My Unforgettable Stay at The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee

THE RITZ-CARLTON

REYNOLDS, LAKE OCONEE

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THE ULTIMATE WELCOME:

My Unforgettable Stay at The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee

Arriving at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Oconee

First Impressions

As you pull up to what looks like a luxury mountain lodge, complete with fountains and beautiful landscaping, you are greeted by gentlemen who open your car door with a smile and southern hospitality. Walking through the automated clear doors, which were previously beautiful wooden doors opened by team members, you enter a stunning welcome area that looks like a grand living room overlooking the lake with a bar area and fireplace.

I miss the wooden doors being held open by the gentlemen greeting you—it added a special touch of warmth and tradition to the arrival experience.

Check-In Experience

Walking up to check-in, I asked if there were any upgrades available for a suite. She smiled and said, “Let me see what we have.” After searching for a couple of minutes, she said they had a suite overlooking the lake. Since the kind of room I stay in and the view are the most important aspects of my trip, I was elated and even more excited about my stay! Not only that, but the room was ready, and it was only 10:00 A.M. on a Friday going into a very busy weekend!

The Suite

The bellman had our luggage cart and took us up to our room, telling us about the the speakeasy, Oconee Cove, that had just opened. As we entered the suite, it was beautiful, with an entryway that flowed into the living room, offering a stunning view of the lake. The suite, located at the end of the hotel, provided a lot of privacy. The room had a balcony with an entrance off the living room/dining room.

Securing a Boat Rental

We had to quickly get down to the dock because they had delivered our boat for us to use until checkout on Sunday. This was the first time we rented a boat for our entire stay, and I can’t imagine going without it now. The boat rental on the property is $400 an hour, and through Oconee Wild Watersports, which we chose, it was approximately $900 a day with a $300 add-on for delivery and pickup. You can also rent 2 person jet skis!

Getting Your Spot by the Pool

The Exclusive Club Level

There is a special level at The Ritz-Carlton called Club Level. After you experience it, you will never want to go without it. It offers five presentations daily: breakfast, lunch, light snacks, hors d’oeuvres, and dessert. They also serve premium wine, beer, cocktails, and champagne, with a concierge for club members and a place to relax for as long as you want. It is open from 7:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M. daily. The staff up there is incredible and loves to help with any request you have. You truly feel southern hospitality at its finest.

Personal Touches

We stopped by the room to find a gift waiting for us from a lady I always talk to during my stays. She gave us a handwritten letter, a bottle of wine, and some cheese and crackers. My love for this resort could not be any fuller right now!

What to Pack

To ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable stay, here are a few essentials to pack for your trip to The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee:

• Portable Fan: The summer heat can be intense, and a portable fan will help keep you cool, especially when relaxing on your balcony or patio.
• Lighted Travel Mirror: Perfect for getting ready on your patio while enjoying the stunning lake view.
• Portable Charger: Keep your devices charged so you can capture every moment of your luxurious stay without interruption.

What Not to Pack

Save some space in your luggage by leaving these items at home:

• Fishing Pole or Bait: The resort provides all the necessary equipment if you decide to go fishing.
• Beach/Pool Towels: The resort supplies ample towels for your convenience.
• Swimwear for Little Ones: The kids’ pool has swim gear available, making packing for your children a little easier.

Final Thoughts

I highly recommend spending the extra money for the lake view over the resort view. The grounds are stunning, with hammocks and swings by a charming babbling stream. The staff truly makes this resort special. The breathtaking surroundings, adult and kids’ pools, and top-notch amenities enhance the experience. This is a place I wholeheartedly recommend for couples, girls’ trips, bachelor golf outings, and family vacations.

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Luxury. Service. Passion. Rating

Luxury: 8

The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds offers a distinctive lodge luxury experience in Greensboro, GA, about an hour from Atlanta. It’s a special place, though a few details that used to stand out were missing this time, such as the logo on the slippers and a flower delivered with our morning coffee via room service. Luxury truly lies in these details.

Service: 9

The hotel exemplifies real Southern hospitality, with friendly and helpful staff. Although the valet who assisted us upon arrival was not particularly welcoming, the high energy and friendliness of the valet next to us highlighted this contrast. When we checked in, I inquired about room upgrade availability, and we were graciously upgraded to an amazing lake view suite. Every request during our stay was happily fulfilled.

Passion: 8

The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds is a beautiful property with meticulously manicured grounds, perfect for a couples’ getaway or an incredible family vacation. The property features enchanting lights in the trees, large and beautiful wind chimes in the pine trees, and cozy fire pits by the lake at night, creating a truly magical ambiance.

Live Phone Attendant: Yes

On a positive note, I appreciated that a live attendant answered the phone when I called the hotel, unlike some hotels that route calls to an automated line. 

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Click the links below for more in-depth details about:

• Restaurants On and Off Property Dining
• Ritz Carlton at Lake Oconee Amenities
• The Ritz Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee Page

-Paige