Ritz-Carlton

SoWal Expert

Sep 16, '05 · 11:10 AM9,348

From another thread, I had a thought.

All that development can only significantly change the character of 30-A and its enivrons.

I have heard no talk about this, even as a rumor, but someone brought it up and I would like you to consider the potential effects of such a thing built in SoWal. Even if you have not been to a Ritz-Carlton for afternoon Tea or a night of rest, I am sure that most of you are familiar with its world class service and appointments. When I first moved here, I remember one guy telling me that a Ritz was going in with a golf course and the works between 30-A and Hwy 98. (This happens to be State Forest land where he is talking about.) I have a feeling he heard something about the Ritz gas station/convenience stores in the area. When I heard this, I must say that I felt more comfortable about my decision to buy in this area. There is no such thing built at this time.

Anyway, I ask you to picture a Ritz-Carlton hotel with the works located north of Hwy 98 in the heart of SoWal. Possible to visualize? Definitely. Can Ritz afford it? Sure. I ask you to ponder the effects on this community if Ritz-Carlton created such a thing. Today, I still think of SoWal mostly as an undiscovered treasure, even though more homes are completed by the hour. If a world-renown establishment, such as the Ritz came here, how undiscovered do you think we would be? The potential effects of such a thing would be unbelievable, in my opinion.

From you, I would enjoy reading what you think would happen to the area if Ritz-Carlton created a world-class hotel here in SoWal. I encourage you to explore all avenues from the effects on real estate to the effects of the community and our environment.

Anyone?

Edited Sep 16, '05 · 10:02 PM

Replies

Meow

Sep 17, '05 · 5:30 AM#27

I can't imagine what would need explaining. Chains are self-explanatory. Yes, I frequent certain chains because there are times when convenience is everything, but there are places in this world that do not need an Olive Garden. Or a Ruth's Chris. Or a Tommy Bahama restaurant!

Everyone in Loouisville has their panties in a wad because there is a new PF Changs! IMHO, no food is good enough to wait 2 freakin' hours to eat it. If the restaurant is that good, they will take my reservation.

I hear ya'! We waited nicely for an hour at Northpark Mall here and then started seeing folks that came in behind us being seated....YOU DO NOT DO THAT!! They completely missed our name and we STAYED and ate and it was lousy service...food was good. I have not been back and that was 4 years ago!

Beach Lover

Sep 22, '05 · 7:08 PM#28

Any update the the Hotels that have been mentioned on 30A, one where the market is on 395 and the other just up on319? fact or fiction?

SoWal Insider

Sep 22, '05 · 7:27 PM#29

I can't imagine what would need explaining. Chains are self-explanatory. Yes, I frequent certain chains because there are times when convenience is everything, but there are places in this world that do not need an Olive Garden. Or a Ruth's Chris. Or a Tommy Bahama restaurant!

Everyone in Loouisville has their panties in a wad because there is a new PF Changs! IMHO, no food is good enough to wait 2 freakin' hours to eat it. If the restaurant is that good, they will take my reservation.

The best aspect of PF Changs is the decor.

SoWal ExpertAuthor

Sep 22, '05 · 9:19 PM#30

Any update the the Hotels that have been mentioned on 30A, one where the market is on 395 and the other just up on319? fact or fiction?

I have heard no changes in the Downtown Seagrove project, and do not recall that it was going to be a hotel -- I just cannot remember.

I am guessing the other one on 319 as you say is really supposed to be the one on 283, up the street from Grayton. I have seen no further activity on it.

Beach Fanatic

Sep 23, '05 · 5:12 PM#31

Rumor is Chris Ruth Steak House is going in at Howard's Group Grand BLVB.
Maybe just a rumor!

Ruth's Chris has had conversations with one existing Destin restaurant about and acquiring it and converting it to a Ruths Chris. I heard this directly from the owner of the restaurant. Their motivation for going this route is that it would take 3 years to go through the whole A&D process of building a new one. It was not part of the Howard group property. I don't think that this one is going to work out but it does prove that they are thinking about it.

Beach Fanatic

Sep 25, '05 · 9:21 PM#32

Heard the Ruth's Chris CEO on MSNBC yesterday & he stated that they would not be re-opening three locations affected by Katrina (not sure if all were in New Orleans, but at least one was). Instead, they will open new locations elsewhere....didn't catch exactly where...but I think he might have mentioned Orlando....not totally sure on that part.

Ruth's Chris decided to move their headquarters from NOLA to Orlando - permanently. Kick us while were down. Anyway, I prefer Sullivan's to Ruth's.

beats on hood

Sep 26, '05 · 5:48 PM#33

Ruth's Chris decided to move their headquarters from NOLA to Orlando - permanently. Kick us while were down. Anyway, I prefer Sullivan's to Ruth's.

Or Smith & Wollenski's? Once using frequent-flyer miles to go to Italy, we had a long layover at LaGuardia. We took a cab to Manhattan, had dinner at Smith & Wollenski's (impeccable service, awesome steaks, and incredible broccoli), and then cabbed back to LaGuardia for our trip to Italy. YUM!

I still like Ruth's Chris. BTW the owner of the ATL site is a Tulane grad. Go Greenies!

Beach Fanatic

Oct 16, '05 · 9:40 PM#34

Don't know anything about the Ritz-Carlton, but my boss is currently building a five star boutique hotel (including F&B and convention center) in the heart of Rosemary Beach (town center on south side of 30A) and having frequently stayed at different Ritz Carlton's he is highly impressed with their level of service and extremely interested in their training programs that result in their level of service. We have often discussed this. Estimated completion of the hotel is Fall of 2006

percy

Oct 16, '05 · 9:46 PM#35

From you, I would enjoy reading what you think would happen to the area if Ritz-Carlton created a world-class hotel here in SoWal. I encourage you to explore all avenues from the effects on real estate to the effects of the community and our environment.

Anyone?

In my humble opinion, I just can't envision it. I'm a longtime fan of the Ritz--what's not to love? But I just can't mesh the 2 things in my mind.

Beach Fanatic

Oct 16, '05 · 9:49 PM#36

Don't know anything about the Ritz-Carlton, but my boss is currently building a five star boutique hotel (including F&B and convention center) in the heart of Rosemary Beach (town center on south side of 30A) and having frequently stayed at different Ritz Carlton's he is highly impressed with their level of service and extremely interested in their training programs that result in their level of service. We have often discussed this. Estimated completion of the hotel is Fall of 2006

No offense, but I hate the thought of a convention center anywhere along 30-A. Much of the draw to the area comes from the quite charm and ambiance, unlike other resort areas such as Panama City and Destin. Hope this idea doesn't catch on. :bang:

Beach Fanatic

Oct 16, '05 · 10:07 PM#37

Sorry - I'm just the messenger. But..........for those that seemed intrigued by the thought of a Ritz..........the comvention facilities would be incorporated. :idontno:

Christini Zambini

Oct 16, '05 · 10:48 PM#38

I know the project about which imasunbum is speaking. (S)he says "convention center," but it is not going to be what first comes to mind. It is going to be a conference center/meeting hall building adjacent to the Rosemary Beach Town Hall with architecture and scale to fit in with the existing buildings. This area is in great need of meeting facilities for locals and tourists and I think it will be a great addition.

Edited Oct 17, '05 · 7:38 AM

Beach Fanatic

Oct 16, '05 · 11:20 PM#39

Thanks for clarifying that Camp Creek Kid - I should remember that everyone does not know what we are talking about. I trust that it will be a true compliment for the Rosemary Beach and the rest of the area.

Meow

Oct 17, '05 · 5:37 AM#40

Thanks for clarifying that Camp Creek Kid - I should remember that everyone does not know what we are talking about. I trust that it will be a true compliment for the Rosemary Beach and the rest of the area.

Is this the Hotel Saba? When did construction begin on this project? I was down there last week and in my mind I had thought it should have been finished by now...I may be thinking of the loft project though. My guest was very impressed by the construction...as she said, "That doesn't look like it's going anywhere in a storm!"

One thing I have concluded about 30-A...IMHO it is nice to visit all of the communities, see the architecture and feel the different ambience each has to offer. You may not want to buy there or even rent at certain developments, but I am glad to have the diversity. The beauty being that there is something for everyone! I am still amazed at all the projects going up...last time I was here was in January of this year.

Christini Zambini

Oct 17, '05 · 7:37 AM#41

Is this the Hotel Saba? When did construction begin on this project? I was down there last week and in my mind I had thought it should have been finished by now...I may be thinking of the loft project though. My guest was very impressed by the construction...as she said, "That doesn't look like it's going anywhere in a storm!"

One thing I have concluded about 30-A...IMHO it is nice to visit all of the communities, see the architecture and feel the different ambience each has to offer. You may not want to buy there or even rent at certain developments, but I am glad to have the diversity. The beauty being that there is something for everyone! I am still amazed at all the projects going up...last time I was here was in January of this year.

Hotel Saba has had some difficulties starting with the original general contractor going bankrupt (for reasons not related to the hotel) and continuing with design and engineering flaws that had to be fixed. It should have been completed by now, but it will be very nice when it is done. The "conference center" is not attached to the hotel. The conference center is immediately adjacent to the Town Hall, the hotel is across the street. But it is the same owner for both projects.

Meow

Oct 17, '05 · 7:43 AM#42

Thanks cck....I've missed you and your informed and wise words!

Christini Zambini

Oct 17, '05 · 8:51 AM#43

Thanks cck....I've missed you and your informed and wise words!

I've been here lurking and posting now and then--just too busy to spend too much time. Hope you had/are having a great time in SoWal!

Beach Fanatic

Oct 17, '05 · 9:44 AM#44

I know the project about which imasunbum is speaking. (S)he says "convention center," but it is not going to be what first comes to mind. It is going to be a conference center/meeting hall building adjacent to the Rosemary Beach Town Hall with architecture and scale to fit in with the existing buildings. This area is in great need of meeting facilities for locals and tourists and I think it will be a great addition.

Thanks CCK for clarifying that it's a conference center, not a convention center as first stated. The first thing that came to mind when I heard convention center was a huge facility such as ours here in St. Louis. I agree that a conference center will be a great addition to the area. I'm driving down this weekend with my sisters and will make it a point to check out this new hotel. And now that I know Rosemary Beach is having it's winefest this weekend as well, all the more reason to stop by!! :clap_1:

Meow

Oct 17, '05 · 9:47 AM#45

I've been here lurking and posting now and then--just too busy to spend too much time. Hope you had/are having a great time in SoWal!

Thanks...I have had and am having a great time here!! Working on stretching it into November...I'm just not sure how I can leave this place...that ol' SoWal Magic has put it's spell on me! Even doing laundry is better at the beach!!!

percy

Oct 17, '05 · 10:01 AM#46

Even doing laundry is better at the beach!!!

:clap_1: So true--it's a strange phenomenon, isn't it?

Meow

Oct 17, '05 · 10:05 AM#47

:clap_1: So true--it's a strange phenomenon, isn't it?

Strange, but SO true. I've even paid some bills and BALANCED a checkbook...no problems. I will now happily and with great glee go upstairs and put in another load!!! I wonder if I could even IRON something while I am here? Naa...don't push my luck!

percy

Oct 17, '05 · 10:12 AM#48

Strange, but SO true. I've even paid some bills and BALANCED a checkbook...no problems. I will now happily and with great glee go upstairs and put in another load!!! I wonder if I could even IRON something while I am here? Naa...don't push my luck!

Nah, let's leave the iron out of this! :lol:

Beach Fanatic

Oct 17, '05 · 2:02 PM#49

To all - Please forgive me the convention center was typo - what time did I post that? I do believe I got too much sun at the beach this weekend.

My special thanks to CampCreekKid for his/her informative comments. You seem to know a lot about the project...that makes me curious....hmmm.....I wonder who you are!

Anyway - thanks for your words of wisdom.

Edited Oct 17, '05 · 11:51 PM

Meow

Oct 17, '05 · 2:34 PM#50

To all - Please forgive me the convention center was typo - what time did I post that? I do believe I got too much sun at the beach this weekend.

My special thanks to CampCreekKid for his informative comments. You seem to know a lot about the project...that makes me curious....hmmm.....I wonder who you are!

Anyway - thanks for your words of wisdom.

CCK is our resident therapist and all around "go to" whenever we need the real scoop! Convention Center is simply a term that scares us big city folk...down here it's just a "meetin' place"!!

Christini Zambini

Oct 17, '05 · 3:44 PM#51

To all - Please forgive me the convention center was typo - what time did I post that? I do believe I got too much sun at the beach this weekend.

My special thanks to CampCreekKid for his informative comments. You seem to know a lot about the project...that makes me curious....hmmm.....I wonder who you are!

Anyway - thanks for your words of wisdom.

First of all, I'm a "she" second of all, I doubt that we know each other. Not that it wouldn't be great to know you. It is just a very small town. Your "boss" and his wife are friends of more than one of my friends, and I know a few key people involved in the project. Like I said, SoWal is just a very small town.

Don't worry though. The gender thing is an easy mistake to make. There is no possible way you could tell one way or the other.