bluEmber at Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa

bluEmber at Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Review summary

1. D

   Denise

   San Francisco Bay Area3 reviews

   1.0

   Dined on 19 May 2025

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 5

   Sadly this was one of our worst dining experiences in awhile. It took about 15 minutes for a waiter to be assigned us after a complaint to the manager. He was very gracious, took our drink orders and promised us a server…while 3 were briefly at our table they all disappeared (to work other tables) and we sat again. Long story short: huge wait between servings, no offers for a drink refresh, no dessert menu offered, super slow removal of food. Maybe because we had a rather large gift certificate? We finally went inside to pay up as no one was coming out. We really never had one server. We did love the setting and that it wasn’t crowded. The food was mediocre at best. The fried bread in my bouillabaisse tasted rancid. The fish was over cooked. Maybe it was an off night? Servers were polite and manager tried but nothing g ultimately worked. We are seniors and normally not too fussy, but the neglect was obvious. Really wanted to line this experience.
   

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2. C

   Chris VIP

   Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities24 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on 19 May 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Excellent meal (pork chop is to die for). Beautiful setting.
   

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3. L

   Lou

   Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities3 reviews

   3.0

   Dined on 19 May 2025

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 4

   We got a table right away (we had a reservation) but we felt like we were forgotten as no one came to serve us until we asked for a server after waiting 30 minutes. Once we got a server, he was nice and the food was delicious. The place wasn’t busy so I am not sure why no one ever came to our table until we asked for help.
   

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4. T

   Tina

   Seattle1 review

   1.0

   Dined on 15 May 2025

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 1

   We arrived with an outdoor reservation to enjoy the beautiful patio on a quiet May Day in the desert when the desert has few people. We walked out to the patio and there was a giant convention of loud and drunk attendees, a mob of people, buffet line, closed to other diners. As we attempted to get to the front desk inside and could not get past the conventioneers, we got to the front desk to check in ( should of left at the point) only to have to shout to be heard over the inside conventioneers at the bar next to the front desk. I was told practically by sign language that the outdoor area we reserved, which of course we didn’t want now, was unable to anyone not attending this private event. We were ushered into a table as far away inside as possible, next to the bathroom, not enjoying a beautiful desert evening outside nor a quiet intimate dinner inside. Not the experience I have had there before. We own a house in the desert and have been to Blu Ember many times.
   

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5. M

   Mitch

   Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities6 reviews

   4.0

   Dined on 11 May 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 5

   After I made the reservation online, I called the restaurant to ask about the menu. I was told that there was a buffet available, but we could also order off the menu if we wanted instead. When we arrived, we were told that the very expensive buffet was the only option. My wife eats very little, and most likely would have chosen to order from the menu. Most of the staff was very accommodating, but we were told we had a server and for most of the dining experience, she was nowhere to be found. We had to chase her down for coffee. When the meal ended, we wanted to pay, but after about 20 minutes we had to chase her down for a check (which automatically had 20% added for a tip). There were three adults and a four-year-old granddaughter in our party. The menu, website, and signs all over the restaurant said there was no charge for kids under 6, but there was a $45 charge for her on the check. I pointed it out to the server, and she argued with me until I pointed it out on the menu. She said "Oh, I didn't know that," and removed the charge. The table next to us had a four-year-old girl, too, and had to go through the same procedure. The food was pretty good -- expensive, but nice variety and slightly above OK quality. My biggest complaint is the automatic tip. In most cases I have no problem with voluntarily tipping 20% or even more, but I don't like being forced to tip that much for a buffet where the servers, in general, have to do very little. And in this case, couldn't even be found without running around looking for her. The atmosphere at bluEmber is quite nice, and the lady singer/guitarist was a nice touch. Beautiful voice, and perfect unobtrusive volume. I don't feel like we got our money's worth, but I was happy to have found a pleasant place to eat for Mother's Day.
   

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6. M

   Mike

   Las Vegas1 review

   2.0

   Dined on 11 May 2025

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 1

   I get that jt was Mother’s Day but $95 a plate was too steep for the quality of the food put out. Flies in the restaurant were overwhelming. They also added fees, service charges and gratuity, then taxed on that total and not the food total. Pretty sure that is illegal. Will not be going back
   

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7. a

   aaron

   Orange County5 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on 9 May 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Had a really great dinner here with zero wait. Food was pretty solid and service was great. Definitely recommended if you’re staying at Omni.
   

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8. S

   Steve

   Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities6 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on 1 May 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Amazing food. Staff were attentive. Love going here
   

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9. L

   Lea VIP

   Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities19 reviews

   3.0

   Dined on 27 April 2025

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 4

   We are locals and were looking for a spot where we could sit and enjoy a little outdoor dining. So we thought trying a hotel restaurant might fit that need The menu was much smaller than what was on line. The staff was very busy but our server was still good but we had to be patient because he was really running around trying to take care of so many tables. The food was relatively good although the steak on my sandwich was not sliced as described and there was a good portion of fat and grizzle on the steak. I had also asked for some white cheddar on the sandwich and they forgot it. The server politely brought some grated cheddar to the table but it wasn't the same as if they had put sliced cheese on the sandwich in the kitchen. My husbands salad had a very sweet balsamic dressing that he didn't like. I thought it was appropriate. The shrimp were cooked perfectly. My margarita was expensive but prepared just as I asked. If was staying at the hotel and this was my choice of where to eat on property, I would we satisfied but as a local, I have no need to return unless I am playing golf on the course.
   

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10. T

    Tamara VIP

    Minneapolis - St. Paul85 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 25 April 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    Very nice evening. Jose was our server and very attentive. Delicious food
    

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