The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne

The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne, Miami, a Michelin Key Selected property, offers a luxurious escape on a tranquil barrier island, blending a secluded resort experience with convenient access to Miami's vibrant city life. While often praised for its stunning location, extensive amenities, and dedicated staff, recent guest experiences present a mixed sentiment, with some noting areas for improvement, particularly regarding upkeep and service consistency.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The overall sentiment for The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne, Miami, is generally positive, with many guests appreciating its serene island setting and comprehensive facilities. However, recent reviews indicate a mixed experience, with some guests expressing disappointment over perceived declines in quality, outdated aspects of the property, and occasional service inconsistencies, especially considering the luxury price point. The hotel holds an 8.0 "Very Good" rating on Booking.com, though some individual reviews range from "Exceptional" to "Poor."

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud the resort's picturesque location on Key Biscayne, offering a peaceful retreat just minutes from downtown Miami. Key highlights include:

• Location: A tranquil island setting with easy access to city attractions.
• Amenities: An expansive property boasting two distinct pools (a lively family pool with a zero-entry area and a quieter adults-only tranquility pool), a comprehensive 20,000-square-foot spa and fitness center, 11 tennis courts, and a kids' club.
• Design & Vibe: Elegantly modern interiors with soothing tropical colors, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. The resort successfully cultivates a luxurious, relaxed island living ambiance.
• Beach Access: Direct access to a private beach with available cabanas and loungers, although the beach quality itself receives mixed feedback.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne, Miami are described as spacious and elegantly appointed, featuring marble bathrooms, luxury linens, and private balconies with various views. Guests can expect plush beds, flat-screen televisions, and mini-bars. While some reviews highlight recent renovations, others mention that the decor can feel "a little dated" or "tired," particularly the flooring and some bathroom fixtures. Some older privately-owned units booked through the hotel have been noted to lack modern conveniences like USB chargers. Suites and residence suites offer more space and amenities, with Club Level rooms providing additional benefits like a private business center and food presentations.

4. Dining Experience

The resort offers a variety of dining options catering to diverse tastes:

• Lightkeepers: Serves modern beach cuisine for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a notable Sunday brunch. Breakfast at Lightkeepers is generally well-regarded.
• Cantina Beach: Features regional Coastal Mexican fare and boasts one of South Florida's largest tequila collections.
• Dune Burgers on the Beach: A chic beach lounge offering gourmet burgers and international appetizers.
• Luma: A newly enhanced Italian restaurant.
• Rumbar: A Cuban-inspired lounge.
• Scoop: An ice cream parlor available poolside.

While the food is generally considered "good" and "consistently solid," some guests suggest it's "not over the top" or "nothing special" compared to other culinary experiences. There have been comments about limited healthy options at the pool and some dessert places closing early.

5. Service & Staff

Feedback on service and staff is varied. Many guests praise the staff as professional, friendly, and helpful, contributing to an "amazing experience". The Club Lounge staff, in particular, has been highlighted as fantastic. However, some recent reviews point to "uneven" service, describing it as "aloof" at times and "worse than many Ritz-Carltons". Issues such as long waits during check-in, understaffing, and difficulties in getting basic amenities like enough towels or high chairs have been reported.

6. Location & Accessibility

The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne, Miami, is uniquely situated on Key Biscayne, a tranquil barrier island south of Miami, offering a "secluded escape". It is conveniently located about 10 minutes from downtown Miami and 20 minutes from Miami Beach, making it accessible to city attractions while maintaining a peaceful ambiance. Miami International Airport (MIA) is approximately 15 miles away, with a typical 30-minute drive under normal traffic conditions. The island itself is known for its natural beauty, beaches, and upscale residential areas. While there are some local cafes and shops within walking distance, exploring the wider island or reaching major attractions like Crandon Golf Course or the Miami Seaquarium typically requires a car or bike.

7. Value & Pricing

As a luxury property, The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne, Miami, commands premium pricing, with room rates often ranging from $500 to over $1000 per night. Some guests have reported paying as much as $1800 per night for an experience they felt was not commensurate with the cost. A daily resort fee of $48 is charged, which includes beach access, loungers, pool and spa access, and some activities. Valet parking is the only option and incurs a fee of around $50 per day. While many appreciate the luxury and amenities, some recent reviews question the value for money, especially when encountering issues like dated facilities or inconsistent service. Booking through programs like American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts or using Marriott Bonvoy points can offer additional benefits or better value.

8. Common Complaints

Recurring issues and criticisms from guests include:

• Outdated Facilities: Despite some renovations, certain areas and guest rooms are perceived as "dated" or "tired," not fully meeting the expectations of a luxury brand.
• Service Inconsistencies: Reports of slow service, understaffing, and a lack of attentiveness in certain areas, such as the pools and restaurants, have been noted. Specific complaints include insufficient towels and a scarcity of high chairs for families.
• Beach Quality: The beach, while accessible, is sometimes described as narrow and prone to seaweed, with water that is not as clear as other Florida beaches.
• Noise Issues: Some guests have experienced disturbances from adjacent rooms or noise from the club lounge, particularly in rooms located directly below it.
• High Costs vs. Experience: A number of guests feel that the high price point does not always align with the quality of the experience delivered, citing issues with service or facilities.
• Limited Healthy Dining Options: Especially at the pool areas, the availability of healthy food choices has been a point of criticism.
• Private Events: The hotel's frequent hosting of private events can sometimes restrict guest access to common areas, including pools and restaurants, without prior notice or compensation.

Sources

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