Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay, California hotel review

If you find yourself in Half Moon Bay, and you are patient, like a fisherman waiting to hook a prize catch, you will be rewarded when the morning fog lifts. A magical jewel will be revealed; The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay.

Situated a short and scenic 23 mile drive southwest of San Francisco International Airport, The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay is magically perched on the bluffs of Northern California’s coast.

My ocean view from south facing room at Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay in California.

Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay ocean views

My room #551 on the Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge level, offered an ocean view of Half Moon Bay, gas fireplace, bathroom with marble walled shower and sunken bath rub, and rented for $605.

South facing rooms, like mine, typically rent for $455-$505, depending on the time of year.

Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge

If you want to have access to the Ritz Carlton Club Lounge, you’ll need to pony up $150 extra, unless you are already staying on the Club Lounge level.

If you are staying on property for your meals, this is a cost effective way to go, as the Club Lounge includes, a hot breakfast, lunch items, hors d’ oeuvres, beverages (alcohol, coffee, tea, juice and water) and desserts.

Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay cookie jars

Ritz-Carlton cookie jar

While your children will love the candies and bottled drinks on display in the Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge, I noticed just as many adults dipping their hand into the cookie jar.

For the health conscious eaters among us, there are plenty of fresh fruits, juices and several types of waters available. There is also a computer available for your use.

Always check the website for current pricing and hotel specials.

Bagpipes in Half Moon Bay

Listen for the Scottish Bagpipes at the Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay. Every night, except Monday, from around 5 p.m. to sunset, be serenaded by bagpipes. If you prefer a little alone time, cozy up with a glass of wine and blanket, or grab the kids and make s’mores by the outdoor fire pits.

Ritz-Carlton coastal view room #551

Ritz-Carlton sleep experience

If you’ve ever had trouble sleeping, you know that sleep is an essential travel element.

The Ritz-Carlton Sleep Experience is not to be ignored. With their handcrafted sheets, hypo allergenic down and feather pillows and duvet, you’ll be lulled to sleep with the sound of ocean waves crashing in the distance.

I haven’t mentioned the Ritz-Carlton spa because I didn’t get a chance to make it down stairs. If you have experienced the spa, let me know what you think.

Need to know before you travel:

4:00 p.m. check in

12:00 p.m. check out

Fishermen at Pillar Point Harbor offer iCoastside’s FishLine

Insider Tips to Half Moon Bay

If you venture into downtown Half Moon Bay, here are my local dining recommendations: Sam’s Chowder House (order the lobster roll) & Half Moon Bay Brewing Company (order the Portuguese Fisherman’s  Stew and Maverick’s Amber Ale.) For those who prefer to take fresh fish home, visit iCoastside’s FishLine, an online list of fishermen who are selling fish straight from their boats in Half Moon Bay, California.

For additional insider tips follow Luxury Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown on Twitter and follow Ritz Carlton on Twitter.

If You Go:

The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay  (650) 712-7000

One Miramontes Point Road

Half Moon, California 94019

Article written by, video and photos courtesy of,  Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip, Travels from Northern California. I was a guest of The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay.

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Things to See and Do in Half Moon Bay, California

Lands’ End Swimdress, swim suit review

Let’s face it, not everyone was born with the body of a Sport’s Illustrated swimsuit model. Some of us have more curves and wider hips than swimsuit model Kate Upton and need a little help with a slender suit. But the process of buying and finding the most flattering swimsuit doesn’t have to be agony. I found my Lands’ End swimsuit online.

Lands’ End swim dress

This Lands’ End women’s plus size swimsuit is actually a swimdress. The paisley print one piece swimdress is designed to flatter the plus size shape, offering a swimsuit and cover-up in one, with a slimming design. For the active traveler, I found this swimdress to work well from the spa to the swimming pool, to an ocean kayak experience. It’s actually designed well enough to wear in a casual resort restaurant without a swim suit cover-up, as well.

Swimsuit comfort and function

Designed of 55% Lycra Spandex and 45%  nylon material, with tricot drape and skirt over the swimsuit, the Lands’ End Swimdress offers a soft cup bra for the full-figured woman. I liked the shirred, crossover bodice that creates a slimming look and the fact that the fabric provides UPF 50 sun protection to help prevent skin cancer. After kayaking in the Pacific Ocean, I rinsed the salt water out of my swimdress and rash guard. Turns out, the swimdress was quick drying; an appreciated feature for the luxury traveler who doesn’t want to travel with wet clothes.

From swimming at the pool, to canoeing or kayaking, the Lands’ End Swimdress is a winner. Priced at $104.97, the Lands End’ swimsuit combines function and fashion for the luxury traveler. In partnership with Sears Stores, Lands’ End products may be returned at the store or online.

Where to buy

Lands’ End

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The back view of the Rutherford B. Hayes’ mansion at Speigel Grove

Seven U.S. presidents were born in Ohio, and thanks to the efforts of volunteers, private foundations and the Ohio Historical Society, many of their homes are still intact and operate as museums.

Rutherford B. Hayes chose Fremont, Ohio as the spot for Spiegel Grove, his rural retreat.  Spiegel Grove’s 31-room mansion has been on my “Places to see in Ohio” bucket list for years. Mostly, I was interested in the traditional Easter Egg roll.

President Rutherford B. Hayes moved the Easter Egg roll to the South Lawn of the White House in 1878 when he was in office.  When Andrew Johnson was president, he started the egg roll tradition on the lawn of the U.S. Capitol building.

The Egg Roll at Speigel Grove is an annual event in honor of Rutherford B. Hayes and this beloved American tradition. It’s a terrific way to celebrate spring besides.

Balancing an egg on a wooden spoon for the egg race

Last year, I was able to cross Spiegel Grove off my bucket list when my family and I headed there so my son could participate in the Egg Roll. At age 10, it was his last chance.

Along with the Egg Roll that included other contests and a parade around the grounds, we took a tour of Spiegel Grove and visited the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center, a museum that traces the life and accomplishments of the 19th president of the United States. His wife Lucy Webb Hayes and his children are also prominently featured in the exhibits.

Because Hayes’s presidency was during a pivotal time  in both the United States and elsewhere, a visit to the museum is a wonderful history lesson that takes in Reconstruction after the Civil War, the Panama Canal, Nez Perce, Ponca and Sioux Indians, and the Great Railroad Strike of 1877.

The tour of Hayes’s and Lucy’s mansion is also a wonderful trip back in time where workmanship and innovation made this house a masterpiece that was added onto as the Hayes’ family’s needs changed. Hayes and his family returned to Spiegel Grove after his presidency.

Whether you visit Spiegel Grove for the Easter Egg roll or at another time, the trip to this  is worth it. Check Spiegel Grove’s website for special events and activities that happen throughout the year.

This year’s egg roll is happening on Saturday, March 30. The event is free.

If you go:

Rutherford B. Hayes’s grave at Speigel Grove

Tours of both the mansion and the Presidential Center are available year-round. Visitors can tour one or both.

Hours:   Tuesday – Saturday
9 a.m.-5 p.m. (HOME tours are on the half hour; the last at 4 p.m)
Sundays & holidays  noon-5 p.m. (HOME tours are on the half hour; Library closed )

Closed on Monday, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Admission – Adult admission to both museums, $13. For just one: $7.50; children, 6-12 are $5 for both and $3 for just one. There is discount admission for AAA members, senior citizens, and active military and their families.

Admission to the Hayes Research Library is free.

The Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center
Spiegel Grove, Fremont, OH 43420-2796
phone 419.332.2081

Post and photos courtesy of Jamie Rhein, member of the Midwest Travel Writers’ Association