If you’re typing marriott half moon bay into a search bar, you’re probably looking for that sprawling, gray-shingled castle perched on the edge of a jagged California cliff. You know the one. It looks like it was plucked out of Scotland and dropped onto the Pacific coast. But here’s the thing: if you go looking for a hotel with a big red "M" on the side, you’re going to be driving for a long time.
There isn’t actually a hotel called the "Marriott Half Moon Bay."
What everyone is actually looking for is The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay. Since Ritz-Carlton is part of the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio, people mix the names up constantly. It’s a common mistake, but honestly, it matters when you’re trying to book with points or figure out if you can actually afford the $70 valet fee.
The Identity Crisis of the Coast
Basically, this is the crown jewel of the Marriott system in Northern California. It’s the place where people go to propose, celebrate 50th anniversaries, or just feel like a tech billionaire for 48 hours. But because it’s a Ritz, the "Marriott" branding is subtle. You won't see it on the towels. You’ll only really notice it when you’re logging into your Bonvoy account to see if you have enough points for a "free" night (spoiler: you’ll still be paying a resort fee that costs more than a decent dinner elsewhere).
The resort sits on Miramontes Point, about 30 miles south of San Francisco. It’s isolated. That’s the point. You aren't staying here to be near a shopping mall; you’re staying here because the hotel is the destination.
What You're Actually Paying For
Let’s talk about the money. Staying at the marriott half moon bay property—okay, fine, the Ritz—is not cheap. Rooms often start north of $800, and on holiday weekends, you might see $1,500. But the room is only the beginning of the "financial experience."
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- Valet Parking: Roughly $68 to $70 per night. There is no self-parking. Well, there sorta is if you’re a local hiker (more on that later), but for guests, you’re handing over the keys.
- Resort Fee: Expect to see around $65 to $69 tacked onto your bill every night. It covers things like the fitness center, the indoor pool, and "high-speed" internet.
- The Bagpiper: This is free, technically. Every evening at sunset, a bagpiper walks the grounds. It’s the hotel's signature move. It’s haunting, beautiful, and slightly loud if your room is right above the practice path.
The Navio Situation
If you’re coming here, you’re probably eating at Navio. This is the fine-dining spot inside the hotel. They recently did a massive renovation in late 2024, so if you haven't been in a couple of years, it looks a bit different now—more modern, but still with those massive windows that make you feel like you’re on a ship.
Chef Francisco Simón is running the show there. He’s got two Michelin stars under his belt from his time in Barcelona, and it shows. Most people lose their minds over the weekend brunch. It’s a two-hour "all you can eat" situation, but it’s not a buffet. You don't stand in line with a plastic tray. You sit down, and they bring you small plates of lobster rolls, wagyu sliders, and caviar until you tell them to stop. It’s $199 per person as of early 2026.
Is it worth it? If you can eat your weight in high-grade seafood, maybe. If you just want eggs and toast, you’re better off heading into town to a place like Main Street Grill.
The Guest House vs. The Main Building
Here’s a tip most people miss: the resort is split. There’s the big main building where the lobby and restaurants are, and then there are the Guest Houses. These are separate buildings about 200 yards away.
Some people hate them because you have to walk (or take a shuttle) to get to breakfast. I actually prefer them. They feel more like private residences, and they’re closer to the Coastal Trail. If you’re staying in a Guest House, you’re less likely to be woken up by a wedding party stumbling through the halls at midnight.
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The Secret "Free" Access
You don’t actually have to be a guest at the marriott half moon bay Ritz to enjoy the best part of it: the view.
The California Coastal Trail runs right through the property. The state of California is very picky about beach access, so the hotel has to allow the public on the trails. There is a small public parking lot right near the entrance (Miramontes Point Trailhead). If you can snag a spot there, you can walk the same cliffs as the guests who paid $1,000 for the night.
You can even walk onto the Ocean Terrace, grab a drink, and sit by the fire pits. You’ll pay $25 for a cocktail, but hey, the sunset view is the same one the billionaires are seeing.
Real Talk on the Amenities
The spa is legit. It’s one of the few places where the "luxury" tag actually fits. They have a co-ed mineral pool that is basically a giant, fancy hot tub inside a glass room. If you book a treatment, you can spend the whole day there. It’s the best way to hide from the fog, which—let’s be honest—is a frequent guest in Half Moon Bay.
The golf courses are also a huge draw. You’ve got the Old Course (designed by Arnold Palmer) and the Ocean Course. The Ocean Course is the one you see in all the photos. Every hole has a view of the water. It’s windy. It’s challenging. And if you slice your ball, it’s going into the Pacific.
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Common Complaints
It's not all perfect. If you read recent reviews from 2025 and 2026, a few themes pop up.
- The Fog: People come from LA or New York expecting tropical California. Half Moon Bay is moody. It’s often "socked in" with mist. It’s beautiful in a gothic way, but you won't be getting a tan.
- The Price of Everything: $15 for a coffee, $70 for parking, $200 for brunch. The "nickel and diming" at this price point rubs some people the wrong way.
- Room Size: Standard rooms are about 450 square feet. That’s not small, but for the price, people sometimes expect a ballroom.
How to Actually Do This Right
If you're planning a trip to the marriott half moon bay location, don't just book the first room you see.
Check for "Bed and Breakfast" packages. Often, the price of the room includes a $78 credit for breakfast at The Conservatory or in-room dining. Since breakfast for two will easily hit $80, it’s basically a wash. Also, look for the "Experience S'more" package. They give you a kit to use at the fire pits on the terrace. It sounds cheesy, but sitting out there at 8:00 PM with a fire going and the ocean crashing below you is pretty much the peak Half Moon Bay experience.
If you’re a Marriott Bonvoy member, use your "Suite Night Awards" here. They are notoriously hard to clear because the hotel is always busy, but if you get lucky, the jump from a standard room to a suite is massive.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check the Weather: Use a local Half Moon Bay webcam before you drive out. If the town is clear, the Ritz might still be in a fog bank.
- Book Brunch Early: Navio brunch fills up weeks in advance. If you’re a guest, the concierge can sometimes squeeze you in, but don't count on it.
- Bring Layers: Even in July, you’ll want a sweater. The wind off the bluffs is no joke.
- Explore the Town: Don't stay on property the whole time. Downtown Half Moon Bay is three miles away. Go to Pasta Moon for dinner or Sam’s Chowder House for a lobster roll that won't cost you $200.
The marriott half moon bay experience is really about a specific kind of quiet, rugged luxury. It’s not flashy like Vegas or sunny like San Diego. It’s gray, green, and expensive. But when that bagpiper starts playing and the sun dips below the horizon, you'll probably stop worrying about the valet fee for at least a few minutes.