We are looking for nice places to stay in Half Moon Bay and Saratoga (near San Jose). Any suggestions? Has anyone stayed at the new Ritz in Half Moon Bay? Thanks

I drove by the new Ritz a few months ago. Looks like a very nice facility. But you're removed from anything else and not within walking distance to anything. So if you plan on dining there or driving everyplace, it's fine.

The Ritz Carlton in Half Moon Bay is spectacular. I have stayed there several times and falling to sleep with the sound of the surf is heavenly. The traditional decor is lovely, the rooms very comfortable, nice deep soaking tubs,and the views are awesome. It is our own version of Scotlands St Andrews. The beautiful golf links surround the buildings. There is a charge for required Vallet parking, an issue I have strong negative feelings about. The staff wear Scottish knickers & caps and weekend sunsets include a bagpiper playing on the cliff, completing the illusion of Scotland. The Sunday Brunch is delightful.
Any specific questions are welcome and I will do my best to answer.

bodi,

a few questions. Is there any way to avoid the parking charge? Also, is it worth it to pay $450/night for a full ocean view? Thanks

Hi Tammy, I have parked in town and taken a cab. The views are all beautiful so the less expensive rooms are fine. I must admit, I always request the ocean because that is my main reason to stay there, hearing the surf. If you want to sleep or watch tv, the golflinks views would save a few dollars, and enjoy the surf walking or sitting outside when you wish. It is illuminated at night and I think very beautiful.

I've not stayed there but we had wedding guests stay at the Inn at Saratoga and loved it. The quaint town of Saratoga offers you many dining and shopping options, all walking distance from this hotel.

Another possibility, the Joie de Vivre hotel group is building a new hotel in Los Gatos, the Hotel Los Gatos on Main Street. It is supposed to be open by the end of this month. It looks really nice and will include a Kuleto's restaurant. It is also walking distance to many nice restaurants and shops.

In Half Moon Bay, most of the lodging options are not walking distance to the town. If you want an ocean view you will be on the opposite side of highway one from the town. The Ritz looks lovely. Another possibility is the Beach House at Half Moon Bay, but I don't think it's nearly as nice as the Ritz. For dining in Half Moon Bay, be sure to try the new Cetrella. It's getting great reviews.

Thanks for your helpful responses. Has anyone stayed at the Beach House Inn? That was my other possibility in Half Moon Bay.

hello again, I have stayed many times at the Beach House also. Obviously, Half Moon Bay is my favorite escape! LOL! It is lovely also. I have only stayed in the penthouse and once in 'the suite'. It is more casual of course. The biggest difference for me, Ritz sensational surf, BH breakwater, very calm and quiet. I will never stay in the suite again, the highway noise on the street side was too distracting and annoying. They have nice deep soaking tubs, downey beds and two steps down to the livingroom with fireplace,micro,6 disk CD player,and balcony. You pay most for the penthouse, and the ice machine and breakfast are on the lobby floor, I've never understood that. No personal help. I like the BH when I want to be alone and quiet, and the Ritz when I want to be pampered. My only sadness with the BH, last visit, maintence/housekeeping was slipping. I have not been back for a year to know if it has improved. Please note, I am always picky about housekeeping and maintainence. I think that is the most important luxury I'm paying for.
I find no clues what experence you would like, but if you want HMB town, there are B&B where you can walk to dine and shop.

Why would someone who is paying $450 a night be so cheap as to park their car in town to avoid valet charges?

To "huh":

It is one thing to pay for a room with an ocean view. Paying $25 to park your car in a suburban area with plenty of parking is absurd. It's a matter of principle. Anyway, thanks again for everyone's comments. I'm looking for a nice room with a great view. I don't need to walk to town.

I personally do not like vallet parking, ever. I feel it unacceptable to hand my car and keys to a total stranger and then to have to ask for my car back. That has nothing to do with money. Optional vallet for those who want is fine, but forced vallet, no thanks. I understand the RC having vallet parking only as this is a magnificant property, and cars parked about would spoil the enviroment. Post Ranch Inn solves this delightfully, with two parking areas, from which you are assisted with your belongings into a shuttle and taken to you room and helped to settle in. Your car and keys at all times remain in your control and no vallet 'fee' ever mentioned. That feels much more welcoming! My biggest complaint with RC is the $25 a night is forced, and not mentioned until you get your bill. Hopefully, this has been changed since my last visit. A business man joined in my objection, as his surprise vallet parking fee for all his many employees staying for a convention, was a HUGE shock and unexpected expense. Either include the fee in the room charge or make clear the fee before reservations.

Bodi--I realize this is a rather old post, but I'm going to be staying at the RC soon and feel like you do about the valet parking. A few questions--
Can we walk to town from the hotel if we want to or do they have a shuttle?
Also, how are the restaurants there? Anything reasonable for a light meal?
What about restaurants in Half Moon Bay?
Is there complimentary coffee?
How good is the health spa?
Are there good hiking trails nearby?
Thanks,
Julie

I just got back from Half Moon Bay, staying at the RC for 2 nights. It was impossible to get around the valet parking. The town is too far to walk. We complained to the manager about the valet when it took 30+ minutes to get our car for dinner. He apologized and waived the fee for both nights. They claim they simply don't have enough land for regular parking. If you don't like the forced valet, raise it with the manager. It may have an effect if enough people complain. Otherwise, the hotel was beautiful, and the setting is amazing. It is a bit stuffy, though.

The fitness facilities at the hotel are excellent, including a lap pool. There is a long coastal trail nearby for jogging and the hotel gives out jogging maps. I did not eat at the hotel because it was very expensive, but there are a number of good and inexpensive places in the town of Half Moon Bay (a breakfast place called Coffee Cafe, a nearby Italian/pizza restaurant with good seafood and salads, Pasta Moon, Cetrella, and a few cafes for lunch).

I agree with everything very well expressed by Tammy. There is one kitchen at the Ritz that serves the three dining areas. No coffee already in the room, just room service delivery.
The only poor meal I have ever had was at the English Pub. My favorite breakfast is Artichoke Soup at Duartes in Peacadero. Then, cross the street to Norm's for fresh HOT bread and Straus milk and butter to enjoy on the beach.
You mentioned jogging, Costanoa is a great place to stay and hike alot.

We are in Half Moon Bay for 5 nights every Auguust. The Ritz is lovely but the vallet is beyond a problem. Waited 35 minutes one night to get our car. There is no where to eat without driving except the Ritz food. I love The Beach House. Stay on the first floor so you can have the patio right on the surf with no balcony wall blocking your view. The REAL fireplace was so nice and the small kitchen area was fully stocked. Huge hot tub and closer to restaurants and easy self park. The Seal Cove Inn is also a charming spot and a wonderful Bed and Breakfast run by Karen Brown. Both of the above have websites.