We have some friends who live at the Ritz Carlton Residences here in Coconut Grove. They recently invited us (me, my wife Kelly, and daughter Taylor) over for lunch and to spend the afternoon with them in the pool. I have been over to the Ritz several times to have lunch or drinks at the bar. But this time, I got a true sense of what it feels like to be a resident at the Ritz Carlton so I wanted to share that experience with my readers.
Upon entering the lobby at the Ritz Carlton, Coconut Grove we instantly felt a sense of calm wash over us. The staff was over the top friendly as they said “Good morning”, “Have a good day” and “Good to see you again” at every pass. Our lunch at the Bizcaya Grill (The Ritz Carlton’s fine dining restaurant) was excellent and surprisingly unstuffy. In fact, they gave Taylor plenty of crayons to color with and didn’t even blink an eye when she wanted to play the drums with her breadsticks. The food was as good as any fine restaurant here in the Miami. My wife had a Maine Lobster Salad on top of grilled foccaccia and I had a wonderful Tomato and Mozzarella salad.
After lunch we went upstairs to the pool. The pool staff was great, offering us towels and drinks as soon as we walked through the gate. Our friends wanted a particular drink that only the bartender downstairs knew how to make. “No problem” said the waiter at the pool. Without hesitation he took our orders and had them filled at the bar downstairs as opposed to the pool bar.
Now I would expect this kind of service as a hotel guest at the Ritz. But they offer unmatched service to their residents as well. In fact, as a Ritz Carlton resident you probably get even better service because you form relationships with the staff.
Many people would be surprised to know that in terms of a luxury condo building, the Ritz Carlton, Coconut Grove is pretty affordable. There is currently a 2 bedroom, 2 bath unit for sale for only $560,000. Of course the prices also go all the way up to $2,000,000. In terms of buying at the Ritz Carlton in Coconut Grove, you can choose to live in one of two towers. The tower located closest to the Bay is all individually owned units. The other tower features both hotel rooms and individually owned condos. It is a personal preference as to whether you prefer one tower over the other. Some people prefer the one that is strictly condo units because it offers more privacy. However, if you live in the hotel tower, you have a larger lobby and are closer to many of the amenities. Both towers have their own pool.
All in all, we had a wonderful experience as guests of the Ritz Carlton. I think my wife and daughter got used to being pampered and could too easily envision living there and ordering room service from bed. That reminds me, I think my daughter Taylor has a book about a little girl named Eloise who lived at the Plaza Hotel in New York City.
To read other posts regarding the market at the Ritz Carlton Coconut Grove, click here.
To view all condos for sale at The Ritz Carlton Residences in Coconut Grove, click here.