The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage is a welcome oasis in the middle of California’s desert. The resort is surrounded by the Santa Rosa Mountain Range and Palm Springs and Coachella Valley both sit nearby. Recently refurbished with a reimagined lobby and social areas, The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage embodies California cool while staying true to the brand’s style.
To celebrate the property’s partnership with Elite Traveler, we spoke to general manager Shannon Gilbert, who boasts three decades of service, on what sets it apart.
What attracted you to your position at the hotel?
Palm Springs is home for me and The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage holds a very special place in my heart as I began my career here nearly 29 years ago. When this opportunity came open, it was a dream for me to return to where my journey began. I am humbled and honored to lead such as amazing team of Ladies and Gentlemen. The setting is unmatched and with the recent remastering of the resort, we have invited the natural desert landscape in. I am extremely proud to represent such an iconic resort and destination for The Ritz-Carlton.
Tell us about a defining moment in your role that sticks out.
The reopening of our Club Lounge which is a key differentiator for The Ritz-Carlton. This year for the first time, the Lounge will remain open all year versus seasonally. In addition to the personalized service and attention to detail, ongoing food and beverage presentations, we partnered with a local artist, Timothy Mulligan, to customize the artwork for this space. Mulligan incorporated the local landscape into each piece, and the colorful art pairs perfectly adding to the warm ambience. Many of our larger suites come with Club Lounge access to further add to the experience. This space is an exclusive level that extends a highly personalized level of service to each and every guest.
And what has been the hotel’s biggest challenge during your time there?
Remastering all 244 guestrooms and suites, the main lobby, and all meeting space. We completed this major project at the end of 2023 with little to no disruption to the guest experience. The layout of the resort lent itself well for the team to isolate the project to a wing at a time, protecting the guest experience during the entire project. The remastering turned out beautiful and we are extremely proud of the incorporation of the desert landscape in a modern, mid-century style. Warm, bright colors with crisp lines and desert undertones create a setting to relax and soak in the views.
What separates the Vista Suite from anything else in the region?
The resort offers 16 suites ranging from Executive Suites to The Ritz-Carlton Suite. In addition to the resort suites, there are another 16 Residential Villa suites, from one (1) bedroom to three (3) bedrooms all equipped with full kitchens, some with outdoor tubs, and fireplaces. What separates all of these suite offerings is our guests can choose from being in the main resort or separate in the Villas should they wish to have additional space and their own private chef’s kitchen. Most suites offer sprawling views of the Palm Springs valley, no other resort has this setting with these views, and many include Club Lounge access.
What exciting plans do you have for the hotel that you can share with our readers?
We are excited for many experiences that we have recently relaunched. From dining at Edge Steakhouse, the remastering of State Fare Bar & Kitchen, the reopening of our Ritz Kids space, stargazing daily, and more. Our resort offers a retreat and a sense of rejuvenation for families and modern travelers alike. For guests looking to extend their experience to the outdoors, I highly recommend a suite on either end of the resort wings! The views are simply stunning and wrap around the corners.
