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| - Amazing Father-Daughter High Tea / Very Good Conference Facility
Originally visited the Phoenix Ritz when my wife bought my eldest daughter and I the Father-Daughter High Tea experience for Father's Day. It was a sweet affair-- Sophi got to dress up and I had the pleasure of serving as her first date. Jeffrey, the tea sommelier (yes, TEA sommelier) was very kind and attentive to us dads in attendance. He described the options, then my daughter and I chatted of tea, snacks, and little desserts. It was a joy to watch her smile and excitement beam through. And when Jeffrey sang Butterfly Kisses, I and another dad were choking back tears as inconspicuously as possible-- "My what fine crown molding up there on the ceiling. Ah-hem! Yes, fine workmanship!"
Father-Daughter High Tea at the Ritz is one of Phoenix's quiet gems on an experience.
This past weekend, I was there again, but for a conference. Very attentive staff as is the standard at the Ritz. Even though it's somewhat hidden, the facilities are maintained well and the conference was a supremely comfortable experience. The meals were superb and the wifi was fast.
In all, the food, service, and special experiences at the Ritz-Carlton Phoenix are five-star. However, the facility doesn't live up to what I've come to expect from the Ritz and it doesn't resonate the brand. For example, I can't think of a picture to take at this location that would instantly make a person think it was Ritz-caliber.
For other lines, this is a five-star property. For Ritz-Carlton, the unremarkable entry area, quaint pool, and amenities that show their age look out of place. I feel like I'm being only a little unfair. Still, a Ritz 5-star rating is something remarkable in my experience.
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