I have an upcoming stay at the Ritz Carlton in San Francisco in a "Club" suite. While making the reservation it says that the Lounge (I think it is a bar in the lobby) and the Club Lounge (on the Club floors) is being "upgraded". But I could not find any end date or any mention on the website. AI tells me that the update was completed on August 31 without citation. My stay in not until later in the fall. If the Club Lounge is being upgraded and it is closed, then why pay the extra $250-300 per night? Thank you for chiming in.
@Calidude That's a real shame that the RC in SF is causing this confusion (though, frankly, not surprising).
If I were you, I'd skip the AI and call the hotel directly at 415-296-7465. If the front desk gives you the runaround, escalate to the in-house Club Concierge or the Director of Rooms to get a straight answer, and make sure to ask for their commitment in writing via email.
If the lounge is closed and they aren't offering a proper alternative, drop down to a standard room and save that $250–300/night. If it's prepaid and non-refundable, you'll have solid ground to push for a refund through corporate channels.
On a personal note, I tried staying here a couple of years ago and ended up bailing for the St. Regis instead—no regrets, especially since Marriott Platinum status gets you a proper breakfast benefit there. If things don't work out with the Ritz, there are decent alternatives nearby.
Hope this sorts itself out. Safe travels!
@1990_ thank you for your suggestions. The reservation is not prepaid so I could cancel or downgrade to a non Club room.
I would not pay at all for the club access at all for that price...the price delta will get you amazing food and other things here in SF....not a good value at all......
If it was a free upgrade - thats worth it...not the extra hundreds of dollare for sysco slop in the lounge.....SF has great food....just not in hotels.
@isaacc Thank you Isaacc. Is that from personal experience or it is just a general philosophy about paying for Lounge. I live close to SF and have enjoyed the food scene for a long time. I am making the stay at the RC SF a staycation/destination vacation. I love its location and can spend an entire day in SF just walking around. I also think some hotels have fairly good restaurants. Westin, Palace, Taj come to mind. Even RC SF Parallel 37 is supposed to be fairly good.
@calidude yes. Lounge upgrades of no more than 50 dollars per night are worth the lounge access. Anything more you spend more than you would on other food in the hotel or locally.
I’ve never seen a hotel lounge worth charging extra per night for access. It’s good for free and you are staying for business for convenience to start your day. But a vacation….im never in the hotel room so why pay more for something you won’t really use or want given you are out walking through SF.