Editor’s Note: The following is a review of American Express’s Fine Hotels & Resorts program as utilized at The Ritz-Carlton Los Angeles. This post is NOT a complete review of The Ritz-Carlton Los Angeles.
During our recent stay at the Ritz-Carlton Los Angeles, we utilized the benefits of the American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts program (FHR).
Did FHR exceed our expectations, or did it let us down?
Review: Fine Hotels & Resorts (FHR) – The Ritz-Carlton Marina Del Rey
Click here to read about the American Express Platinum card adding a new $200 FHR annual perk
About The Fine Hotels & Resorts Program
First, a quick refresher on the Fine Hotels & Resorts (FHR) program.
Click here to read more on Amex’s Fine Hotels & Resorts Program
Click here for reviews on Chase’s Luxury Hotel and Resort Collection
How To Use FHR
You’ll need a premium American Express Platinum credit card to gain access to the FHR program.
Both the American Express Platinum card and the American Express Business Platinum card will grant access to FHR .
The Benefits Of The Fine Hotels & Resorts Program
American Express’s FHR program is an under-utilized benefit for many Platinum users, but it provides tremendous value when used at the right hotels at the right time.
The standard perks of the FHR program include the following 6 benefits:
The Benefits Vary By Property
The “unique amenity” as listed at The Ritz-Carlton Los Angeles was a $100 spa credit (however, we received a $100 property credit, read on to find out how).
Additionally, the “daily breakfast for two people” benefit was a $36 credit per person for use at Savoca restaurant.
Review: Fine Hotels & Resorts (FHR) – The Ritz-Carlton Los Angeles (California)
A sunset in Los Angeles from the rooftop of the Ritz-Carlton (photo: ritzcarlton.com)
At A Glance: The Ritz-Carlton Los Angeles
- Official Website: The Ritz-Carlton Los Angeles
- Average Nightly Cost During Stay: $549+
- Loyalty Program: American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts (FHR); Marriott Bonvoy
- Loyalty Category: N/A
- Discount Applied: American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts (FHR)
- Room Type as Booked: Deluxe King Guest Room
- Room Upgrade: Deluxe King Guest Room (High Floor)
- Resort Fee: $30 (“Destination Fee”)
- Parking Fee: Valet $49
Hotel Policies
Booking/Redemption
 Location & Parking
The Ritz-Carlton Los Angeles is located in Downtown LA in the area known as LA Live, in the same vicinity as the “arena-formerly-known-as “Staples Center”.
Upon arrival, we were greeted by the hotel staff, who promptly took our bags and directed us to the front desk from the valet parking area.
Valet parking is the only official option, and will run you $49 per night.
FHOP Tip: Parking in Downtown LA can be scarce. While there may be other third-party parking lots for cheaper, they may also close at night. If you do park away from the Ritz, make sure you check with the parking attendant so you aren’t left stranded. Likewise, if you do happen to find street parking, make sure to read the signs so you don’t get towed.
Lobby
(photo: ritzcarlton.com)
Front Desk & Check-In
The check-in process was seamless and hassle-free, and we were impressed with the friendly and professional service we received from the hotel staff.
We were “upgraded” to a room on a high floor (24th) with a west-facing view of the city, thanks to our American Express FHR program benefits.
Welcome Package
FHOP Tip: If you stay on a date when the Spa is closed, in our case — a holiday, the hotel will allow you to use the $100 FHR spa credit as a $100 food and beverage credit.
Resort Fee: AKA “Destination Fee” or “Destination Passport”
Ritz-Carlton Los Angeles offered a Destination Passport which actually included some valuable benefits.
Included in the $30 fee, was a $20 food and beverage credit, wine tasting, free access to the Grammy Museum, and free bowling at Lucky Strike (among other things).
The resort fee included several amenities, such as high-speed Wi-Fi, access to the fitness center, and bottled water.
We were also able to take advantage of the late checkout benefit, which allowed us to relax and enjoy our day in the city without having to worry about rushing out of our room.
Room Key
Walkthrough Tour: Room Upgrade – Deluxe King Guest Room (High Floor)
Elevator Area
Hallway
Room Entrance
Bedroom (Promotional Photo)
Our Deluxe Guest Room was both modern and beautifully designed and featured a comfortable king-sized bed, a sitting area, and a spacious bathroom with luxurious amenities.
The room also had stunning views of the city (from the 24th floor), which we enjoyed from the large windows.
(photo: ritzcarlton.com)
Living Area
Room Amenities
Closet
Bathroom (Promotional Photo)
(photo: ritzcarlton.com)
Watercloset
View From The Room
Yep, that’s the Hollywood sign
Dinner: Room Service
For Dinner, the hotel also offered several other dining options, including a rooftop bar and a casual café, but we decided on the Room Service option.
We cracked open the complimentary bottle of Sonoma-Cutrer (one of my favorites!) and promptly ordered up a cheese and fruit board to complement the wine, as well as a Pizza, Bucatini Bolognese, and, of course, a triple chocolate cake.
The in-room dining was excellent. We ended up using our $100 food and beverage credit on this dinner, going only $0.20 cents over! That’s how you do it!
If you ever wondered – I’m the guy who orders Pizza at the Ritz-Carlton
That’s how you do it!
Breakfast At Savoca
The dining options at the Ritz-Carlton Los Angeles were exceptional, and we were able to take full advantage of the American Express FHR benefits, which included $36 per person for daily breakfast for two.
The breakfast was served at the hotel’s signature restaurant, Savoca.
We went with the “Eggs in Purgatory” (a must-try), the Avocado Toast with Bacon, and a Granola Parfait. The food and coffee were excellent overall (what’s not to love about Illy Coffee?).
Eggs in Purgatory
Granola Parfait
Avocado Toast with Bacon
Illy Cafe
Illy Cafe’s are the best coffee spots. There, I said it. But they are still relatively rare, even in Los Angeles.
You know who has one? The Ritz-Carlton.
The Property Interior
Ritz Club (Closed during our stay)
Ritz-Club (photo: ritzcarlton.com)
(photo: ritzcarlton.com)
The Property Exterior
(photo: ritzcarlton.com)
Swimming Pool
(photo: ritzcarlton.com)
(photo: ritzcarlton.com)
Fitness Center
(photo: ritzcarlton.com)
Spa
(photo: ritzcarlton.com)
FHOP Tip: What’s Nearby: The hotel also offered a variety of nearby activities and attractions, such as the Staples Center, the Grammy Museum, and the Los Angeles Convention Center – as well as nearby bars, dining and shopping options – many of which can be found at LA Live.
The Bottom-Line Review: Fine Hotels & Resorts (FHR) – The Ritz-Carlton Los Angeles (California)
Overall, our stay at the Ritz-Carlton Los Angeles was exceptional, and we highly recommend it to anyone visiting the city.
Sure, it can be pricey, but you may also find a “deal” like we did, in which case FHR makes all the sense in the world when you factor in the all program benefits (including the $100 credit, the room “upgrade”, late checkout, and daily breakfast).
Using FHR at the Ritz-Carlton Los Angeles really did make our stay even more enjoyable, and we look forward to returning to the Ritz-Carlton Los Angeles for future stays.
Final Rating: 9.5 out of 10
