Mary S.
Yelp
We booked a spa day, just a friend and myself. We showed up early and were greeted at the front desk. The receptionist offered us a mimosa or glass of champagne and gave us a tour of the facility. The first thing you will notice is that it is very small. There are a couple of showers, a whirlpool, a eucalyptus steam room, two small relaxation lounges, a two stall bathroom and the locker area. Still, a lovely decor and as long as too many people weren't scheduled for services, it would be fine.
However, the next thing we noticed is that it was chilly. The whirlpool was only luke warm. The steam room didn't have very much steam because it wasn't hot enough. No mimosas materialized, so clad in my lovely soft robe, I went to the front desk and was told we couldn't have one until after our first service, because the liquor was locked up.
My friend was taken back for her massage and I for my facial. The treatment rooms were freezing! The employees were trying to offset the temperature by applying hot towels to my chest and feet, but the esthetician's hands were like ice cubes. She really dug In on the extractions and she did customize the facial and add an eye treatment that I asked for. When I was done, I was escorted back to the ladies locker room. By now there was another group of three and soon, a group of six showed up. My friend went for a pedicure and I went for my massage. Again, the room was freezing. The masseuse did have a small space heater, but admitted they had been having problems with the temperature for at least a week. Last week, it was almost 85* in the spa, today it was about 62*, inside. It was actually warmer outside. The 50-minute full body massage felt rushed, but it was very well done. When I got out this time, I jumped into the lukewarm whirlpool and waited for my friend. She was ready for lunch, but I hit the steam room. Everyone was complaining. The two relaxation lounges were so full that women were sitting on the floor. My friend and I changed into our street clothes and ordered lunch from the spa menu, which came down from Elway's lounge. People had exited by now, so we time and space to dine in the front relaxation room.
My avocado and tuna salad was divine! I had another glass of champagne and a cup of the red pepper soup. My friend went for the chicken sandwich with French fries, and I think they were the best fries I ever tasted!
When we were done eating, we went to check out, and that process took at least 30 minutes because the party of six were checking out and complaining over the cold temperatures. The spa comped is a pedicure and my facial upgrade and gave us vouchers for 20% off of our next visit.
So, it wasn't an exemplary day at the Ritz-Carlton. This is really a spa for small, intimate services, not large parties. They just don't have the space. I will give it another try and hope to receive the 5 star treatment one expects from the Ritz.