The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch

Very mixed reviews on this Ritz. Beautiful property with stunning architecture - makes you wonder how they transported everything uphill. - Front desk staff excellent - covered for faults of others - You take an absolute butt-whipping on prices here - $60/day parking even if car never moves; $60/day resort fee; something like $45/night in local lodging fees. The most expensive food and drink outside of a major metro area. You're looking at $1,000/day for a party of two -Cruise prices. In season probably $20,000/week with ski tix for a family of four. $500/day parking for non-guests during ski season to deter park-and-skiers. - Biggest disappointments were furnishings. Two queen beds like marshmallows. Couldn't sleep on them for half the week. Side chair and desk chair had no back support and we had to ask to get them changed - which they did at 8pm. Props. - Hotel did provide transport into Avon to save a few bucks on dining and drinking. - This Ritz is beyond Ritzy and really only suitable for the very well-heeled. - Valet and bell staff above average. - OKAY. Here's the really big issue. 80% of the staff cannot speak English at a kindergarten level. MANY miscommunications - like "is the room done?" "Yes, we would like housekeeping today." They need to have an ESL class after hours so staff can COMMUNICATE. Totally get it was off-season - and it showed with numerous restaurant, bar, and facilities closures. - Was it a special experience - yes. Was it something I'd do again - no.

**WE WERE ROBBED WHILE STAYING AT THE RITZ CARLTON BACHELOR GULCH** My wife and I checked in the The Ritz Carlton around 4PM on 9/15, two days after our wedding, to celebrate our honeymoon. We went to our room, dropped off our luggage, called our parents, and then headed down to the bar to grab a quick bite to eat around 4:30. When we returned an hour later, I noticed that the blinds which we left opened were closed, and a large sum of cash was missing from the desk. I decided to leave the cash on the desk rather than put it in my pocket because I did not want it to fall out. I also did not expect anyone to be in our room, especially in the short amount of time that we were gone. O ya and we were staying at THE RITZ CARLTON. I expected a safer environment. I reported the incident to loss prevention and the front desk. When we went to check out on 9/17, I spoke to Julio Tapia, the front desk manager, explaining the scenario. I told him that we wanted our cash back and also that we wanted to get our entire stay comped because the theft was all we could think about the entire time and it ruined our trip. We also had to leave the "Do Not Disturb" sign on for the remainder of our stay to avoid further criminal activity, so our room was never cleaned. He asked me if instead of comped rooms, would I be willing to accept Marriott Bonvoy points. Against my better judgement, I said yes, as long as it was the equivalent of a two night stay so we could come back and properly celebrate our honeymoon. Later that day, I got a call from him explaining that they could not offer the points, our stolen cash back, or any portion of our stay comped. I explained that we were not willing to accept this and we wanted to escalate the situation. Julio explained that he would talk with leadership to see what they could do and that he would call me back. He never did. I repeatedly called him back and left messages a few days later and was told he was "on a break" or "in a meeting." The final time I called I was told he had left for the day. I got a call from the security department that same day explaining that they conducted an investigation and determined through a lock interrogation that a maid was in our room for 12 minutes. They claim she had a right to be there because they do turndown service at 5pm. However, we had checked in less than an hour before, the room was spotless, and there was no need for anyone to be in our room. They interviewed the maid who claimed she did not notice any valuables and did not take our cash. Since we had no proof of stolen property (there are also no cameras in the hallways which feels like a huge security concern), the security team informed me that they would not be refunding any money or conducting any further investigation. I then sent an email to the General Manager, Dan Dickhart. He called me the next day and tried to charm me on the phone before telling me that there was nothing they could do about my stolen property or any compensation towards our stay because this would be an admission of guilt and he could not make an accusation against an employee without proof. That part I understood, which I explained to him. I asked him for a little show of good will, some very basic customer service, or at the very least to show some trust in his customers and to help us get our cash back. He kept saying his favorite phrase, "my hands are tied." After I pleaded with him for another few minutes, he said he would look further in to our claims, conduct another investigation, and call me back. I never heard from him. I sent another email to which he responded with a phone call (I get the sense he doesn't want anything he says in writing). He denies that he said he would ever call me back - a blatant lie. I have since reached out to Marriott who told me that a rep from the Ritz would be in touch with me within 5 business days. Have not heard anything. AVOID THIS HOTEL AT ALL COSTS.

Great experience for a birthday getaway. Special thanks for the welcome & kindness of the staff, they made the stay enjoyable. Particularly to Chase & Temila in guest services & Nihat in housekeeping. Natasha

This was a disappointing experience. For a five star hotel, the value for the price was just not there. The food and drink in the lounge area was average and extremely overpriced. The ambience, visually, was very nice but throughout the day the music was loud and had a continuous techno beat, which did not promote relaxation or conversation. The same was true outside on the patio. Our dining experience at Wyld restaurant was undeserving of a Michelin star rating and again, was grossly overpriced. Errors were made with our drink order so we had to leave over $100 of disappointment on the table, without apology from the staff. I do believe they were understaffed but then they should have reduced the number of reservations in order to take care of their dinner guests in the manner expected of an upscale restaurant at a five star hotel. The room was spotlessly clean but offered a view of the adjoining patio and the building. We came to the mountains to appreciate the Mountain views. This trip was a very rare, expensive splurge for me and absolutely not worthy of the price.

I was in dire need of a weekend away to relax and recenter myself before work went into overdrive and I was lucky enough to spend the weekend at The Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch. I have stayed at this property preCovid but hadn't been back in several years. The property was everything I remembered it to be but so much more. The beautiful drive up from Denver felt rather quick due to the stunning view and when I arrived at the property, I received a warm welcome from the valet team. I proceeded directly to the front desk for check in and was welcomed by Ryan, who let me know that though my room was not quite ready, he could check my bags and text me once it was available which worked perfectly for me as I had arrived early in the day and wanted to go to the Spa. They were able to fit me in for a facial within half an hour and I was able to spend the afternoon enjoying the amazing amenities it provides. By the time I was done with my Spa treatments, my room was ready. Over the course of the weekend, I revisited the Spa and enjoyed meals at the multiple outlets. From the WLYD to the sushi restaurant, I was not disappointed. The food was delicious, and the service team was attentive and welcoming. Things got a little out of control at The WLYD Bar and The Great Room Friday evening when weather drove everyone inside, but Michael and Robert still provided excellent service. All weekend there was live music in the evening and even smores at The Firepit which provided a relaxing area to enjoy the amazing views. Even my prearrival experience was top notch as Shannon reached out to confirm my travel details and offer me insight on the guided hike and local trails. After two days at The Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch, I was well rested and rejuvenated coming back to Denver. This property really provides all the sophistication and amenities of a luxury retreat but without the stuffiness that sometimes comes with it. I even ran into the General Manager, Dan, in the lobby and restaurants during my staff. He was quite friendly and knew most of the passing guests by name. I definitely will make sure that I don't wait so long to visit this Mountain resort again.