The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee

After several decades of staying at various RC locations, the Oconee location has fallen from our family’s vacation list. Our bar is fairly low these days, and we also understand that the RC chain can no longer be compared with the pre-Marriott days (which was amazing), but with this last visit, we are sadly left back to either the St Regis (not all), a few RCs and the smaller non-chain high end hotels. The sad state of the elevators was beyond anything I have ever seen in an RC property - the beeping sound was closely akin to life support sounds and the motor was on its last leg - they should start having guests sign a waiver before taking a step into the looming tower of terror. Sadly, the room wasn’t really clean. The room’s carpeted area had barely been vacuumed, the hard-floor areas had not seen a steamer or mops for several stays, and the outside of the fridge had white marks all over it (among other minor items). Pro: Sheets and towels were clean. If you do go, do not waste your money with the club level. Fortunately there are a few other very rare gems in the RC collection with decent food and staff, but this is not one of those. I hate to be so blunt, but an IHOP for breakfast, would be better dining compared to the food items being served at the club lounge. We get that inflation has struck every aspect of our consumption rich society, but what’s sad to see is even the small things like eggs replaced with reconstituted powder - gross. Food that was supposed to be hot, was mildly lukewarm. Even something as simple as a dessert spoon was unavailable, bizarre to the say the least. For rooms that are $1500 per night, that’s rough. What was also odd was the checked out attitude for most of the club staff. No one ever even made an attempt to remove our plates, or to replenish food unless prompted. It’s obviously a management driven issue since as I stated, there are still a few rare RCs left out in the wild with decent food selection, and caring staff. Notable exceptions for dining were Linger Longer and the Italian restaurant, both had excellent food. Not sure what happened to Gaby’s, but the food was pretty rough. Pros: it is a nice quiet property, with outdoor experiences for the entire family.

What an amazing family vacation! My husband and I travelled with our 2 year old son and this was the best vacation we have had as a family!!! The Ritz at Lake Oconee is so family friendly… from the restaurants, the playground, the zero entry pool, everything is catered to families. Special shout out to Michelle who served us drinks and lunch at the kids pool and Laura who served us breakfast at the club on the 5th floor. My husband and I want to book a 2nd trip in August. Absolutely a 5 star experience for the parents with such a family friendly atmosphere!

We just spent a few days here as a family and left already planning our return. The setting is the star — the resort sits right on Lake Oconee, with gorgeous grounds, easy water access, and pools that kept our kids happy from morning to night. But the staff made the trip. Everyone we met was warm, genuinely attentive, and went out of their way to make our kids feel welcome — the kind of anticipatory service that turns a nice stay into a memorable one. It works equally well whether you're traveling as a couple or with little ones: plenty to do together, and just as much room to relax. Couldn't recommend it more highly.

Andrea with The Photography Concierge created a lasting memory book for our family of 10. In about one hour he guided us to five locations around the Ritz and took group and individual pictures of every person. The photos are traditional family shots and Andrea added some whimsy poses. We received more than 200 photos to select the top 50 for a picture book. Our family doesn’t get this lasting m,Emory without the skill and caring kindness of Andrea. 5+ Stars!

CLUB LEVEL is so worth it!!! I cannot overstate the truly worry-free relaxation that my husband and I experienced as we stayed here for three days and two nights to celebrate our anniversary! I worked closely with Beth Upchurch, and she was absolutely amazing and prompt in response and fully fulfilled all of our requests from a nonalcoholic request for our champagne to a room view upgrade from resort view to lakeview. First of all, we could not have had a smoother check in experience, as club level guests, we checked in and were immediately escorted to the club lounge and were able to have some sweets and coffee in front of the fireplace and check out the view from the balcony in the club level, which is absolutely beautiful. There was a variety of gluten-free and non alcoholic options, which impressed me, as well as a serve yourself open bar if you drink alcohol. You can also order mocktails or cocktails from the bar lounge menu from any of the waiters or waitresses on the club level and they will make them for you. One of the days, the lunch offerings that were gluten free were limited. I mentioned to the attendant at the sandwich station that I am on a gluten free diet and she went out of her way to order me a sandwich on gluten free bread from the kitchen. All of the food offerings on the club level were delicious and varied enough each day that we had plenty of variety, and I don't think I ate anything twice, except the macarons which were divine! I would also like to note for future visitors that there is a separate lower level with a balcony as well that has two large tvs and a selections of games, which would make an excellent additional area for kids if you dined on the club level as a family. However, we did see several families on the main level balcony who seemed to really enjoy the upper level, the lower level provides a quiet escape if needed. Our room was the essence of romance and relaxation, very spacious and with a large bathroom, equipped with an oversized shower and separate toilet room. Also of note to us was that the room has a dimmer switch for both the lights in the bathroom and the lights in the bedroom, which further enhanced the romantic atmosphere. The service from all of the staff was particularly impressive, from our valet to bellhop to housekeeping. The valet was always prompt in fetching our car, the bellhop escorted us to club level, as we had paid for a club level room, where we had a private check-in. Our housekeeping attendants turned down our bed each night with chocolates as well as keeping our room spotlessly clean. As FORA clients, we received a breakfast credit for in room dining which we used to order breakfast the first morning after we checked in. The food we ordered arrived promptly and freshly cooked. The frittata was absolutely divine! We also dined at Linger Longer Steakhouse. The food at Linger Longer was top notch! The Filet MIgnon that my husband ordered and graciously shared with me was so good, that I also wished I ordered it instead of my own Wagyu burger, which was also delicious. The waiter was extremely knowledgeable of all of the items on the menu that were gluten free and advised me which items contained gluten. The Bacon on a Wire appetizer was a splendid offering, as we watched the waiter torch it to cook it in front of us! It was mouthwateringly delicious! At the end of the meal, they also brought out a complimentary stick with Watermelon flavored Cotton candy, which was a nice touch. I decided the use our resort credit to go toward a massage at the spa, which was the best decision I could have made! My message therapist Jessica provided a stress relief massage and I added the hot stones add on, which was a complimentary add on due to my club level status. I have had more than my share of massages at hotels and this one was by far the best I have had in years! The amenities of the spa were also wonderful! The had a large heated lap pool, which hosts family swim from 3p-6p each day, as well as separate mens and women's saunas, whirlpools, and locker rooms with showers and amenities. As an added bonus, I was even able to return the next day and enjoy the spa amenities as a hotel guest, even without a spa appointment. Finally, the pool areas were amazing. The attendants at the pool quickly offered to set up chairs for us at the pool and offered us water to drink. The beach attendant was equally as kind, even so far as to move an umbrella and set it up for us in a different location closer to the beach chairs. There were numerous activities included in the resort fee that we plan to use next time we come back, such as the kayaks, water trampolines, and bike rentals. On one last note, the resort, while catering well to adults as a couples getaway, is also extremely attractive to families. The attention to details of what families need, from complimentary swim diapers, changing tables in the mens and womens restrooms, along with diapers and diaper rash cream, to the nightly smore's and the kids club and family pool make this resort an excellent option for families. We will be returned with our own children in the future.