A few months ago, I treated my husband to a birthday trip at the Ritz Carlton Amelia Island for a long weekend. This was his first ever visit to Amelia Island, but I had stayed at this hotel before in 2021, and I just knew he would absolutely love it.
I redeemed 70,000 Bonvoy points per night to cover the stay in a King Coastal View room. In comparison to the cash rate at the time, I was able to spend only 70K points versus having to pay $1300+ per night. In addition, at check in – thanks to my Titanium Elite Marriott status – I was given an upgrade to a direct Ocean View King room, which was an absolute dream.
One of the things I love about Amelia Island, and this Ritz Carlton property in particular, is that there aren’t as many tourists here as there are in other destinations in Florida. Plus, the Ritz Amelia Island has been renovated recently, so unlike some of the tired and stuffy Ritz’s that are in desperate need of a face lift, this hotel is an oasis right on the sea.
The Room
The newly renovated oceanfront king room was beautifully decorated in coastal chic, yet contemporary style. The natural light from the floor-to-ceiling sliding doors perfectly accentuated and highlighted the blues, whites, and natural wood colors of all of the lovely furnishings and decor.
We were treated to some special surprises throughout our stay – no doubt thanks to my Titanium Elite status! – and we received a free bottle of sparkling wine upon arrival. I had emailed the hotel ahead of time letting them know it was my huband’s birthday, and we also got another complimentary bottle of sparkling wine with our breakfast in bed on his actual birthday, in addition to free birthday pastries, a free Ritz Amelia Island hat from the giftshop and a lovely handwritten card from the restaurant team. I was so surprised and thrilled with how above and beyond the hotel staff went to make his birthday extra special, and we were both very touched by their sweet gesture!
Another thing that surprised me about the stay at this Ritz was the bathroom amenities. Unlike other Ritz Carlton’s that have Asprey travel-sized toiletries, the Ritz Carlton Amelia Island had full-size Diptyque bathroom amenities, which are of course tres chic and luxurious! I’m not going to lie, those bottles definitely came home with me, as the retail price of Diptyque toiletries are crazy expensive!
The Location and Guest Experience
Located in the heart of Amelia Island, the Ritz is perfect for beach and nature lovers and those who thrive on sun, sand and outdoor sports and activities. Only about a 10 minute drive away from the heart of historic Fernandina Beach, the resort’s location offers plenty of things to do and to discover, including a wealth of Amelia Island fine dining, a variety of interesting shops and boutiques, historical sites, museums and more.
That being said, if you don’t want to leave the property, there are plenty of fabulous amenities and activities that the Ritz offers for hotel guests to indulge in. Included in the $40 a night Resort Fee are the following:
- Two beach chairs, a beach boogie board and an umbrella per day
- Access to both outdoor and indoor pools, along with a kid’s water play area
- Ritz Kid’s club access
- Fitness center with one complimentary class included per day per room
- Use of practice facilities and one bag of range balls at The Golf Club of Amelia Island
- HOT TIP: Proper golf attire is required!
- Tennis court privileges including racquets and balls for one hour per day
- Two bicycles for two hours per day
- A variety of scheduled activities such as: shell and shark tooth hunt, nature explorations and walks, craft sessions, and more
- Electric vehicle charging station usage
The pools and the beach at the Ritz Amelia Island are some of the most beautiful and least populated that I have ever experienced in Florida, and true beach and sun worshippers will love their stay at this property! Good for families, as well as for couples, the Ritz Amelia Island is perfect for either a family or a romantic getaway, and you won’t want to miss waking up early for sunrise over the Atlantic from your balcony!
Final Verdict
I can’t say enough wonderful things about the Ritz Amelia Island! For only 70K Bonvoy points – versus a cash rate of over $1,300 per night :O – I would book here again and again when I am in the mood for a Florida beach getaway. Perfect for both families and for couples, this hotel has not only been gorgeously renovated, but the staff make this a truly fabulous vacation spot for anyone looking to get away for some fun in the sun!
Don’t get me wrong; it’s a nice hotel and I also enjoyed staying there. What I have issues with is that this same hotel was 40k a night about 5 years ago and since then has almost doubled for no good reason other than people are still redeeming at 70k a night. The hotel may as well make it 80k or 100k a night, and I’m sure people will still redeem.
Actually, the Ritz Amelia Island has been completely renovated in the past 2 years, so I can understand why they have upped the award rate night myself. In general, Marriott has been increasing award rates — even for hotels that haven’t been renovated — so while I totally understand your frustration, I am not surprised. In comparison to the $1300+ a night room rate, I am happy to pay 70K points for this hotel, as I personally think it’s one of their best properties on the East coast!
It interesting article, but I think one thing you may be “overselling”…. your Titanium status. I’ve been to more than a few RC and 99% of the time they could care less about Titanium status. Literally, I had the RC in Honululu say that Amex Fine Hotels and Resorts has more benefits/perks than Titanuim. I think it may be who you are and what you do…. and the fact it’s going to be posted rather than your hotel status.
If this was Asia or another international destination…. maybe. As a fellow Titanium member, from Fairfields to Ritz Carltons, most US hotels could care less.
I hear what you are saying, but I have to think it was actually the email I sent to the hotel ahead of time about it being my husband’s bday, along with the Titanium Elite moving the needle here. At the time of this stay I hadn’t posted for GSTP in like 3 years, so while it’s a good hypothesis, I think I just got lucky on this stay and I also think the staff here just like to go above and beyond to make it special for their guests!
Are the full size toiletries really meant to be taken? I thought hotels were using full size bottles to reduce their environmental footprint.
You will be charged the full price of the toiletries if you take them. There is now a sign in the bathroom stating so.