The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour, Miami

The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour, Miami: A Tranquil Oasis with Michelin Recognition

The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour, Miami, a MICHELIN Guide Selected property, offers a blend of luxury and tranquility on the northern tip of Miami Beach. While the specific number of Michelin Keys awarded is not explicitly stated in available public information, its inclusion in the prestigious guide signifies a notable level of quality and experience. Guests generally praise its serene location, spacious accommodations, and attentive service, though some minor criticisms regarding dining options and value for money have been noted.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general sentiment for The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour, Miami is largely positive, with many guests describing their stays as "exceptional" and expressing a desire to return. Review platforms often show high ratings for service, location, and room size. However, some guests have expressed disappointment when comparing it to other Ritz-Carlton properties, citing issues with breakfast quality and overall value for the price.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of the resort:

• Location & Serenity: The hotel's position in Bal Harbour offers a "nice quiet location away from hub hub of south beach". It provides a sense of seclusion despite being only about 10 miles from the bustling tourist spots of South Beach and Miami Beach. It is also conveniently located near upscale shopping at Bal Harbour Shops.
• Service & Staff: Attentive and helpful staff are frequently highlighted as a major positive, with employees anticipating needs and offering personalized service. Reviewers often mention specific staff members for their exceptional hospitality.
• Amenities: The resort boasts a 10,000-square-foot Exhale spa with fitness classes, an outdoor pool with private cabanas, and a semi-private beach access where loungers and umbrellas are included in the resort fee. The art collection within the hotel is also a notable feature.
• Privacy: With only two accommodations per floor and semi-private elevators, the hotel offers an enhanced sense of privacy and quiet, which is highly appreciated by guests.

3. Room Quality

The rooms and suites at The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour are consistently described as spacious, beautiful, clean, and comfortable. They are designed to bring the ocean to the forefront, featuring 10-foot floor-to-ceiling windows and private terraces that offer breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, coastline, or Intracoastal Waterway. The décor incorporates natural tones and textures, mahogany wood, leather accents, and custom artwork, aiming for a mix of luxury and style without being pretentious.

Key features include:

• Large layouts, with guest rooms starting at 510 square feet.
• Luxurious bathrooms with freestanding soaking bathtubs and separate showers, often positioned with ocean views.
• Suites offer gourmet kitchens, dining rooms, and spacious living areas, with some even featuring a six-person theater or a grand piano.
• Complimentary bottled water and mini-fridges are provided.

However, some guests have occasionally found aspects of the rooms to be dated or to have minor maintenance issues, such as peeling finishes or malfunctioning phone and TV remotes.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel features two primary dining venues:

• Artisan Beach House: This signature waterfront restaurant offers globally inspired cuisine with a focus on fresh, locally sourced seafood and Mediterranean influences. It provides a chic setting with sweeping ocean views for all-day dining, including brunch on Sundays.
• Water's Edge: Located poolside, Water's Edge offers al fresco dining with seasonal favorites, house specialties, signature cocktails, and a dedicated kids' menu.

While the quality of the food at Artisan Beach House receives positive mentions, breakfast options have been a point of criticism for some, with comments about limited selections and buffets only being available on weekends. Room service is also available.

5. Service & Staff

The service at The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour is a consistent highlight, often described as "attentive," "kind," "helpful," and "professional". Staff members are praised for anticipating guest needs and accommodating requests, from setting up beach amenities to providing an "exceptional" level of service. However, a few isolated incidents describe staff as unavailable or less welcoming than expected, particularly around the pool area.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel is ideally situated in the exclusive Bal Harbour Village, offering a quieter, more luxurious alternative to the more bustling areas of Miami.

• Neighborhood: Bal Harbour is known for its upscale shopping at Bal Harbour Shops, art, and dining scene.
• Attractions: While providing a secluded feel, it is only about 10 miles from South Beach and Miami Beach. It is also in proximity to Haulover Beach. The hotel offers an Art Pass for complimentary admission to local museums and private collections.
• Transport: Miami International Airport is approximately 17-30 miles away, around a 30-minute drive. Parking is available on-site, though it typically incurs a daily fee.

7. Value & Pricing

The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour is a luxury property, and its pricing reflects this. Room rates can range from approximately $334 to over $1,600 per night for standard rooms, with suites being significantly higher. Some guests feel the hotel is "very expensive" and have expressed disappointment with the perceived value for the price, particularly in relation to dining options and some amenities. A resort fee of around $45 per night is typically applied, which includes amenities such as beach loungers, towels, umbrellas, internet access, and bottled water.

8. Common Complaints

While overall reviews are positive, some recurring issues and criticisms include:

• Breakfast Quality and Options: Limited breakfast choices and the buffet only being available on weekends have been a point of contention for some guests.
• Noise Levels: Despite the private nature of the rooms, some guests have reported noise issues, potentially from construction or internal hotel systems.
• Dining Variety: A few guests have wished for more restaurant options directly on the property.
• Perceived Value: Some guests feel that the high price does not always align with the overall experience or the range of services offered, especially compared to past Ritz-Carlton stays.
• Dated Aspects of Rooms: While generally luxurious, minor wear and tear or dated elements in some rooms have been mentioned.

In conclusion, The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour, Miami offers a sophisticated and private beachfront retreat with strong service and spacious, well-appointed rooms. Its Michelin Guide selection underscores its quality, making it a compelling choice for travelers seeking a luxurious escape in a tranquil Miami setting.

Sources

1. michelin.com
2. michelin.com
3. miamiandbeaches.com
4. michelin.com
5. ritzcarlton.com
6. ritzcarlton.com
7. forbestravelguide.com
8. fivestaralliance.com
9. miamiandbeaches.com