Just minutes from Manhattan and yet miles from ordinary, The Ritz-Carlton hotel offers a beautiful retreat for both business travelers and leisure guests.  As one of the best hotels in New York, The Ritz-Carlton Westchester immerses its guest in all the luxury and cultural heritage that is Westchester County.  Located at the city center of White Plains, the property’s convenient downtown location has easy access to Manhattan, only 30 minutes via train makes it a great “New York Getaway”.

ARRIVAL

Upon arrival at the Ritz-Carlton in White Plains, the strikingly modern architecture blends in with the Westchester skyline. Situated in the heart of the city, the location could not be better.

Upon pulling up to the valet in front of the hotel, the valet service came racing up to open my door  and welcome me. I was happily surprised when he greeted me by name, Mrs. E.  Shortly after getting out of my car, the friendly bellhop staff also greeted me by saying “Good Afternoon, Mrs. E,” and escorted me to the registration desk to check in.  I felt like a celebrity even before stepping foot inside the hotel.

The check in process was very fast, and the Bellhop even offered to take luggage to my room. However, since I had a small bag I opted to take it myself.

ACCOMMODATION

The Ritz Carlton Westchester has 146 guest rooms, including 38 executive, One-Bedroom, and Specialty Suites. My room was a One Bedroom Suite. As soon as you walked in, there was a half guest bathroom followed by a living room and a desk perfect for working.

Through the double doors was the master bedroom with a king size bed, ample closet space for my personal belongs, and it’s own entertainment center with a 42-inch TV.  The bed was very comfortable and they even gave me extra pillows, as I requested.

The bathroom was probably the best asset to the entire room. The geometric patterned floor and sparkling marble walls with an extra deep soaking tub and rain-shower nozzle made grooming just a bit more special.

AMENITIES

The suite had a well stocked mini-bar and a coffee maker.  The hotel only offers Pepsi products, but they knew that I only drink Coke,  they dropped off a bucket filled of Coca-Cola bottles for me.

They made me feel very special when I arrived. On the coffee table sat a welcome note, a tray filled with mini cakes, delicious chocolates, and a personalize cookie with my company logo on it.

DINING

The Ritz Carlton has three delectable dining experiences in their downtown White Plains hotel. The Lounge is located next to the lobby area for a relaxing cocktail or small meal.  Also, located in the lobby area is BLT Steak, a classic American steakhouse from renowned Chef Laurent Tourondel. You can take the elevator to the top floor and find 42 The Restaurant,  offering Iberian-influenced New American cuisine and 360-degree views of Manhattan, Long Island Sound, and the Hudson River.

The Lounge

The Lounge restaurant is located right next to the registration area.  It is a gorgeous room with a fireplace in the center, cozy couches, tables, and comfortable seats where you can have a cocktail, a bite to eat, and breakfast in the morning.  The watermelon soup was one of my favorite meals along with the sliders.

The breakfast buffet in The Lounge is set up in the morning with fresh fruits, cereals, and a large selections of breads. They also have a cook readily available for made-to-order omelettes.  I spent most of my time in The Lounge working on my computer and people watching.

BLT Steak

Just off the lobby of the Ritz you will find BLT Steak. The large main dining room is modern, with soaring ceilings, flattering lighting, plus lots of glass and dark wood tones in the walls and furnishings. The restaurant has 35 well-spaced tables and an attractive bar area for cocktails.  They also have a private dining room that seats 40. The popovers (bread) are fabulous, and I love how they leave the recipe at the table for you to take home.  We went with the family and everyone really enjoyed their steak meals and all the side dishes.

42 The Restaurant

42 sits on the 42nd floor of the Ritz-Carlton in White Plains with views from the Long Island Sound to the Hudson River and down to Manhattan. Although, I didn’t get a chance to experience the food, I heard from others that its amazing. One thing I can say is, what a view.

POOL/SPA

The rooftop pool is located under a huge skylight on the 10th floor. Its views of the city are spotless, and the pool is exclusive to spa and hotel guests only.  It is kept at the perfect temperature, and surrounded by lounges with large, soft towels. You can order lunch or a snack to the pool, (food service runs until 5pm) and return for an evening swim under the stars. The attended pool doesn’t allow kids under age 16 to swim without a parent present.  The pool area is open from 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

The spa at the Ritz is the largest destination spa in the county and features an array of treatments to heal, relax, and revive, including seasonal offerings and signature therapies. Under the soothing touch of a professional therapist, you will feel your cares melt away as you surrender to a world of peace and calm.  The spa is open to guests and the public. It features 11 treatment rooms and therapies infused with seasonal elements.

FITNESS CENTER

The gym is fairly large for a hotel gym. They have treadmills, bikes, and elliptical machines, as well as free weights, balls, yoga mats, and 10 or so machines. They also have water coolers, a scale, and headphones if you forgot yours.   The fitness center is open 24-hours a day.

The hotel does not have a self parking option. Only valet parking for $30 a day for hotel guests.
If you’re Marriott rewards member or Ritz rewards member you receive free in-room wifi. If not, it’s $12.95 per day.

It was an absolute pleasure staying here and if I have the need to travel to this area again, I would not stay anywhere else to experience this ultra-luxurious hotel.

The Ritz-Carlton, Westchester  3 Renaissance Square, White Plains, NY 10601

I stayed at The Ritz-Carlton at a reduced cost, but the opinions are solely my own.