Marriott Bonvoy Points

Since I travel for work, I rack up a lot of Marriott points that we like to save and use at Marriott’s luxury properties. We’ve always used points to stay at the Half Moon Bay Ritz Carlton. I like to monitor which weekends have good deals using points, and I typically spend 100,000 per night on a room. If you’ve been saving your points and want to splurge, I highly recommend using them here.

Amenities

Sports

There are two golf courses at Half Moon Bay Golf Links, one with ocean views at every hole. We’ve never golfed here, but if you’re a golfer, I’d recommend reserving a tee time far in advance. There are also 6 lighted tennis courts that you can reserve. Access to tennis rackets, balls, and a ball machine are included in the resort fees. There is also a fitness center for those who like to work out on vacation.

Spa

We’ve never had a treatment at the spa, but there is a spa available on the property. If you get a treatment, you’ll also have access to a co-ed whirlpool, sauna, and steam room. Day passes are also available.

Trails

Whether you’re staying the night or just stopping by, we strongly recommend walking along the trails on the bluff. The views of the ocean, the coast, the property, and the golf courses are beautiful!

Dining

The Ocean Terrace

The Ocean Terrace is our favorite spot to have a drink and a snack while enjoying the beautiful views. Guests of the hotel have access to a special seating area; we love to grab a seat here by a fire pit. Their specialty cocktails are delicious but come with a hefty price tag. The menu consists of a raw bar and grill. You can eat at one of the adirondack chairs or grab a table on the patio. 

Navio

Navio is the fine dining restaurant at the Ritz. This ocean-to-table seafood restaurant is set in a wood-paneled room with beautiful ocean views. It is most known for its extravagant weekend brunch with a hefty price tag. For $199 per adult ($149 per child), you get a 2-hour brunch experience. And if you want a table at one of the windows, be prepared to pay an additional $50 per person. Since the pandemic, they’ve shifted away from buffet style and instead offer individually plated items, and you can order as many as you’d like. While we haven’t splurged on the brunch yet, it is on our list to try at some point. 

We had dinner at Navio during our 1-night honeymoon, which was delicious. They offer two prix fixe menu options – a 3-course and a 7-course. Typically when we stay at the Ritz, we venture off the property for dinner. If Navio is within your budget, it is a beautiful dining experience with

The Conservatory

Located steps below the lobby, The Conservatory is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This Mediterranean restaurant looks out over the terrace and Pacific Ocean.

Mullins Bar and Grill

If you want to skip the Ritz’s expensive restaurants but don’t want to drive, I recommend taking a short walk to Mullins Bar and Grill. Located in the Half Moon Bay Golf Links, it offers a casual atmosphere with breakfast and lunch options. On Friday evenings, they have live music from 5:30-8:30.

Special Occasions

If you’re looking for somewhere to celebrate a special occasion, I highly recommend the Half Moon Bay Ritz Carlton or any Ritz Carlton property. Let them know what you’re celebrating, and they are sure to make it extra memorable.

Things to do in Half Moon Bay

While staying at the Ritz is a luxurious experience, the rest of Half Moon Bay is a laid-back beach town with plenty of beautiful beaches and affordable places to eat and drink. Check out our favorite spots in Half Moon Bay.