The Ritz Carlton Rose Hall.....Jamaica At Its Best
Written: Jun 10 '02 (Updated Jun 11 '02)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Luxurious, fabulous service, superb amenities.
Cons: $$$$$$....but it's a Ritz..what do you expect????
The Bottom Line: If you have some cash to spend and you are in the mood to be treated like somebody important...give this resort a try.
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| marnica's Full Review: Ritz Carlton Rose Hall Jamaica |
I am not usually lucky enough to be jetting away on tropical retreats. In fact the only reason I found myself in Jamaica this past May was to attend my friendˇ¦s wedding. They got married in Montego Bay, and the reception and the accommodations were at The Ritz-Carlton Rose Hall. This was probably the first and last time (at least for a while) that I will find myself in a place so luxurious and opulent. So I hope after I tell you about this resort, you will immediately book a reservation there for your next tropical retreat.
The Ritz-Carlton Rose Hall, which has 427 rooms and opened in 2000, is located on the north shore of Jamaica in Montego Bay. This entire north shore is dotted with different resorts ranging from the modest (Holiday Inn) to the moderate (Sandals) to the extravagant (Ritz). Had I come here on vacation, I would have most likely stayed some place more affordable, however in this case there was little choice as I was in the wedding party. Here's what you can expect from The Ritz-Carlton Rose Hall:
When you arrive at the airport, Sangster International Airport which is about a 15 minute drive from the resort, you will want to take their shuttle service. There is a $35 fee per person each way for this service, which may sound expensive, but you will pay just as much for a taxi, and the ride will be much more comfortable. When you arrive, your bags will be taken directly to your room for you. Depending on how much you are splurging your room choices are as follows:
Garden View: This is your standard room. You have a choice of a king sized bed, or two doubles. This is the room I had, and while sufficient, it was kind of boring and not as large as I thought it would be. You will get a private balcony that looks out on some interior part of the hotel gardens. The bathroom is nice with double sinks and a separate tub and shower. This room will run you $205/night.
Deluxe Ocean view: This is your standard room described above, but with an ocean view. The views vary depending on where you are in the hotel. This will cost you $225/night. My friend had a room with a view and for an extra $20/night I'd say it was worth it.
Ocean view Suite: These lovely suites are about 960 square feet. Along with a nice size bedroom, you will have a parlor and a covered balcony off of the bedroom and the parlor. There are also 2 bathrooms...great for us women! This gem will run you $325/night.
Club Rooms: These rooms are all located on the fifth floor. These rooms are accessible by elevator key only. You will enjoy a private lounge, personal concierge service and daily food demonstrations. These rooms vary in price, but most are suites.
The Ritz-Carlton Suite: If you are feeling like spending gobs of money, try booking this suite (there is only one of these) and at $1250/night I can see why. This suite was three times the size of my apartment (my friends who got married stayed in this room, (she's loaded!!) at 2500 square feet. It has a bedroom, living room, dining room and 2.5 bathrooms and an absolutely breathtaking view. I would be afraid if I ever stayed here they would have to drag me out because I would never leave.
They do offer package deals (golf packages, honeymoon packages) and you can also get package deals through American Express and some travel sites on the internet so the cost may be a bit cheaper than I quoted. Do your research before booking to make sure you get a good deal.
OK now for food. There are 5 places that you can get grub:
Jasmine's: This is the signature restaurant where you can get traditional Jamaican cuisine with an Asian flair while listening to light jazz music.
Horizon's: Lovely terrace dining, although if it is humid outside, it can feel kind of gross
Mango's: Poolside dining. This is where I ate most of my meals. Decent food, overpriced, but what do you expect from The Ritz.
Cahoha's: Indoor/outdoor coffee bar.
The White Witch Clubhouse: Located at The White Witch Golf Course a short distance away. They will provide transportation; just make sure you give the driver a few bucks.
There is also a spa menu available in all of these places and in room service which is available 24 hours/day. Spa menu is for those who want to "eat healthy". I say what the hell, you are on vacation, eat whatever the hell you want.
Ok now lastly the amenities. There is a beautiful outdoor pool which is located just steps from the ocean. There is a bar and dining down at the pool area as mentioned above. There is also a hot tub. The beach is beautiful and the water crystal clear and warm. Towels are provided for you and the staff is practically falling all over themselves to help you with whatever you need or want. They actually come around with chilled, coconut scented towlettes!!.God I miss this place.
There are water sports available for a fee at the nearby beach club. There are 2 tennis courts also available at the beach club which is less than 5 minutes away and they will take you there, or you can walk there in about 10 minutes.
There is an 18 hole golf course called The White Witch golf club. Greens fees are $125 per person, but it is supposedly a challenging course with breathtaking views (I'll take my boyfriend's word for it, I hate golf!)
There is an 8,000 square foot spa/fitness center. Spa services include anything from the traditional massage to Reiki to Reflexology. These are of course at an additional fee. I could go on forever so I will condense the rest of the amenities:
*Babysitting services upon request (for fee)
*Customized catering
*Gift and Sundry shop
*Kids Facilities
*Transportation
*Multilingual staff
*Over 16,000 square feet of meeting and banquet facilities.
*Complimentary shoe shine service
Ok I have gone on long enough. Just log onto
www.ritzcarlton.com/resorts/rose_hall_jamaica/ and take a look for yourself. If you can swing the steep prices,It is definitely worth it. Be prepared to be treated.....well like somebody important. I'm sure the level of treatment gets better as the cost of your room goes up, but hey I had the standard room and was totally satisfied. Happy vacationing and enjoy!!!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
marnica
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Location: Southern CT
Reviews written: 52
Trusted by: 26 members
About Me:
I'm a therapist and a substance abuse counselor. I live and work in CT.
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