Ritz-Carlton Reserve is a brand that causes confusion among some consumers, especially among those who are Marriott Bonvoy members. What are Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties? What makes them different from other Ritz-Carlton resorts? Do they participate in Marriott Bonvoy? In this post, I want to answer some of those questions, especially as the brand is continuing to grow.
What is Ritz-Carlton Reserve, anyway?
Ritz-Carlton Reserve is a small collection of intimate luxury resorts. Here’s how the Ritz-Carlton Reserve brand describes itself:
“Time stands still as the joy of discovery is anticipated, embraced and savored. An exploration of an unusual place, the excitement of an unexpected adventure, an indulgence in uncommon luxury. It is Ritz-Carlton Reserve – a rare place set aside for those who appreciate an exotic sanctuary tucked away in the most exquisite corners of the world.
Remote locations handpicked for their lush, unspoiled landscapes. Deeply personal experiences guided by true human connection. An abundance of the world’s greatest luxury: time. These are marks of Ritz-Carlton Reserve.”
Below is the company’s brand video — I’m undecided whether this is cheesy, cute, or both.
From my perspective, a few things stand out about Ritz-Carlton Reserve.
First of all, while I don’t know the financial relationship between Ritz-Carlton Reserve and Marriott, my assumption is generally that Ritz-Carlton Reserve’s connection to Marriott is more about marketing and distribution than anything else.
I’d consider that to be a good thing, since Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties won’t typically feel like your run-of-the-mill Marriott (or even Ritz-Carlton). Ritz-Carlton Reserve’s connection to Marriott seems to be about several small luxury hotels having access to Marriott’s global reach.
So, what’s the difference between Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties and standard Ritz-Carlton resorts?
Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties have anywhere from 50 to 115 rooms, so they’re truly intimate properties with personalized service. Meanwhile many of Ritz-Carlton’s resorts are basically luxury factories, some with 300+ rooms. So the properties are in completely different leagues, and I’m guessing this branding exists to differentiate a Ritz-Carlton Reserve from the Ritz-Carlton Aruba, for example.
Ritz-Carlton Reserve locations
Currently Ritz-Carlton Reserve has eight locations:
- Dorado Beach is a 115-room Ritz-Carlton Reserve property in Dorado, Puerto Rico
- Higashiyama is a 50-room room Ritz-Carlton Reserve property in Niseko, Japan
- Mandapa is a 60-room Ritz-Carlton Reserve property in Bali, Indonesia
- Nekajui is a 115-room Ritz-Carlton Reserve property in Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica
- Nujuma is a 63-room Ritz-Carlton Reserve property in Red Sea, Saudi Arabia
- Phulay Bay is a 54-room Ritz-Carlton Reserve property in Krabi, Thailand
- Rissai Valley is an 87-room Ritz-Carlton Reserve property in Jiuzhaigou, China
- Zadun is a 115-room Ritz-Carlton Reserve property in Los Cabos, Mexico
I’m not sure I’d go so far as to call some of these “remote locations,” but to each their own. I’ve stayed at a few Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties — read my reviews of Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Higashiyama, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, and Zadun, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve,
There are several more Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties in the pipeline, which will bring the portfolio to a dozen properties:
- In 2025, a 60-room Ritz-Carlton Reserve property is expected to open in Riviera Nayarit, Mexico
- In 2026, a 60-room Ritz-Carlton Reserve property is expected to open in Trojena, Saudi Arabia
- In 2027, a 90-room Ritz-Carlton Reserve property is expected to open in Eleuthera, Bahamas
- In 2029, a 50-room Ritz-Carlton Reserve property is expected to open in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Note that none of the above properties are accepting reservations yet, though I’ll be sure to provide an update when that changes.
Ritz-Carlton Reserve & Marriott Bonvoy
Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program, unlike the BVLGARI brand (which is also a quasi-Marriott brand). When staying at Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties:
- You earn Bonvoy points — you earn 10x points per eligible dollar spent, elite members can earn 10-75% bonus points, and paying with a Marriott co-branded credit card makes you eligible for bonus points based on Marriott spending (cards offer up to 6x points per dollar spent)
- You can redeem Bonvoy points — nowadays Marriott Bonvoy has dynamic award pricing, so expect these properties to be expensive, generally around 80,000 to 240,000 Bonvoy points per night (I value Bonvoy points at 0.7 cents each)
- You receive elite perks, though they differ from what you’d get at other Marriott brands, and are more limited — below is a chart showing perks by tier
A few specific things to note about Marriott Bonvoy elite recognition at Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties:
- Not surprisingly, elite members don’t receive complimentary breakfast, just as is the case with Ritz-Carlton properties; however, some Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties include breakfast for all guests, in which case it’s also offered when redeeming points
- There’s not even any sort of a room upgrade perk for elite members, even for Platinum and Titanium members; furthermore, Nightly Upgrade Awards, offered as part of the Choice Benefits program, can’t be redeemed here
- It’s unique that Ambassador members receive a $150 resort credit at Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties, as that’s the only brand where this is offered; however, if you book through a program offering a $100 property credit as a benefit, those two credits don’t stack
The best way to book a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
The best way to book a stay at a Ritz-Carlton Reserve property is through a travel advisor who is affiliated with the Marriott STARS program. When booking through a Marriott STARS travel advisor, you’ll receive the following additional perks:
- Complimentary full or continental breakfast daily for up to two people per room
- Hotel credit valued at 100 USD once per stay
- Room upgrade, subject to availability at check-in
- Complimentary basic Wi-Fi daily
- In-person welcome
- Personalized welcome amenity and note
Note that in order to be eligible for Marriott STARS perks, you’ll generally have to book the flexible or standard rate, which should be among the lowest rates available. Often there are even promotional STARS rates, though that won’t always be the case. You can’t get Marriott STARS benefits when redeeming points.
You can still earn Bonvoy points and take advantage of any Bonvoy elite benefits when booking through the Marriott STARS program.
Lastly, you’re generally better off booking through the Marriott STARS program than through programs like Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts® or Virtuoso, because upgrades are prioritized for Marriott STARS guests. That’s because this is Marriott’s own proprietary program. That being said, if you have a reason to book through one of those programs, it could still make sense.
Bottom line
Ritz-Carlton Reserve represents the best that Marriott has to offer. Ritz-Carlton Reserve currently has eight properties, each featuring 50-115 rooms in some pretty awesome locations. These hotels offer a much more personalized experience than your average Ritz-Carlton, but they’re also priced accordingly.
Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties participate in Marriott Bonvoy, allowing you to earn and redeem points for stays at these resorts. While there are some elite perks, they’re extremely limited, and don’t include complimentary breakfast, or even room upgrades.
Assuming you’re not redeeming points, the best way to book Ritz-Carlton Reserve stays is through Marriott STARS, so you can take advantage of complimentary breakfast, a room upgrade, a property credit, and more.
If you’ve ever stayed at a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, what was your experience like?
