Kelly Hannon

Review of The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota

My boyfriend and I experienced our first stay at t...

My boyfriend and I experienced our first stay at the Ritz Carlton just last week for two nights. I've always heard of their reputation for outstanding service but was still hesitant upon arrival due to a few negative reviews I read about - others feeling dissatisfied with service since they are not wealthy and that the hotel treated them differently for it. However, I can honestly say I have never experienced quality service like this before (and I do not fall under the definition of wealthy)! We never felt like we were treated less than any other guest during our stay; if anything it was the opposite - We felt that we were treated truly special (even though I'm sure this is simply their service level for all).

The most outstanding person we came in contact with was a Matthew Vessella. Not only did he let us in on resort services that we were not thoroughly told about when we first arrived (mostly the services at the beach club), but he alone made our stay truly memorable. Some of the things he did, besides give us a detailed description of the beach club and all it had to offer (we went and he was spot on with his details including just how lovely it was there), he opened the retail shop for me due to a beauty emergency, clued us in on the $20 daily credit we are allotted as guests, and surprised us with a farewell card and complimentary bottle of champagne on the last night of our stay. We were in awe with how kind Matt was to us; he made us feel truly special as guests at the hotel.

We also experienced wonderful service from the bartender (I believe his name was Jeff), valet, and all of the staff at the beach club.

I look forward to returning to this location again in the future!