Highlights: The Ritz-Carlton Lake Las Vegas

•The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas is located in a master-planned resort and residential community 17 miles from the Las Vegas Strip

•Two world-class golf courses and a Mobil Four-Star-rated lakeside spa provide exceptional recreational opportunities

•Several dining choices in an Italian-Mediterranean environment and two cigar lounges

•Wedding chapel and event planner can help you create some special memories

•Full-service business center, ample meeting and function rooms, and two ballrooms cater to individuals and corporate groups

•Ritz Kids programs with designated pool activities and meals can give kids their own special vacation experience

•Guests receive full access to the shops, restaurants, boutiques, movies, and casino at the nearby Montelago Village

Amenities: The Ritz-Carlton Lake Las Vegas

• 349 rooms. Pets accepted; fee. Check-in 3 pm, check-out Noon. High-speed Internet access, wireless Internet access. Restaurant, bar. Fitness room, fitness classes available, spa. Outdoor pool, whirlpool. Golf, 18 holes. Business center. Credit cards accepted.

General Impressions: The Ritz-Carlton Lake Las Vegas

The Italian-themed Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas is located within a resort and residential community 17 miles east of the Las Vegas Strip. The resort appeals to many tastes, including golf for the sports enthusiast and spa retreats for a romantic getaway. The hotel hosts several outstanding restaurants, including the Medici Café and Terrace.

The atmosphere of the lake, gardens, waterfalls, and relaxing spa provides the perfect setting for romantic travelers. The resort also has its own wedding planner and chapel for couples who want to get married or celebrate other special occasions.

Business travelers will be equally well accommodated with modern meeting rooms and secretarial services offered through the hotel’s business center.

The Ritz Kids room packages are designed for family escapes with a designated pool for children and special meals, while the parents indulge in more grown-up activities. A special shuttle operates between the resort and the Las Vegas Strip for more dining and, naturally, the gaming that Vegas is known for.

(+) A wonderful destination resort with numerous activities for all ages

Guest Services: The Ritz-Carlton Lake Las Vegas

During my visit to the Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas the staff provided the impeccable Ritz-Carlton standards that the company is known for, but sometimes I felt they didn’t go the extra mile to make me feel pampered. The reservation agent was helpful by providing me with a number of package options, but didn’t mention any hotel services despite my mentioning that it was a celebration weekend.

I mentioned to the valet that there was an additional suitcase in the vehicle backseat, but it didn’t arrive with the rest of my baggage. Despite the baggage situation, the check-in was swift and the missing item was later placed in my room. The houseman was non-intrusive and arrived promptly to pick up my laundry.

Other unique services include the resort’s wedding coordinator, who can plan your special day at the hotel’s own chapel located on the Pontevecchio Bridge. A luxurious honeymoon suite can be serviced by an on-call Bath Butler, who can make sure the bubbles and tub-side candles are just right.

(+) Mostly outstanding service; in-house wedding coordinator and chapel
(-) Service not always exceptional as expected of a Four-Star hotel

Guest Rooms: The Ritz-Carlton Lake Las Vegas

The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas provides 349 plush rooms and suites with desert and lake panoramas. Many rooms and suites, including the Presidential and Ritz Carlton Club Level, are accessible by private elevator key on the top two floors of the picturesque Pontevecchio Bridge.

The resort’s Italian theme extends to the guest rooms, with décor of rich upholstered dark wooden furniture, golden draperies, and teal painted walls. I found the room to be spacious for two guests, with plenty of closet and storage space for baggage.

The bathroom was as luxurious as the rest of the room. The floor, sidewall, and separate tub and shower were all solid marble. Bath fixtures were heavy plated, with glass shelving above the double sinks.

While my room was cleaned daily, I was disappointed that turndown service wasn’t as thorough as I expected. My clothes weren’t folded or hung in the closet and my shoes weren’t paired. The furniture and fixtures weren’t dusted, the toiletries weren’t arranged, and the sink and shower weren’t cleaned.

(+) Spacious, elegant guest rooms provide an urban retreat
(-) Housekeeping during turndown service was not as consistent or as thorough as expected

Facilities & Activities: The Ritz-Carlton Lake Las Vegas

The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas is a great golf destination resort, with two championship 18-hole courses. Tom Weiskopf designed The Falls Golf Club, and Jack Nicklaus designed the Reflection Bay Golf Club, which is also the home of the Driving Range and Golf Institute. Guests who book golf-specific packages receive complimentary caddie service and special rates.

The Mobil Four-Star-rated Spa Vita-di-Lago features signature treatments, a full-service salon, hydrotherapies, wellness counseling, massages, and 24 deluxe treatment rooms. The spa also features Prada products and treatments.

Guests have full access to the non-staffed fitness center on the reception level of the 30,000-square-foot spa building. The facility provides a comfortable workout environment with special jogger stations, a classroom for aerobic and yoga classes, and cycles for spinning.

The refined and nicely landscaped pool and whirlpool are open 24 hours, but poolside service ends at sunset. The two cabanas and eight tented areas provided outdoor privacy.

The Ritz Kids program has its own headquarters inside the hotel with staff members providing beach games, programs, and entertainment while the parents golf or relax. One complimentary three-hour session per stay (for one child) is included in the daily resort fee.

Although the hotel doesn’t have a casino, the 40,000-square-foot Casino Montelago is a short stroll away for gaming entertainment, restaurants, bars, boutiques, movies, festivals, and live summer concerts on a floating stage.

Other Lake Las Vegas outdoor activities include fly fishing, canoeing, kayaking, pedal boats, hiking, biking, yacht tours, helicopter flights, ten passenger gondolas, and stargazing sessions.

(+) Exceptional golf and spa facilities; Ritz Kids program provides structured activities for kids

Dining & Lounge: The Ritz-Carlton Lake Las Vegas

The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas offers several outstanding restaurants for both casual and formal dining.

The flagship restaurant is the exquisite Medici Café and Terrace, featuring an exhibition-style kitchen. The tall windows look out to the gardens and outdoor terrace, which is also the scene for the three-course Sunday brunch. Seating is on high-back leather and silk upholstered chairs and couches. Children’s menus, holiday fare, and winemaker dinners are available upon request.

The Poolside Cafe is for casual outdoor dining enhanced with state-of-the-art cabanas. Sandwiches and beverages are also served on the white sand beach.

The Ritz-Carlton Club Level Lounge is accessible only for club-level guests, with four complimentary food and beverage presentations daily.

The Firenze Lobby Lounge is a romantic setting with classic artwork with lake and mountain views. Florentine tea is served on Thursday through Sunday afternoons with sandwiches and biscotti. The lounge also offers a large selection of cocktails and fine cigars.

Guests can taste test the tapas menu while relaxing on oversized leather chairs and couches in the intimate Galileo Bar. Watch flat screen TVs, play billiards, sip cocktails, or smoke cigars on the terrace overlooking the gardens and Montelago Village shops. Wrought iron chandeliers, hardwood floors, and a natural stone fireplace create a casual, warm ambiance.

During my stay, I enjoyed a delicious brunch at the Medici café, and also opted for in-room dining. While the food and presentation was excellent, I was somewhat disappointed with room service. When I called to place my order, I was put on hold, and then the attendant wasn’t knowledgeable about the menu.

(+) Outstanding selection of restaurants for all occasions
(-) In-room dining service not on par with other dining experiences

Business Services: The Ritz-Carlton Lake Las Vegas

Guests have access to the 24-hour business center with two personal computer workstations with high speed Internet and printer. The center is not staffed on weekends, with no photocopy or fax machine available without phoning for assistance. The guest rooms also have workspaces with high speed Internet.

The hotel has ample space for business meetings or retreats. Nine meeting rooms are available ranging in size from 500 to 870 square feet. In addition, the 11,800-square-foot lobby level Ritz-Carlton Ballroom can be broken into four rooms, and the 4,500-square-foot garden level Montelago Ballroom can be divided into two rooms.

(+) 24-hour business center and ample meeting and conference space available
(-) Business center is not staffed on the weekend, but other hotel staff can help if you call ahead for assistance