Hotels & resorts: The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands vs. The Peninsula Chicago
Quick Verdict
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives is ideal for a secluded, luxurious island getaway, while The Peninsula Chicago offers a premium urban hotel experience.
- The Ritz-Carlton Maldives offers a luxurious overwater villa experience with exceptional service and diverse dining options.
- The Peninsula Chicago provides a sophisticated urban experience with extensive amenities, high-quality service, and a focus on family activities.
Key features – Side-by-Side
| Attribute | The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands | The Peninsula Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Room Size and Layout | 100 villas, 1,600-square-foot overwater villa (basic); Two-bedroom villas and Ritz-Carlton Estate available. | Deluxe Rooms: 531-556 sq ft; Suites: 797 sq ft to 3,645 sq ft; Options with king/double beds, separate living areas, connecting rooms. |
| View from the Room | Lagoon or ocean views; Ocean Pool Villas: unobstructed sea views; Lagoon Pool Villas: sunset views; Beach Pool Villas: turquoise lagoon. | Rush Street, Superior Street, Michigan Avenue, or Water Tower views; Higher floors: Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan views. |
| In-Room Amenities | Private pool, sundeck, coffee machine, minibar, Frette linens, 65-inch LCD TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, kitchenette, tea and mineral water, indoor/outdoor dining, USB charging, bathrobe, hairdryer, air conditioning, in-room safe. | Nespresso machines, minibars, executive work desks, bedside charging stations, tablet technology, iPod docks, widescreen plasma TVs, free worldwide calling. |
| Bed Comfort and Quality of Linens | King-size bed, Pillowtop bed with Frette Italian sheets, Frette linens. | Custom Fili D'oro linens, premium bedding, sumptuous duvet. |
| Bathroom Features | Separate bathtub and shower, deep soaking bathtubs, rainfall showerheads, double vanity, Bamford products, walk-in shower, outdoor shower. | Marble bathrooms, soaking tubs, separate showers, inset televisions, designer toiletries, hairdryers, bathrobes, slippers; Select suites: onyx bathrooms, double vanities, picture windows, waterproof TVs. |
| On-Site Dining Options and Cuisine Quality | Seven restaurants and bars: La Locanda (Italian), Summer Pavilion (Cantonese), Eau Bar (Lounge-style), IWAU (Japanese Omakase), Beach Shack (Mediterranean), Arabesque (Middle Eastern and Indian fusion), Tum Tum (Asian street food). Vegetarian, dairy-free, and halal options. | Shanghai Terrace (Cantonese), Pierrot Gourmet (European), The Lobby (American), Z Bar (rooftop bar). Cuisine quality is highly regarded. |
| Pool and Beach Access | Private beach area, beachfront access, private infinity pools, outdoor pool, beach umbrellas. Located on North Malé Atoll. | Indoor half-Olympic length swimming pool, outdoor sun terrace. Oak Street Beach within walking distance. |
| Spa and Wellness Facilities | The Ritz-Carlton Spa: ring-shaped sanctuary, nine treatment rooms, treatments based on cardinal directions, Bamford products, Ayurvedic treatments, body wraps, couples massages, facials, steam room, therapy bath, waxing. | The Peninsula Spa & Wellness Center: Asian-inspired therapies, relaxation lounge with fireplace, yoga studio, massages, facials, body treatments using Biologique Recherche. |
| Fitness Center and Equipment | Fitness center, state-of-the-art equipment, personal training, fitness classes, yoga studio, cardiovascular equipment, elliptical machines, exercise bikes, free weights, rowing machines. | TechnoGym cardiovascular and strength-training equipment, Peloton bikes, free weights, fitness classes. |
| Kids' Club and Family Activities | Ritz Kids Club (ages 4-12), indoor-outdoor space, playgrounds, napping pods, video games, movies, pool with slides and jets, daily activities, babysitting service. Program pillars: land, water, environmental responsibility, culture. | Kids' club and family activities, Camp Peninsula package, children's menus, babysitting services, special spa treatments for children. |
| Service Quality and Staff Friendliness | Distinguished 'Aris Meeha' (personal butler) for each villa; Staff is friendly, attentive, and responsive; Casual yet professional manner. | High-quality service and friendly staff; Many staff members have been with the hotel for over 10 years. |
| Overall Cleanliness and Maintenance | Daily housekeeping; Property cleaned by professional cleaning companies. | Generally well-maintained; Hospital-grade sanitization protocols. |
Overall Comparison
Location: Maldives vs. Chicago; Service: Excellent at both; Ambiance: Secluded luxury vs. Urban sophistication
Pros and Cons
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
Pros:
- Luxurious accommodations
- Exceptional service
- Diverse dining options
- Beautiful location
- Extensive amenities
Cons:
- No major disadvantages reported.
The Peninsula Chicago
Pros:
- Variety of room sizes and layouts
- Rooms offer city and lake views
- Extensive in-room amenities
- Luxurious bed linens and bathroom features
- Multiple on-site dining options with high-quality cuisine
- Indoor pool and outdoor sun terrace
- Comprehensive spa and wellness center
- Well-equipped fitness center
- Kids' club and family activities
- High-quality service and friendly staff
- Well-maintained property with hospital-grade sanitization
Cons:
- No major disadvantages reported.
User Experiences and Feedback
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
What Users Love
- Attentive and friendly staff
- High-quality food
- Well-maintained rooms
- Seamless check-in process
- Exceptional service and genuine care
Common Complaints
- No major complaints reported.
Value Perception
- No value feedback reported.
User Recommendations
- The overall ambiance is modern, minimalist, and luxurious.
- The staff is consistently described as attentive, friendly, and going above and beyond to meet guests' needs.
- The resort maintains high standards of cleanliness.
- The design of each villa allows for total privacy.
The Peninsula Chicago
What Users Love
- Attentive, responsive, and friendly staff
- Extensive in-room dining menu
- High-quality food at on-site restaurants
- Clean and well-maintained rooms
- Easy access to amenities like the pool and fitness center
- Offers express check-in/out
Common Complaints
- No major complaints reported.
Value Perception
- No value feedback reported.