The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas

My husband and I stayed at the Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas for my Birthday trip! I was very excited as I've been to many Ritz properties, and we always know what to expect...or so I thought! When you first arrive, the grounds are lovely, The Ritz sitting welcome reception area is sitting high up with grand views of the ocean! The building is historic, I believe an old plantation house, absolutely beautiful with wooden plantation shutters, open air, ....all very lovely. They could probably stand to have a few more check in staff to welcome you, as there's just a few desks. After we checked in, they escort you to a golf cart where they take you to your Building. Being that we had never been to this property, we didn't know what building to ask for, etc. We are taken to a Bldg that was situated right behind the Pool / outdoor bar Building, which had a mostly Rusted roof....so when you were on our balcony, all you could see was this expansive rusty roof, and then the resort, and then the beautiful ocean. We had booked an 'Ocean front room'. The young man then took us back to reception upon my request, and they said while they would work to move us, it would take a few days likely, but then they would put us in the farthest Bldg, which is on the Pt. of the land, and only overlooks the Ocean. We were moved the morning of day 3, and then the rest of our stay was lovely. At every turn, the service was good, but all in all, I would say that the Customer Experience here, at the St. Thomas Ritz-Carlton, is not nearly as lovely as Grand Caymen, or Turks & Caicos. The staff was always polite, but it just wasn't that top notch service you expect when staying at a Ritz property. The other off putting thing, is that on the first day we were there, we changed and went to the pool area / beach bar to have a casual bite to eat. To my dismay, and we have 5 kids....all grown mind you, there was a young girl, passed out on a pool chair, laying mostly face down, with Vomit all next to her chair. No adults around, nor any other teenagers. I told the staff, and she just kind of nodded like they're use to it. The drinking age is lower, but I'd like to think the staff wouldn't continue to serve a 'child' basically to the point where they're passed out and having had gotten sick. All in all, we won't be back to this Ritz, but we will try others as we travel Europe and the Islands! Sincerely, Jill & Troy Hamburg

We had an excellent experience staying at this property. My wife and I decided to visit for her 40th birthday and we're very glad we did. There were numerous personal touches to make our visit and celebration special while generally making us feel welcomed and appreciated while we were there. The staff across the resort treated us exceptionally well and JJ and the lounge staff went above and beyond to anticipate our needs during our stay - the RC credo is alive and well in St. Thomas. Our room was wonderful and bug-free. We ate twice at Alloro and both meals were great food and service. We had some hesitations about our visit after reading prior reviews but our experience was thankfully quite wonderful. We will stay here again.

We had a great time at the Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas! Don’t be scared away based on other reviews. Beautiful property with a soft white sand beach to enjoy the turquoise ocean water views, infinity pool, and bright plants and flowers surrounding it. We were promptly greeted at check-in, provided amazing welcome beverages (highly recommend the lemongrass tea), and then shuttled to the check-in for Club Level rooms where our room was ready for us. The Club Level is definitely worth it, since the food and drink is included. We ate breakfast at the Club everyday and also usually grabbed some quick bites with their lunch and evening options. Jemar, Bertha, and the whole crew at the Club were so amazing! They literally made us feel like we were the only guests there and helped us with whatever we were looking for. Shuttles on the property were easy to get and the front desk staff people were very quick with arranging other transportation. The free snorkel gear, paddle boards, and kayaks were perfect to enjoy the ocean. We saw several turtles not far from the beach. If you’re looking for a place to truly relax with stunning views of the water and surrounding islands, the Ritz is it.

Upon arrival, must yeti the lemongrass iced tea. Once you’ve checked in please make your way to the Lounge, there you will find JJ Jemar Jackson. He will accommodate you every wish and need. Truly a professional. The staff Miss Bertha and miss Shirley are the nicest and sweetest ladies. Overall the amenities the food and the overall location will make the days go by quick as you’ll lose track of time. This please is the best. But it’s the staff that make it special. Thanks and well done Ritz.

This was our first stay at Ritz Carlton. We had the highest expectations, which unfortunately were not met. We would not go back. I read the reviews on this site and just couldn’t believe the bad reviews were accurate. Unfortunately, our experience was similar to many of theirs. Disappointed? Yes. And for the cost, the value is not there. The property is absolutely beautiful. Floorplans of the rooms are excellent. The variance among staff members is staggering. The welcome to the resort was outstanding. The service at the pool and other areas is spotty and in some cases outright terrible. This is supposed to be a five star hotel. It is not. We were genuinely surprised. The ants in the room are really a problem. We recommend you keep your suitcases in the bathtub so you do not have any visitors travel home with you. We completed Marriott’s survey and we did receive a follow up email stating they would address our concerns with their staff. We asked if they had any additional questions that we could answer, and the reply was essentially no thank you. So, in turn, will we return to the Ritz Carlton? Our answer. No thank you.

This week we were celebrating our 40th anniversary. The staff made this an awesome week. The genuine hospitality started with our bellman Tyler. Tuned out Tyler had lived in our town of Bluffton SC and knew exactly where our hometown of Ridgeland SC is. Our club level concierge was super helpful in arranging reservations and drivers so we didn’t have to worry about anything. Catherine in the club lounge was so gracious and helpful, Gecell, that served our drinks and food on the beach, was always such a joy to talk with everyday, Sami, and the food and beverage hospitality staff made our 40th anniversary dinner beach dinner one that we will never forget. Even if we had our dinner in a ballroom due to rain on the beach. We could not have asked for a better night. We thoroughly had one of the most amazing weeks of our lives.

One of the best stays I’ve ever had. Very helpful and friendly staff.

Put in a handicapped room and we ARE NOT handicapped. Spa did not recognize our reservation and staff was very rude and demeaning, talk to the hand with attitude. Rained for 3 days and no umbrellas in our room. Shuttle service did not want to take us to our room upon check in until I offered to drive. Could not reach Aloro to order a pizza to pick up since mail box full, when called concierge would not contact restaurant instead told up to keep calling Aloro directly. Concierge would not shuttle us to Caribbean Fish market next door. The facility is a RINO Ritz in name only. Will never return. Sad since surroundings are beautiful. On to St Croix and St Bartz.