What Makes the Ritz, well, The Ritz?

Is a hotel just a place to sleep, or is it a delightful experience you’ll always remember?  It’s clear that most hotel owners hope you’ll believe the latter.  I have to say that for the past few nights, my experience at one of the world’s most prestigious hotel brands has proven that a high class hotel has tricks up their sleeve to make the experience truly unforgettable.

What makes the Ritz Carlton Hotel so special?

Was it the phone call I got asking if everything was OK, and was there anything they could do for us to make it even nicer?

Was it the personal note, signed by six staff members, thanking us for choosing to stay here on Central Park South?

Perhaps it was the huge platter of good cheese laid out for us upon our arrival.

Or the huge bathroom with all of that fancy shampoo and lotions? and all of that room to walk around in, like a bathroom at home.

For us what made this visit a truly enjoyable experience was the Concierge Lounge, which our room keys opened, and provided us with bountiful breakfast, evening hors d’oeuvres and unlimited drinks.  We even returned there late in the evening for dessert and cordials.

Our sixth floor room is full of antique furniture, and the large windows overlook Central Park, where horse carriages drivers ply their trade. The giant bed with its 400 thread count sheets was hard to get out of, it was so soft and like sleeping on a giant pillow.  The room was absolutely silent even with the NYC traffic and buzzing activity outside.

Outside of the door, we were treated to the full Sunday New York Times. And they also had the Weekend Wall St. Journal waiting on Saturday.

In the elevator, television star Kelsey Grammar stood in disguise, wearing the baseball hat and sunglasses many of the famous use to try and blend in. He’s another Ritz customer who can afford to stay anywhere, but choose this same wonderful old 259-room hotel. I can see why.