The Ritz-Carlton, Abama

Pretentious in the wrong way, overpriced. Rude staff. Selling bottles of wine for €130 when they’re in the supermarket down the road for €20. Rude staff all way round from golf to the beach. You can be a luxury hotel and still employ decent human beings and have some genuine atmosphere. I hope the locals continue to fill the beach if they can make the walk, staff wouldn’t even let people get a small cup of water or use the train in 42 degree extreme heat, it was shocking to see. No humanity.

This was my first time at a Ritz Carlton hotel. I expected perfection, prestige, luxury. What a disappointment... Let me be clear: this is a good hotel. Nice location, spacious rooms, good culinary options, friendly staff. But when you hang the Ritz Carlton sign at the entrance, being good is not enough. This is a nice 4 stars rated Marriot hotel, but by no means a prestige hotel. Slow chek-in, maintenance issues, uneven service at the front desk, and a miserable experience at the beach (understaffed, no guidance, leftovers, used towels lying on the chairs for hours, poor food).

This is what a 5* hotel should look like. I’ve stayed in plenty and they should all look at what they are doing here and take note. Beautiful building that is kept immaculate every day. Stunning rooms serviced impeccably twice daily. Nothing is too much trouble for the staff, despite the odd entitled English southerner barking demands at them with very little manners unfortunately. They are an incredible staff. Breakfast is superb and very well organised. Pool is ideal and been recently extended. You can always get a bed. The terrace area is lovely on an evening to sit and have a drink and a pizza. A magnificent holiday, couldn’t have asked for anything more. Feel like we got real value from our stay and made some indelible memories. Well done Ritz Carlton Abama, you have set the standard and we will definitely be back.

Second visit. Was last minute as had to cancel a holiday in the UAE. Sadly we hadn’t been able to get into the retreat but were given a fantastic room in the Citadel. Olesya was wonderful and went above and beyond consistently. Really appreciate all you did for us. Booked the retreat for this October :) looking forward to the new splash park!

If your in the retreat breakfast next to the pool look out for Lucy a lovely lady who is nice, very helpful and friendly.