When you hear the name ‘Ritz-Carlton’ it immediately sets the expectation in your mind for elegance, top-tier service, and hotel excellence. The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds on Lake Oconee is no exception. I mean, come on, it’s the RITZ!!!

Unlike other Ritz-Carlton properties where I’ve stayed before, the Reynolds is styled in a beautiful timbered and ever-so-slightly rustic architectural style. It calls to mind the golden age of Adirondack resorts. Lots of wood, superior grounds with trails for walking, access to a gorgeous lake, and more amenities than I can list. Oh, and one of the best perks? I got Marriott rewards points for my stay!

My room was modest but exceptionally clean and I had a lovely small balcony that gave me beautiful views of the lake and the perfect fragrance of abundant Georgia pines. The restaurants have a wide variety of dishes for the carnivore and vegetarian alike, and the resort is in a close proximity to a grocery store if you find yourself in need of something you can’t find on the property. The toiletries provided were excellent and the fantastic water pressure was definitely something to write home about. If I had to complain about anything it would be the very insignificant lack of a refrigerator in the room. There is a mini bar refrigerator but I steer clear of those after being charged for a bottle of wine years ago (another hotel property) due to an unfortunate jostle of the mini bar fridge.

I could write every superlative in the dictionary and they would all be true. I was made to feel welcomed by everyone from the valet to the front desk clerk to Calvin, who arranged our business meetings, as if I was the only guest and it was genuine helpfulness and pleasure for my patronage, not the attitude you encounter some places where you can tell they are just “going through the motions” of being nice.

I went in with very high expectations and I am pleased to report that the Ritz Carlton Reynolds met every one. If you find yourself in the middle-of-nowhere Georgia, and you want to splurge on a weekend, do yourself a favor and book a room at the Ritz-Carlton Reynolds Lake Oconee. It truly was one of the highlights of my business travel experiences and I want to go back. No, I want to live there and have them take care of me forever and ever!

©M McCown All rights reserved.

©M McCown All rights reserved.