The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee

Just came for dinner, but the food and service were fantastic. May need to come back to stay at the resort.

Luxury relaxation! I came to Georgia for a work retreat and as the only female in the group, my boss sent me for a spa day (what a nice boss, right). I declined the golf invite and am convinced that was one of the best decisions ever! I had a massage (by Emily) and a facial /​pedicure (both by Latoya). Both ladies were top notch and personable but not over the top. The spa is gorgeous! I enjoyed this whole experience so much I felt compelled to write a review. I even went to the coffee shop and was warmly greeted by everyone. Highly recommend this place for anyone seeking a little indulgence!

Do you want to enjoy luxury without breaking the bank? If so, read on.
The Ritz Carlton Plantation is everything you would expect a beautiful Southern escape to be, without the dark side ambitions of Paula Deen. The historic look and friendly staff will have you emptying you wallet in no-​time and not regretting any minute of it.
I could go on and on about how beautiful the plantation is, how you should eat at either of the restaurants, or how even though the rooms are expensive they are beautiful, but I won’t. Instead I’ll tell you how the average Joe can enjoy this swanky destination without selling a kidney. Are you still reading? Good, you’ll thank me later.
To fully enjoy the buckets of relaxation and exuberance that this hotel for the rich and famous has to offer, you’ll want to visit in the summer when the water at the river is warm (beware of the mosquito).
If you make a reservation for the spa or use any of the facilities on-​site you can valet your car and make a day of it. For example, my wife and I picked out a spa package (you get something cheaper) and then walked down to the waterfront where we hung out on the floating water-​couch things they have. Forgot sunscreen? They’ll hook you up.
Spend as much time as you want in the water or go up to the restaurant and have a bite looking out at the river. When you’re done, take a dip in the infinite pool and enjoy the sights. All of this can be enjoyed for a very manageable price if you do it right.
Hanging out in the water isn’t your thing? There are plenty of hammocks and chairs around the property that you can use to soak up nature, for FREE. Enjoy the comforts of the property without having to drop hundreds of dollars on a hotel room! Once you’ve soaked up all of the free beautiful surroundings as you could, walk back up to the valet, tip with a smile a drive home.
This location on the lake is phenomenal! The Ritz Carlton Plantation is surrounded by enough water, trees and golf greens to keep you intrigued from dawn until dusk.

I stayed at the Ritz this previous summer on a work convention with a bunch of friends and it was a blast! Our rooms, food, and the service provided in the spa’s/front desk were fabulous! I LOVE Bloody Mary’s and sipping one by the pool was AMAZING! I can’t wait for my next stay a the Ritz!

I give this particular Ritz Carlton 2 stars simply because of the front desk staff. Everyone we encountered at the spa and in dining provided exceptional customer service, but the front desk staff lacked hospitality and professionalism. We encountered a discrepancy in our bill that we attempted to resolve at the front desk and we were spoken to in a very condescending manner and staff was too incompetent to resolve it. I have stayed at numerous other Ritz Carlton properties and while it is a beautiful property, I will never stay there again because staff behavior and attitudes are substandard and blemish the quality that Ritz Carlton works so hard to uphold.

The Thanksgiving Buffet was so amazing we are still talking about it the next day. My husband had fresh shucked blue point oysters and smoked trout dip. I loved the pasta carbonara and the different steaks and sauces. Also they had crab claws and shrimp, turkey, salmon, prime rib, veggies, salads of all kinds, cheese and caviar, smoke salmon, and Dessert. and a candy bar. This year the quality was outstanding. We are already talking about going back next year and it is a 2 hour drive. Thanks Ritz-​Carlton for a fun Thanksgiving with our children and grandchildren. And some really good food.

Great Hotel with a Great staff, Great restaurants, and Great Golf… the entire staff were incredible… the golf may be on the high side as far as pricing.

This is a really wonderful hotel. The lobby and the common areas in the hotel are grand and harken back to an era long gone. Time really stands still here. The colors — dark green, natural dark wood, and some dark tan — really accentuate the lodge feel here. It is definitely a summer retreat. Everything is immaculate here. The grounds are pristine and everyone is friendly. The concierges are all very, very friendly and welcoming. They even have a sweet dog, Dooley, to welcome guests.
I love the plethora of activities offered here. The help at the non-​motor water activities area is really great. My only issue is that all of those close at 6pm. We have good light until at least 8, why not extend it until 7pm. Check in is usually at 4pm so it doesn’t give you much time to check in and settle in and do one small activity before winding down the day. If so please do not charge a resort fee because it is unrealistic.
Food is superb. On par with what you would expect from a 5 star restaurant with a Southern twist. I ate at Gabys on the Lake the first night. The buffalo chicken dip and pan roasted chicken were killer. They don’t have a lot of items on the menu but they really pack a punch. I’ve never had better. There was not much of wait for as crowded as the restaurant was (due to the rain). Georgia’s Bistro is a bit less casual and the fried green tomatoes are the bomb. Everything is amazing. The servers are very attentive. I can say that as far as food goes, this is the best hotel experience I have ever had in my life.
Pool service was lacking. The attendants never came out to offer drinks or towels. I could scarcely identify one. Didn’t spend much time at the pool so I really didn’t mind it much.
All in all this Ritz is a winner. Its very laid back and elegant at the same time.

A plush location at lake Oconee that sweeps you away from the hussle and buzzle of city life. Plenty of water sports, fantastic food all around and staff that is genuinely friendly, ready to take care of anything and provide the ultimate guest experience.
The infinity pool is great when you can get a spot at the edge and sip on your drink with a view of the lake. We jet sky up and down the lake, enjoy the smores every night and all i can wish for is that i could live here at one of the houses by the lake.

We had a blast here over the july 4^th weekend.
They had a lot of great activities for kids. Even though our room wasn’t ready by the check in time, they compensated us by giving us a resort credit.
My daughter had so much fun. They had a train ride, kids golf clubs, pools (indoor and outdoor), the lake front shore, a on-​lake splash pad, play area, basketball hoop, boats, kids center, smores, swings and a lot of open grass to run around.
Had a room on the ground floor so we just walked out to the lawn and it was just perfect for us.
My only wish is that since we’re vegetarian, the options to eat are limited. Its a little rough because sometimes only one restaurant is open for lunch and if you ate there at dinner, the vegetarian options are the same… so if you’re there for a few days, you’re pretty limited. Why not just add a few pastas, tacos, salads and veggie sandwiches to the menu? No veggie sandwich?
But the kids had a blast so we were very happy. Its now a strong contender against the florida beach resorts for us.

Terrible phone customer service.
We frequently stay at the ritz wherever we travel but this trip there was a convention that completely sold out the Ritz. We called to get dinner reservations and an extremely snooty person answered the phone to say that «people call months in advance for reservations here so there’s nothing» in a condescending tone. Well excuse me! I’ve never been treated so rudely on the phone by someone at a ritz carlton. No apologies or a «so sorry’…Takes away my desire to go there. Funny thing is she has nothing to be snooty about since she is answering the phone at the Ritz and is an employee. which I always find amusing…

Have had the immense pleasure of staying here on several occasions and each time was a wonderful experience. Staff is beyond polite and helpful. Room décor a little dated but spotlessly clean and in-​room requests are handled almost immediately. The lake setting is gorgeous any time of year. My fiancé’ has played 2 of the golf courses and said they are top-​notch. I’ve enjoyed every minute in the spa, even going so far as to try services I usually don’t get (facial, manicure, Vichy shower) because the other services were so great. It is pricey, but they offer great packages if you do your homework. The restaurants are very good as well. Highly recommended!

Fabulous place. I was staying there for a work function and became sick with the flu. Jamie in the Georgia Bistro restaurant made me a basket of crackers and juice to take with me. 100% unsolicited and greatly appreciated. Really made a difference and just goes to show what a class operation that place is. Besides that, it is truly a 5 star place and then some.

Have been here twice and never disappointed. Friendly, professional staff who provide a truly relaxed experience. I just had a facial and now a pedicure. I fell asleep during the facial… I think I was relaxed.

Traveled here the week of January 19^th, 2015. This was a prepaid sales incentive trip so all of this needs that as context because I am sure a deal was made to keep a minimal staff working on a seasonally slow week when maintenance and improvements were being done.
The setting and the grounds here are really beautiful and it must be even more spectacular when it gets warmer and greens up. Great walkways through the pines and exposure to the great outdoors for city slickers and people from Florida like me.
We had a suite on the club level but the club lounge was closed. Not a biggie since we did not have any expectations of being there. Just pointing it out as to the level of the room. Very nice room. Clean, well maintained. The bed was very comfortable but not the Westin experience. Still a good night’s sleep. Turndown was always done and toiletries always restocked. All while housekeeping was almost invisible. Stealthy.
The lobby common area and fireplace are very comfortable and inviting. I am sitting on the lobby level porch awaiting departure as I write this. Very cozy.
The spa and fitness center were great and well equipped. I used the indoor pool, hot tub and fitness equipment. My girlfriend had a wonderful massage in the spa.
There is a Starbucks near the lobby to cover your quick strike munching and coffee needs. Good service. We had a group dinner at Linger Longer Steakhouse that was a fixed menu. Beef Back Ribs and Scallops. The food was very tasty and very well appointed with a poached pear salad to start. Staff was great.
4 of my meals were at Georgia’s in the hotel. Without a car we felt a little trapped for food as the lakeside restaurant, Gaby’s was closed while it and the outdoor infinity pool were being rehabbed.
While the food at Georgia’s was overall very good, the service and the vibe just seemed a little disjointed and off. Again, with the hotel at maybe 25% capacity, the A team might have taken the week off. With the stay paid for and a credit for meals I can’t be too harsh.
I am very confident that in full swing and the Thurston Howells of the world keeping them hopping, the folks here shine. Enjoy the lake and beauty of Georgia.

We stayed here on New Years Eve and it was a great experience. The hotel has the feel of a Ritz Carlton lodge although the rooms could do with a renovation. They remind me of the Atlanta Ritz Carltons before they were renovated.
What I liked:
1) The service is outstanding. The staff like in all other Ritz Carlton’s really care and go out of their way to help you.
2) The scenery is beautiful. We walked a bit around the lake and it was stunning.
3) There is a lot to do. They have boats, bicycles, segways, etc.
4) There are a few wow things. They have s’mores stations around the outdoor fires at night. And this is free. It’s a nice touch. Also they offer a lakeside private Dining option which is nice although the weather wasn’t suitable on our trip.
5) The spa is superb.
What could be improved:
1) Time for a renovation. Rooms look pretty dated and carpets are somewhat worn looking.

We were here for a company Christmas retreat, and everything was wonderful. The staff here is absolutely top notch, amazing service, super friendly and helpful, and so courteous! The lodge itself was gorgeous, and soooooo clean, from the infinity pool, the beach, the fire pit, Christmas Tree, real Gingerbread House, meeting rooms, to the actual guest rooms, everything was spectacular! The Club Lounge was also great and served great food ALL DAY LONG. I miss their homemade kettle chips… This was the perfect place to get away to for some relaxation, and we can’t wait to go back!

We rented a home in Reynolds Plantation to celebrate Thanksgiving with our daughter and her family. When searching the Internet for things to do, we learned about Breakfast with Santa at the Ritz Carlton, which we decided to do on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
Reynolds Plantation is huge. Our home for the weekend was on the Great Waters course, 18 minutes away from the hotel. We arrived and were quickly greeted by the valet, who parked our car (no parking fee) and sent us inside the lodge for brunch. We were a few minutes early and they were still setting up the ballroom. Once everything was ready, one of Santa’s elves escorted us to our table, just in front of the small stage where the jolly old elf was holding court. Our waiter greeted us and let us know that the elves would come tell us when it was our turn for Santa, to avoid long lines.
We were offered coffee and juice and were able to ask for milk for our 3 year old grandson. Breakfast was served buffet style. There was a large cereal bar, baked goods including bagels and toppings (smoked salmon, chopped eggs, etc.), grits, roasted potatoes, bacon, sausage and made to order omelettes. In the back of the ballroom was a hot chocolate station with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. The food was all warm and tasted great.
Santa was great and took time to really talk to each kid about what they wanted. The photographer did a great job getting good photos of not only the kids but the families too. It was fun to watch each family go up to Santa, many of whom came dressed in the Christmas Jammie’s. This was clearly a tradition for many who attended.
After breakfast we rode a little train that took a short tour of the resort on the golf course cart path. While there was no charge for the train, the breakfast was somewhat pricey (about $ 255, including tip, for 4 adults and 1 child – they ended up not charging us for our infant grandson who’s not eating regular food yet but at first it seemed like they would). We also spent $ 55 for two JPEG images of photos with Santa. But it was a priceless memory of our grandson’s first talk with Santa and a very pleasant way to spend the morning.

Top resort in Georgia in a beautiful setting! I went here for a company retreat and it did not disappoint. The checkin was easy, valet very nice, room very comfortable, view spectacular, food delicious and overall service impeccable. Anything I needed was here! Has plenty of activities, kayaking, trails, tennis and golf :)

I gotta say, this place is pretty classy. The service is by far the strongest aspect– they know what you need and they provide it. They will cover your pool lounge chairs with two fluffy towels, and will find you that extra umbrella, no need to ask twice. Water bottles are provided for free apparently everywhere– lobby, pool area, and of course in the room. They have a firepit with free s’mores every night. There are also canoes, kayaks and paddle boards for those looking to explore the lake.
Facilities are also awesome– the infinity pool is perfectly placed so as to look as it flows into the lake. The golf courses, from what I hear, are some of the best in the state. I was lucky to be placed in a suite, which was beautifully decorated and had two double wide patio doors to the gardens. There were 1.5 bathrooms, the main containing his and hers sinks, a bathtub and separate shower. Side note on the bathroom– they think of everything– complimentary toothbrush and toothpaste, shaving kit (and both kits way better than the average hotel’s), shoe shine, shoe horn (with gold «ritz» lettering), sewing kit, the works– by far the most comprehensive toiletry spread I’ve witnessed. And the pens! They are actually metal, long lasting, with the ritz emblem and made to take home. It’s probably the best pens I now own. I hear the spa is sweet, but too expensive for my grad student salary.
In fact that is unfortunately the recurring theme of this place– it’s all great, but way expensive for most salaries, and generally hard to justify. A weekend stay will take you back a grand before meals– easily two grand for two with expenses– which could likely have covered a trip somewhere more exotic. For those with cash to spare and who would rather drive 1.5 hrs from atlanta rather than fly to a luxury resort destination, this may be the best way to go.

My husband and I recently took our babymoon with another couple to the Ritz Carlton Reynolds Plantation Lodge. It was 5-​star all the way and the staff went out of their way to make us feel special. It started with a little package on our bed with a onesie for our little one on the way that had the Ritz Carlton logo on it, adorable!
I indulged in multiple spa treatments (my favorite was the safe-​for-​baby facial) and the facilities/​quality of services was amazing. My husband and his friend golfed on several of the courses and were also very impressed.
For food — we went to Linger Longer Steakhouse twice, it was delicious and well worth the prices (which were very in-​line with what you would expect of an upscale steakhouse). Gaby’s by the Lake was slightly disappointing for lunch (bar/​lunch food that was pretty darn pricey for what you got) but the location was really fun on a beautiful afternoon by the water. Go for ambiance, not necessarily the food.
We’re hoping to go back for an annual trip with our growing family and thank the Ritz staff for the fabulous memories of our long weekend!

Do you remember that episode where the ladies of Sex And The City go to Connecticut for a baby shower and they are completely out of place outside of the city? Yeah, that’s me. The Ritz-​Carlton Lodge at Reynolds Plantation is my Connecticut. Greensboro, GA is really in the middle of nowhere. If that’s your thing, more power to you, but I’d much rather a Ritz experience in the city. This is, however, a great place for golf, a yuppie family vacation, or a work conference.
My company has an annual meeting here each fall and for that it’s an impeccable facility for a work conference. The hotel itself is wonderfully done in a modern lodge motif. The rooms are very well appointed, and I wish I had that bathroom at home. The staff is incredibly friendly and accommodating. The valets wear knickers and argyle socks, which makes me think of The Legend of Bagger Vance every time. The drink prices at the bar make a night out at pretty much any swanky place in Atlanta look like a bargain. $ 14 for a glass of Whitehaven, really people? Because I’ve only been here for work, I have yet to experience the pool and spa, but they look amazing from the pictures. The conference rooms, however, are quite nice and can easily accommodate 100 people.
Honestly I would never come to this Ritz on my own accord, nor am I their target guest for this location, but I am thrilled to go here for work on an annual basis. If you’re into golf or looking for a ritzy location for a work event, then you have found your destination.

Wish I brought my golf clubs; the course looked gorgeous! The rooms were a bit outdated compared to other Ritz locations, but still luxurious and clean. The service was amazing as usual for the Ritz. I was surprised how isolated the resort is. Nothing around except for a grocery store, steakhouse, and a very small strip mall.
Took us about 10 or 15 minutes to check-​in as they did not have the room option I reserved. For the wait and inconvenience we received a room upgrade, so no complaints!
Highly recommend taking advantage of the kayak and canoe rentals. We had a great time exploring the lake and fishing. The pool and hot tub are also a must. I enjoyed the basketball courts too.
At checkout we were charged for snacks, even though our fridge and snacks were not stocked. The front desk took off the charges without question.

I’m going to get married here, and I can’t wait. Well, actually, I’m probably going to have to wait a while, as I’m not even dating anyone at the moment. But my visit to the Ritz Carlton Lodge at Reynolds Plantation at Lake Oconee was so beautiful, so relaxing, so decadent, that I can’t imagine a better place to celebrate such a momentous occasion when it arrives (someday…).
The rooms were luxurious, impeccably clean, and offered great views, whether of the forest or the lake. The grounds had such unique touches, whether hammocks or marshmallow roasting pits at every turn. There were plenty of hide-​aways where you could escape to sit and watch the water, and the amenities on the grounds (basketball courts, lounge chairs, boats) were top notch. The service was fantastic, from cheery valet to impeccably choreographed meal service. And the meal service brings me to the food, which was out of this world good. Our filet and crabcake dinner at our opening reception was perfection, and the desserts were chocolate heaven. I really can’t say enough good things.