The Ritz-Carlton Dallas Has Fallen

Bon Blossman
Jan 30
7 min read

We stayed at The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas, during Christmas, and I want to be very clear right out of the gate: this was a gigantic waste of money. Not “meh.” Not “a little off.”

It was a how-did-this-happen situation—especially given the Ritz-Carlton brand, what Club Level is supposed to mean, and what this property used to be.

This now officially ranks as my least favorite Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge experience, beating out the Loews Universal lounge, which previously held that dishonor. And look—Loews isn’t exactly out here selling “generational luxury.” The Ritz-Carlton is.

For context: I’m from Dallas, and my husband and I used to staycation here on purpose. With Club access. One anniversary, we stayed in the Club Lounge all night playing board games - they were classy and all in wood - and having the best time. We loved it so much that we literally bought the same games for our home.

That Ritz-Carlton? Gone. Spiritually raptured.

This review comes from experience. We’ve stayed at multiple Ritz-Carlton Club Levels over the years, including during the holidays. We know exactly what that premium is supposed to deliver. We also know what this property used to offer—especially at Christmas. Sadly, this stay missed the mark on nearly every level.

Here are my photos from the trip. Admittedly, I didn't take as many as I usually do, and most were on our way out. I hadn't planned on writing this blog. I thought I knew.

Let’s Start With the Positives (Because There Are Some)

I’ve always been a Ritz-Carlton defender. I’ve argued repeatedly, “You know what you’re getting. They take care of you. You get what you pay for.”

Past tense. My family will never trust my hotel recommendations again. I am officially cooked.

Valet service? Still elite.

The circle drive team was polished, professional, and operating like a well-rehearsed ballet. You don’t open a door. You don’t lift a bag. You barely blink before someone is assisting you. Yes, bring tons of cash for tips—but this part still feels like Ritz-Carlton.

Reception staff? Lovely.

Check-in was smooth and genuinely warm. As a Gold Marriott member, I was upgraded to a very large suite on the 8th floor (Club Lounge is on the 7th). Both of our suites were on the same floor, just on opposite ends—fine, no issue.

The sports patio was a win—once we found it.

Friendly staff, great TVs, lively atmosphere. We ended up with a large group of Dallas friends, and everyone enjoyed it. No negative notes.

Room Service: Surprisingly Solid

We ordered room service a couple of times—something we rarely have to do when staying on Club Level—and it was exactly what we expected. Not mind-blowing, not tragic. Everyone was happy. No complaints.

Arrival & Atmosphere: Christmas, Allegedly

We arrived during Christmas—a time when Ritz-Carlton properties traditionally lean into warmth, tradition, and seasonal magic. In past years, The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas featured a beautiful Christmas tree and tasteful décor that immediately told you, “Yes, it is the holidays, and you are fancy.”

This year?

No Christmas tree. No festive focal point. No lobby wow moment.

The main lobby table featured an abstract red flower arrangement that could have been there in July. A few minimal garlands were placed high on the elevator archways, as if someone had remembered them at the last minute.

At a luxury property—especially one charging peak holiday rates—this matters. This was the first sign that something was… off.

Part of the reason we came to Dallas was for our annual Christmas family photo. The Gaylord Texan is famous for its over-the-top holiday décor, but we intentionally chose not to stay there to pursue Ritz-Carlton luxury. We even said, “If the Ritz décor is good enough, we won’t bother going to the Gaylord.” It was not.

The Room: Big Suite, Basic Oversight

We had three adults clearly listed on the reservation. And, our suite specifically listed the King-sized sofa bed.

Despite that, the pull-out bed was not made. No sheets. No blankets. No pillows. Just a bare mattress sitting on the sofa bed like, “Good luck.” It was also weirdly hard to pull out, which really added to the experience. Gross. Not something I want to encounter in a hotel—especially not a luxury one. And no, there wasn’t even a sad little backup blanket hidden in one of the many closets in this massive suite. Nothing.

I will admit, for a brief moment, I considered making my son use towels. Then I remembered what the bill would be for the weekend and immediately came to my senses.

We realized this after 11:00 PM. When we called for bedding—something that should’ve already been there—it took over an hour to arrive. At 12:30 AM, someone finally showed up with what we needed to sleep. And yes, we were expected to tip.

I tip everyone. Door holders, valets, anyone who helps. But tipping at midnight for basic sleeping supplies in a luxury suite hits different.

At this level, if a suite is booked for three adults—which it was, very clearly—the pull-out bed should either be ready or fully stocked. Waiting an hour late at night for sheets and pillows is not luxury. It’s just inconvenient.

Cleanliness-wise: a few counters had smears and drink rings. I’m a mild germaphobe, so I noticed—but I didn’t spiral and start investigating. Luckily, there was no time in our schedule for that. Still, for a suite of this size and price point, that shouldn’t be happening.

Pre-arrival survey- useless!

Before arrival, we received a pre-arrival email asking if there was anything they could do for us. I requested transportation to Medieval Times.

So, when we got there, there was no car booked. This survey, which I filled out along with my transportation request, went into the void.

Club level - what happened?!

Arrival:

We arrived at the Club Lounge and passed by a staff member sitting at a computer, staring straight ahead. No greeting. No acknowledgment. She then disappeared.

No welcome.

No orientation.

No explanation of offerings.

No drinks being made.

No staff present at all.

Dirty tables.

Busy Club.

For anyone familiar with Ritz-Carlton Club Level, this is wild.

Later, two staff members appeared—but they were chatting among themselves, ignoring guests, and not clearing tables. We wiped crumbs off our own table before sitting. Not a huge deal, but collectively...you see.

The lounge itself has lost its charm. It’s been rearranged or redecorated (unclear which), and somehow made less warm. The beautiful dark-wood board games—displayed like books and genuinely classy—are gone. We loved them so much, we bought our own set. They still sit unused in my office, but they look great.

Yes, I understand staff may view them as a mess risk. But removing them removes part of what made the Club special.

Club Food & Beverage: A Major Decline

Ritz-Carlton Club Lounges are known for elevated food and beverage—especially during the holidays. Dallas used to be my favorite, with offerings from Fearing’s.

Now?

Nearly empty candy jars
Cookies wiped out
Limited beer and soda
Weak drink selection
Flimsy plastic water bottles that collapse and spill when opened

The food:

Cold, bland chicken salad
Dry, stale sourdough - too high for a reasonable bite
No condiments
Two unlabeled yogurts (a mystery)
Looking like an over-picked, mid-level traveler's continental offerings

The best-looking item during our whole stay was cold shrimp by the Bloody Mary station at breakfast. I don’t drink Bloody Marys, and I wasn’t in the mood for shrimp at 7 AM.

Nothing felt festive, thoughtful, or fresh. And the water bottles? This same Ritz once offered complimentary Bvlgari lotions and perfumes in the Club Lounge restroom. The fall from grace is… impressive.

Staff Knowledge of The Ritz-Carlton: A Scavenger Hunt

We were told about a patio where we could watch a game. When we came back down after bringing our stuff to our rooms, the front desk was busy and the concierge gone. We asked two employees working in the perfume shop.

They had no idea where the patio/sports bar was.

The patio is directly outside, behind the perfume shop, and is attached to the neighboring restaurant. The hotel is not large. Whether or not those employees were Ritz staff, they were located in the Ritz lobby, and the lack of basic property knowledge reflects a bigger issue.

The Pattern

This wasn’t one bad moment. It was a theme:

No holiday atmosphere
No proactive service
Poor communication
Subpar food in the Club Lounge
Room oversights
Cleanliness issues
Staff disengagement

This didn’t feel like an off weekend. It felt like a property that no longer values what Ritz-Carlton—and Club Level—are supposed to be.

Final Verdict

The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas does not justify its premium pricing—especially during the holidays. The experience fell far below expectations.

After the stay, I filled out their survey (they asked). I was addressed incorrectly, and the response—written by someone titled Director of Operations—contained shockingly poor grammar, who said I could talk to him on the phone about it if I wanted. Yeah, not worth my time, so hard pass. In 2025. With AI available to either write it for you or, at a minimum, check grammar.

Luxury is about anticipation, consistency, and care. We all work hard for our money. When you pay luxury prices, you expect luxury delivery. This wasn’t that.

If you’re considering the Ritz-Carlton Dallas: I'd save the money or choose another property. As a once Dallas local, this was once my go-to. It isn’t anymore. I probably will never return.

Interestingly, when I asked the AI for the top luxury hotels in Dallas over the last three years, the Ritz ranked fifth (whereas if you ask it for all time, it's ranked first). The top three:

Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek
Hôtel Swexan
The Joule

I’ve dined at Rosewood and The Joule and loved them. I’m especially intrigued by Swexan—and yes, that’s likely our next stay.

Luxury evolves. Unfortunately, the Ritz-Carlton Dallas appears to be evolving in the wrong direction.

I would have previously given this property a 9.4/10. Unfortunately, this place has dropped to a solid 6/10 for me.