Recent Reader Comments: The Ritz London, Hotel Splendido, Smith Fork Ranch

The Ritz London The Ritz London

"Although it seems like an old-fashioned choice, especially with so many smart options in London, The Ritz never disappoints and has always been a standout hotel for us. Time and again, despite its slightly more commercial location than its competitors, the hotel has delivered in every area. The rooms are extremely large in the Junior Suite category. There is silent and prompt housekeeping of the very old-fashioned sort: no rolling carts in the hall, just discreet teams of housekeepers carrying fresh linens in their arms. The rooms are somewhat overdecorated with tons of gilt-edged furniture, but they  are so large and well laid out that the decorative excesses are strangely charming. The gorgeous silks and brocades are spotless. The headboards are covered at night with cotton slipcovers embroidered with The Ritz in order to keep the plush headboards pristine. The bathrooms are lavish in a charmingly old-fashioned way. The views, through French doors, onto Piccadilly or Green Park are lovely. Room service is delicious and prompt, especially breakfast. The only really overrated and commercial entity in the hotel is the tea in the Palm Court. It is filled mostly with English tourists and young couples on the brink of proposals of marriage."

 Hotel Splendido, Portofino, Italy

"While expensive, the service is impeccable, the views are incredible, and I can't wait to wake up there at some point in the future. Portofino is a small town. The shopping is good, but limited. There are maybe a dozen restaurants, plus a couple coffee shops and gelaterias. There are a number of extraordinary walks from Portofino. We really enjoyed the short walk to Brown Castle, and we plan to take a longer walk to San Fruttuoso on our next visit."

 Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa, Interlaken, Switzerland

"Outstanding hotel. The entire spa and pool area is very pleasant, and nothing beats lying in a hot tub while watching the fog roll over the nearby hills. Rooms come with fresh mountain air. It was a pleasure to deal with the staff — we had everything our way and without effort. Surprisingly, the town's historic centre across the river has a very private atmosphere to it."

 Smith Fork Ranch, Colorado 

"Smith Fork is definitely well worth the effort it takes to get there. Its located in a beautiful canyon, at the base of impressive Needle Rock, adjacent to the Smith Fork of the Gunnison River. Great fly-fishing, horseback riding, hiking. Lots of activities for kids. The meals were all amazing, and the wine list extensive. Have to say the most impressive thing about Smith Fork was the staff. Everyone went out of their way to make all feel welcome and have a terrific trip. They do a good job! Don't miss a float trip down the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Big fish and big rocks! Beautiful."

 Bardessono, Napa Valley

"We just returned from a fabulous stay at Bardessono! The town of Yountsville is quite charming, and the hotel is perfectly located in the heart of town and within walking distance to everything — yet the property itself is very peaceful and quiet. We really enjoyed the architecture, landscaping and water treatments and we appreciated the eco-friendly design and well-deserved LEED approval. We loved our spa room and found all the amenities to be supremely comfortable. The food at the restaurant Lucy was excellent, as was the service at the hotel overall."

Villa San Michele, Fiesole, Italy

"The views and history are extraordinary, but other areas need serious improvement to warrant the prices and the reputation, in our opinion. VSM could learn a lot from the Four Seasons Florence down the road, where they have masterfully converted an old palace and convent into a stunning modern hotel."