The food at the restaurant was delicious, and everything we tried was fresh and well-made. The staff were super friendly and helpful, which made the experience even better.
The DJ by the pool wasn’t great—the music felt loud and out of place, and it didn’t really match the relaxing vibe of the resort. On the other hand, the live saxophone player was a really nice touch. It would’ve been great to hear more music that blended better with the saxophone, like drum tracks, world music or softer, rhythmic tracks.
The other downside was the pool—it wasn’t as clean as it should be. The resort has a narrow pool area as it is, so cleaner water and area surrounding the pool would definitely help. It didn’t ruin the trip, but I expected a bit more.

— Mountain Shadows Resort, Scottsdale Arizona

The newly refreshed Bacara brings back it's spark. Updated rooms feel brighter, more refined, and finally reflect the level of luxury expected from the brand. The real scene-stealer? The revamped pool area, which now feels more Positano than Pacific. It’s a visual upgrade that doesn’t just look good—it feels aspirational. The kind of place where champagne by the pool actually makes sense. If you haven’t been back since the renovation, now’s the time to rediscover it...less dated grandeur, more intentional coastal elegance.I’m happy to say the front desk team truly stepped up—you can tell they took previous feedback to heart. Service was noticeably more detailed, warm, and genuinely attentive this time around. And as always, the restaurant staff delivered an exceptional experience—professional, intuitive, and perfectly paced. It's clear the team is committed to not just maintaining high standards, but actively improving the guest journey in meaningful ways.

— The Ritz Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara California

The rooms are super comfortable with a nice mix of rustic charm and modern touches, like fireplaces and soaking tubs. The Barking Frog restaurant on-site serves up great food, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients—perfect after a day of wine tasting. Plus, it’s in a prime location, with plenty of wineries and tasting rooms nearby, so it’s easy to explore the local wine scene. The outdoor space with the fire pits and live music was an excellent way to top off our evening.

-The Willows Lodge, Woodinville Washington

This property has so much potential—with beautifully refreshed outdoor rooftop pool spaces and truly excellent spa staff including that of the Sisley Spa that rivals services received in France. From the outside, it feels like a five-star experience waiting to happen.
Unfortunately, that was overshadowed by serious maintenance issues that are hard to ignore: spa showers with poor drainage, visible signs of water damage and mold, and what seems like leaky plumbing behind the walls. These aren’t minor cosmetic flaws—they’re red flags that indicate the infrastructure needs urgent TLC. It’s especially disappointing considering how strong the guest-facing amenities are.
The property desperately needs a full technical inspection and facilities refresh to match the polished image it’s trying to present.

-The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, Scottsdale Arizona

This hotel delivers exactly what you’d hope for from this level of luxury—effortless elegance, attentive service, and one of the most pristine stretches of swimmable beach on the East Cape. The beachfront location is truly spectacular—wide, peaceful, and walkable, with crystal-clear water. Pool service is flawless, with staff anticipating your needs before you even realize them. Cold towels, fresh snacks, perfectly timed cocktails—it’s all done with care. The housekeeping was outstanding and the linens, bed and towels were linens were soft, cozy, and cloud-level comfortable. The spa is a standout—beautifully designed and deeply relaxing, with treatments that left me feeling refreshed. Unfortunately, during the time I visited golf and other activities weren't available, hopefully on my next visit I will have better luck.

-Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas, Los Cabos