
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay
Best for families and guests who want a full-service oceanfront resort with golf, spa and outdoor activities.
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The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay is a 5-star oceanfront resort on a Pacific bluff, aimed at guests who want coastal views, golf, and family-friendly resort programming. Taj Campton Place is a boutique 5-star luxury hotel steps from Union Square in San Francisco for travelers who want a compact, central stay and fine dining close to the theater and shops.
Updated · about 35 miles apart (rough driving distance between Half Moon Bay and downtown San Francisco)

Best for families and guests who want a full-service oceanfront resort with golf, spa and outdoor activities.

Best for travelers who want a compact luxury base in downtown San Francisco, near shopping, theaters and convention facilities.
When The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay wins: choose the Ritz-Carlton if you want space, ocean views, on-site championship golf, multiple restaurants, tennis courts, a large spa and family programming. It's a resort stay focused on outdoor and wellness activities.
When Taj Campton Place wins: choose Taj Campton Place if you need a small, centrally located luxury hotel steps from Union Square, quick access to Moscone and city attractions, and an intimate fine-dining option (Bombay Brasserie) without the drive into the suburbs.
Bottom line: pick The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay for a destination coastal resort experience and active outdoor amenities; pick Taj Campton Place for a compact, upscale downtown stay that keeps you in the middle of San Francisco.
| Category | The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay | Taj Campton Place |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Resort, spacious oceanfront property with multiple venues and outdoor amenities | Boutique urban luxury hotel, compact and service-focused |
| Location | On a bluff above the Pacific in Half Moon Bay, near beaches and the Coastside Trail | Centrally located in downtown San Francisco, steps from Union Square |
| Size | 261 guestrooms and suites across five floors (large resort) | 110 guestrooms (smaller boutique property) |
| Ages / policy | All-ages resort with kids' programs; spa and fitness areas restricted to 18+ | All-ages property (adults-only: false) |
| Pools / water access | Indoor pool access (pool hours published) and proximity to beaches and coastal bluffs | Not published |
| Restaurants & bars | Three on-site venues (Navio, The Conservatory, Ocean Terrace) plus Ocean Terrace fire-pit lawn | One main restaurant (Bombay Brasserie), 24-hour room service and complimentary reception on select days |
| Spa & wellness | Large on-site spa (The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Half Moon Bay) with multiple treatment rooms and wet amenities | Health or beauty spa nearby / Not clearly an on-site full-service spa |
| Known for | Ocean views, championship golf, outdoor activities and large event/wedding spaces | Central Union Square location and intimate boutique service |
| Meeting & event space | Extensive indoor and outdoor meeting/wedding venues (many meeting rooms, ballrooms and lawns) | Conference space ~1900 sq ft and 4 meeting rooms (smaller event capacity) |
| Transport / access | Car recommended; roughly 20–45 minutes from SFO depending on route | Walkable to major downtown attractions; limo/town car service available, valet parking (surcharge) |
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay sits above the Pacific with bluff-top walking and nearby beaches.
Choose this property if you want a seaside setting and outdoor coastal access.
Taj Campton Place is in the heart of San Francisco, a short walk from Union Square and theaters.
Choose Taj Campton Place for a central city base close to the convention center and shopping.
The Ritz-Carlton offers a broad range of room types and multi-bedroom suites, including Club access options.
Pick the Ritz for larger suites, family configurations and Club-level service.
Taj Campton Place lists a variety of standard rooms, deluxe rooms and one-bedroom executive and Campton suites.
Taj Campton Place is best if you want a compact, well-appointed city room or a single-city-suite option.
The Ritz-Carlton provides three distinct on-property restaurants with ocean views and different formality levels.
Ritz-Carlton gives more on-site variety and oceanfront dining options.
Taj Campton Place features Bombay Brasserie as its main fine-dining option plus 24-hour room service.
Taj Campton Place focuses on an intimate, chef-driven dining experience in a downtown setting.
Ritz-Carlton's signature appeal is its oceanfront setting plus resort amenities including pool access.
Water and outdoor activities are central to the Ritz-Carlton experience.
Taj Campton Place is an urban hotel; on-site outdoor seaside amenities are not a feature.
Taj Campton Place is about city access rather than seaside amenities.
The Ritz-Carlton emphasizes a large spa, fitness center and outdoor evening programming.
Choose the Ritz for a full spa program and resort-oriented evening activities.
Taj Campton Place offers a 24-hour fitness facility and is close to San Francisco nightlife and theaters.
Taj Campton Place works if you want city nightlife and quick access to theaters rather than a destination spa.

The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay — children’s programs, family rooms, outdoor activities and beach access.

Taj Campton Place — steps from Union Square, shopping, theaters and Moscone Convention Center.

The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay — large on-site spa, golf, tennis and multiple dining venues.

Taj Campton Place — boutique scale, personalized service and an on-site fine-dining restaurant.
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay — it's on the bluff with beach access, oceanfront dining and resort activities.
Taj Campton Place — it's within walking distance of Moscone Convention Center and near Union Square.
No. Both properties accept guests of all ages; The Ritz-Carlton operates separate age restrictions for spa and fitness amenities.
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay has more on-site restaurants and varied dining venues compared with Taj Campton Place.
Explore how The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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