10 Best Ritz-Carlton Properties to Book with Points

Ritz-Carlton is world-renowned for its luxurious hotels. Whether it’s a family vacation, a romantic getaway or the solo trip of a lifetime, a stay at a Ritz-Carlton is sure to make it memorable.

Luckily, as a member of the Marriott Bonvoy rewards program, you can save on out-of-pocket costs and book your stay at the Ritz with points.

Let’s look at the best Ritz-Carlton hotels in the world, how much they cost to book with points and how to maximize the value of your stay.

Earning and Using Marriott Bonvoy Points at Ritz-Carlton

Ritz-Carlton hotels have been putting guests’ needs first for more than a century.

Dedicated to curating the perfect hotel experience, Ritz-Carlton properties are among some of the most exclusive hotels in the world, combining luxury and top-notch service with attention to detail.

So it’s no wonder that Marriott International—the world’s largest hotel portfolio—acquired the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company in 1998, bringing its world-class offerings under Marriott’s name.

While certain Ritz-Carlton hotels charge well over $1,000 per night, you can fund your stay entirely with points by taking advantage of the Marriott Bonvoy Rewards program.

How Many Points Do You Need for Ritz-Carlton Stays?

How many points you’ll need for a stay at a Ritz-Carlton hotel depends on a number of factors, including which Ritz-Carlton you’re staying at and when.

Marriott Bonvoy uses dynamic pricing, meaning that award rates fluctuate based on demand. You’ll pay less in points during off-peak and shoulder seasons, and far more during peak seasons.

The cheapest Ritz-Carlton properties charge a starting rate of 45,000 points per night for a standard room. However, these properties are few and far between. Realistically, most Ritz-Carlton hotels will price between 80,000 and 150,000 points per night, with some pushing 200,000 points or more.

Because of dynamic pricing, timing is everything. So, if you have flexibility, take advantage of Marriott’s flexible dates search function to check award rates by the month.

Best Ways to Earn Marriott Points for Ritz-Carlton

When it comes to earning Marriott Bonvoy points for stays at Ritz-Carlton properties, you have several options to choose from.

The first and most traditional way is through stays at Marriott Bonvoy properties.

Marriott International has 30 brands across 130 countries, so you won’t be stuck for choice. You’ll earn 10X points per dollar spent at these properties, with a boost between 10% and 75% depending on your status tier.

The second and arguably best way to earn Marriott Bonvoy points is through spending on a co-branded Marriott credit card. American Express and Chase offer a range of lucrative co-branded Marriott cards for every type of traveler, including the following:

• Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card ($0 annual fee)
• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card ($95 annual fee)
• Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful® Credit Card ($250 annual fee)
• Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card ($125 annual fee (see rates & fees))
• Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card ($250 annual fee (see rates & fees))
• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card ($650 annual fee (see rates & fees))

By earning the welcome offers on these cards and charging your everyday expenses to them, you’ll be able to rack up hundreds of thousands of Marriott Bonvoy points. You can also take advantage of complimentary elite status offered by some of these cards, boosting your base earning rate on stays with Marriott Bonvoy.

By earning the welcome offers on these cards and charging your everyday expenses to them, you’ll be able to rack up hundreds of thousands of Marriott Bonvoy points. You can also take advantage of complimentary elite status offered by some of these cards, boosting your base earning rate on stays with Marriott Bonvoy.

Lastly, you can also effectively “earn” Marriott Bonvoy points by spending on general travel rewards cards. American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Points, Capital One Miles and Chase Ultimate Rewards points all transfer to Marriott Bonvoy points at a 1:1 ratio.

This means you can take advantage of lucrative welcome offers and point redemption flexibility on general travel rewards cards and then transfer them to Marriott points when you’re ready to book your stay.

That said, Marriott Bonvoy points have a lower value than most flexible credit card rewards points, meaning that you should only pursue this method if you need to top off your existing Marriott Bonvoy points for a specific redemption.

Ritz-Carlton’s Top Point-Redemption Destinations

Without further ado, here’s our collection of the best Ritz-Carlton properties to book with points.

Our Top Pick: The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands

Built upon azure waters in the North Malé Atoll, the Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands looks exactly how one imagines paradise. Pristine white-sand beaches with a verdant jungle backdrop serve as the perfect foundation for over-water villas that blur the line between your hotel room and the ocean.

Whether you choose an over-water ocean villa, beach villa or lagoon-view villa, you’ll have your own private pool with guaranteed vistas of the Indian ocean.

The resort has its own full service spa with nine treatment rooms, a relaxation lounge and a boutique. It also has a 24/7 fitness center and state-of-the-art yoga studio, offering activities for all types of travelers.

Set in a place of natural beauty, this Ritz-Carlton has dedicated itself to protecting its local environment, being the first resort to host the Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program in the Asia-Pacific region.

Adults and children alike can partake in many of the resort’s conservation projects, go on sunset dolphin-spotting cruises, charter a private boat or engage in many of the watersports on offer through the hotel’s very own dive center.

Between the resort’s full program of outdoor activities and the many opportunities for relaxation, it boasts a range of dining options to keep your taste buds busy. You can choose from various on-site restaurants with a range of cuisines, including Cantonese, Italian, Mediterranean, Japanese, Lebanese and Asian street fare.

The dry season runs from November to April, making this prime-time to enjoy the full host of amenities this resort has to offer. The hotel’s blend of nature and modern luxury, combined with an array of amenities for every type of traveler and its focus on eco-conscious efforts make this one of the best Ritz-Carlton hotels in the world.

Rates start at around 110,000 points per night at this property, but can easily approach 200,000 points in high season.

The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe

Nestled among the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe offers a mountain getaway that’s perfect in every season.

The resort is one of the few hotels in Lake Tahoe to offer ski-in/ski-out access. Plus, it has its own dedicated mountain concierge services. While the hotel offers outstanding opportunities to hit the slopes in winter, it transforms into a summery paradise for the rest of the year, where snowy caps give way to green alpine vistas.

You can choose from its cozy rooms, luxurious suites and fully equipped residences, which offer a homey vibe.

Outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers couldn’t do much better than to find themselves in this Ritz-Carlton. The hotel offers a range of outdoor activities, including fly fishing, wake surfing, tubing, mountain biking, kayaking, paddle boarding, private yacht charters and more.

Guests enjoy access to some of Northern California’s best golf courses, including Old Greenwood Golf Course and The Golf Club at Gray’s Crossing. You can also escape to one of the local lakeside beaches during the day or rent a firepit in the evening.

The resort’s Lake Club provides perfect access to the lake, where you can indulge in lakeside fine dining, go for a swim, lounge by the pool or rent a captained top-of-the-line MasterCraft X-26 boat.

For those who prefer relaxation, the hotel’s 17,000 square foot spa should do the job. With 17 treatment rooms, relaxation areas warmed by fireplaces, a dry-heat lodge, a eucalyptus steam room, stone massages, organic facials, hydrafacials, an outdoor heated lap pool and more, you’ll never run out of new ways to unwind.

The hotel’s dining options provide perfect intervals throughout your day to enjoy fireside fine dining, from Manzanita, offering signature mountain cuisine, to the laid-back atmosphere of Backyard Bar & BBQ.

Overall, the Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe offers one of the widest ranges of outdoor activities of any Ritz-Carlton property while offering an equally robust range of amenities catering to other guests, from top-class spa services to lakeside gourmet dining.

The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park

Set in the heart of Manhattan, the Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park boasts sophisticated and charming interiors, combined with awe-inspiring views of the city.

You can choose from a range of room types, including suites with Club Lounge access and private concierge services, to elegantly designed standard rooms. The hotel’s on-site restaurant, the Contour Gastro Lounge and Bar, offers American fare in a sophisticated and charming setting.

The hotel is conveniently nestled among many of New York’s iconic hotspots. You’re just a stone’s throw away from Manhattan’s major attractions, including Broadway, Fifth Avenue, Museum Mile and Central Park.

This Ritz-Carlton offers an urban oasis to escape the city’s hustle and bustle in its La Prairie Spa. Here, you can sign up for a 50 Central Park Signature Ritual Massage, full-body treatments, LED facials and much more.

New York has something to offer in all four seasons, which makes this opulent Ritz-Carlton the perfect retreat no matter the time of year.

Award rates here start at 104,000 points per night and can reach up to 168,000 points per night during peak travel dates.

Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

The Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, offers a lush retreat on the serene coastline of Puerto Rico. This former sugar plantation, transformed by Laurance S. Rockefeller, lets nature co-exist with the property unobstructed, creating a harmonious environment across its 50 acres of land.

You can stay in one of its many ocean-view villas or residences, complete with private plunge pools. As a Ritz-Carlton Reserve property, this hotel offers a unique, intimate experience away from the crowds, with 115-rooms to choose from.

Set in the heart of nature, you can partake in an abundance of outdoor activities, including scuba diving, stargazing, coquí frog experiences, wildlife scavenger hunts, e-bike tours, hikes through the El Yunque Tropical Rainforest and the 11-mile Rockefeller Nature Trail. Yacht and catamaran tours are also available through the hotel, allowing you to explore the local islands and surrounding coral reefs.

Golfers will also be content here, with complimentary access to the Sugarcane Course and East Course, set to a backdrop of forest-greens and ocean-blues.

You’ll be able to unwind in the hotel’s luxurious Spa Botánico, where local Puerto Rican ingredients are combined with indigenous soothing traditions.

When it comes to food, you can enjoy cooking classes and intimate Chef’s Table dinners, as well as a range of cuisines, from Puerto Rican to Asian-Latin American fusion and more. There are six on-site restaurants to choose from, in addition to one of the Caribbean’s most comprehensive wine cellars, boasting 690 labels and 3,200 bottles.

It’s no wonder that the Dorado Beach Ritz-Carlton Reserve has played host to numerous celebrities and U.S. presidents—it offers a serene getaway that’s matched only by its equal abundance of activities, dining options and opportunities to unwind.

Award nights here start at 180,500 points per night and can easily approach close to 300,000 points during periods of high demand. If you want to miss the rainy season, you’re best off visiting from December through April.

The Ritz-Carlton, Berlin

The Ritz-Carlton, Berlin, located in the heart of the city at Potsdamer Platz, just a seven-minute walk from Brandenburg Gate, offers an opulent step back in time. The hotel combines Art Deco style with a contemporary touch, reviving Berlin’s golden age through its design.

It offers glamorous rooms with a residential feel, in addition to a 205 square-foot Signature Penthouse Suite on the 12th Floor. On your doorstep, you’ll find the Tiergarten, the city’s largest park, offering 512 acres of greenery. Berlin’s hotspots are also close-by, including an array of shops, museums and restaurants.

The hotel’s on-site spa offers a place for rejuvenation after a day of sightseeing, including a sauna, steam room, pool, fitness center and a range of treatments.

After you’ve unwound in the spa, you can enjoy cocktails in the hotel’s Roaring Twenties-inspired bar, The Curtain Club, or try exquisite German cuisine in Pots. You could then retreat to the Cigar Club to sample the hotel’s 20 handmade cigars, evoking old-school charm and sophistication.

Award nights here start at a reasonable 45,000 points per night and can go up to 81,000 points during peak travel seasons. Berlin has something to offer in all seasons, be it cozy winters or long summer evenings, making it the perfect place for a European getaway at any time of the year.

Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Ubud, Indonesia

In the heart of Ubud, Indonesia, where the Ayung River meets tropical jungle greenery, you’ll find Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve hotel.

This unique property combines traditional Balinese aesthetics with contemporary design and eco-conscious materials to create a luxurious escape. It has 35 suites and 25 private pool villas to choose from, making this an intimate getaway far from the crowds.

If you’re looking to unwind and engage in some self-care, you couldn’t do better than the Mandapa Spa. Here, you’ll enjoy a full range of traditional Balinese healing methods, in addition to yoga and meditation. There’s also a vitality pool, an ice fountain, sauna, steam room, grooming parlour, fitness center and treatment rooms.

Outside of the resort, there’s something for every type of traveler. Epicures will enjoy Bali’s food scene; nature lovers can hike Mount Batur and plod through the many forest trails; the spiritual types can visit Bali’s many temples; artists can peruse Ubud’s art markets; and aquatic adventurers can explore some of the most biodiverse reefs in the world.

The hotel boasts six different restaurants, with locally sourced ingredients, Asian fusion, handcrafted cocktails and live music. Both English and Indonesian afternoon tea are on offer at the Library Bar, while Kubu offers a river-side a la carte fine dining experience.

Award nights start at 114,000 points per night and can go up to 144,000 points per night during periods of peak demand. For the best weather, you should aim to visit between April and October.

Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Thailand

Phulay Bay was the first of Ritz-Carlton’s properties to enter the Ritz-Carlton Reserve collection, owing to its secluded location and the unique experience enjoyed by its guests. This hotel is nestled in Thailand’s west coast, offering panoramic views of the Andaman Sea and neighboring islands.

Typical of the Ritz-Carlton Reserve experience, you won’t find any “standard” rooms here—only luxury villas and private pavilions. Whether you choose a luxury villa or private pavilion, you can expect traditional Thai-themed decor, king-sized beds and an ample amount of indoor and outdoor space. Even the smallest accommodation option offers more than 1,200 square-feet worth of indoor and outdoor space. Some of the rooms come with their own private pools and gardens, with views stretching out over the Andaman Sea.

You can spend your day in the hotel’s traditional Thai spa, offering a wide range of treatments as well as a sauna, steam room and vitality pool. You can also partake in on-site yoga, stretching, meditation and even Muay Thai classes, in addition to using the hotel’s 24/7 fitness center.

If you wish to venture further afield, you’re in luck—Phulay Bay is surrounded by national parks, world-class coral reefs and temples. You can take a boat trip to Phi Phi Island, Bamboo Island, Hong Island or Phang Nga Bay, for some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving Thailand has to offer. Alternatively, you could visit the Krabi Elephant House Sanctuary or Tiger Cave Temple, for a day of land-based activities.

When it comes to satisfying your hunger after a long day spent in the sea, spa or your own private pool, you have five different on-site options, from local Krabi seafood to Mediterranean cuisine.

Award nights here start at 90,000 points per night and can go up to 140,000 points per night during peak seasons. If you want dry weather with comfortable temperatures, you’re best off visiting between November and March.

The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert, Dubai

The United Arab Emirates is known for its extravagant luxury, and the Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert is no exception.

The hotel is located in a 1,235-acre gated private nature reserve and offers 108 private villas with pools and terraces. It combines traditional Bedouin-style architecture with a contemporary touch, creating intimate villas that blend into the surrounding desert.

Each room type includes a private pool, an expansive outdoor terrace, floor-to-ceiling windows and a living room.
During your stay, you can enjoy one-of-a-kind hydrothermal therapy sessions at The Rainforest—the hotel’s unique spa service. You can also take advantage of the spa’s full program of treatments and amenities, as well as use the 24/7 fitness center.

You can spend your days with the on-site rangers, engaging in multiple activities, including falconry, archery, fishing, desert biking, horseback riding and stargazing, making it perfect for families and couples alike.

After long days of desert adventures and spa programs, you have a wide range of dining options, from pan-Asian to regional cuisine and more. You can also enjoy desert barbeques under the star-lit skies.

Award nights here start at 77,500 points per night and go up to around 116,000 points per night. November through March is the best time to visit Dubai, owing to cooler temperatures.

The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto

The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto offers guests a step back in time to ancient imperial Japan, with some modern touches. Set on the banks of the Kamogawa River, overlooking the Higashiyama Mountains, this resort offers travelers a luxurious and serene stay.

Kyoto’s historic Gion and Tamarachi districts are within walking distance of the hotel, making it easy to explore the surrounding area.

There are 134 rooms to choose from, each designed to evoke Edo-era Japan.

There’s also a spa with seven treatment rooms offering various traditional Japanese rituals, as well as a swimming pool, sauna, steam room and fitness center.

You’ll be spoiled for options when it comes to dining, with eight on-site restaurants to choose from. You can eat sushi, steak, lobster, tempura and enjoy Kaiseki dining. Likewise, you can visit Chef Katsuhito Inoue’s House, designed for an intimate group of eight guests, where you can embark on a culinary journey through Japan’s 72 micro-seasons.

Award nights here start at 80,000 points per night and go up to 146,000 points during peak seasons. Spring and Autumn tend to be the best times to visit Kyoto, promising temperate climates and beautiful colors.

The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman

Golfers, epicures and beach-bums alike will enjoy a stay at the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman.

This hotel combines coastal elegance with mid-century British Caribbean style. Whether you opt for a standard ocean view room, residential suite or the largest hotel room in the Caribbean—Seven South—encompassing 20,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space, you’re guaranteed a luxurious stay.

Every January, this resort plays home to the Cayman Cookout, hosting celebrated chefs and sommeliers from around the globe, offering guests the chance to indulge. However, even if you don’t come in January, this Ritz-Carlton still has a ton to offer.

Located on Seven Mile Beach, you can spend your days sailing, kayaking and snorkeling. Families and younger guests will enjoy the Starfish Cay water park and activities offered through the Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program.

Golfers can spend their days playing multiple rounds on the nine-hole Greg Norman-designed golf course, while the rest of the family can hit the tennis, basketball or pickleball courts.

Not to mention, the resort also has a five-star spa with ESPA and 111SKIN treatments on offer, as well as a 24/7 fitness center.

When your stomach begins to rumble after a day on the courts, course or beach, you can choose from a range of top-quality dining options. High on the list in Blue by Eric Ripert, the Caribbean’s first and only Forbes Five-Star restaurant. You can also sample South American cuisine with a view at Saint June, sushi at Taikun, Niman Ranch beef at Seven and rum, cigars and live entertainment at Silver Palm.

Award nights here start at 96,000 points per night and can go as high as 150,000 points per night. December to April offers the best weather, making this a great time to visit Grand Cayman.

Advanced Points Strategy for Ritz-Carlton Bookings

Maximizing your points at Ritz-Carlton properties requires more than just a big balance—it’s about timing and perk utilization.

First, take advantage of free night certificates. A number of co-branded Marriott credit cards offer free night awards between 35,000 and 85,000 points in value.

You can stack free night certificates together in one stay, have them pay entirely for your stay or combine them with cash or points to reduce the overall cost of your stay. Likewise, you can top them up by up to 15,000 points, allowing you to shoot for rooms priced higher than the value of the certificate. To squeeze the most value out of your certificate, use it toward a stay that costs close or equal to the value of the certificate.

Similarly, regardless of whether you hold a co-branded Marriott credit card or elite status, you’ll always benefit from Marriott’s Stay for 5, Pay for 4 policy. When you book a stay of five consecutive days, you’ll receive the night requiring the lowest number of points for free.

Lastly, consider booking your Ritz-Carlton stay during off-peak and shoulder seasons. While that might mean booking your stay during the rainy season in Thailand or in the scorching summer months of Dubai, it can also save you up to 50,000 points per night at certain properties.

Elite Status Benefits

Holding Marriott Bonvoy elite status can elevate your Ritz-Carlton stay.

Gold Elite members are eligible for “enhanced” room upgrades, which typically means a better view or higher floor. Platinum Elite members and higher can expect upgrades to junior suites or larger rooms.

Late checkout (2 p.m.) is another benefit offered at Ritz-Carlton properties for Gold Elite members and higher, but is subject to availability. Those with Platinum Elite status and higher can also expect a welcome gift upon check-in.

Most Ritz-Carltons don’t offer elite lounge access, even for top-tier elites. Instead, they may offer a daily food and beverage credit ranging from $30-$50 per room, depending on location. Similarly, while Ritz-Carlton is exempt from Marriott’s elite breakfast guarantee, you may still find some properties that offer a daily credit.

Nightly Upgrade Awards

Nightly Upgrade Awards—formerly known as Suite Night Awards—are both high-risk and high-reward. Using them effectively requires some planning and a good dose of luck, but when they clear, the payoff can be substantial.

Nightly Upgrade Awards allow you to confirm an upgrade to a premium room or standard suite up to three days (for Ritz-Carltons) before check-in. They’re available as an Annual Choice Benefit at 50 and 75 elite nights (Platinum and Titanium). You’ll need to have one Nightly Upgrade Award available for every night of your stay, meaning a three night stay would require three Nightly Upgrade Awards.

Not all Ritz-Carlton hotels participate in the Nightly Upgrade Awards program, so your first step would be to check eligibility. Once you’ve confirmed eligibility, you need to book a room with either cash or points, as you can only apply Nightly Upgrade Awards to existing reservations. You can then check which upgrades are available for your room type and submit an upgrade request through your account.

To maximize your chances of success, you’re best off applying your Nightly Upgrade Awards to properties with a large number of suites and upgrade options. Likewise, you’ll have greater chances when upgrading during shoulder seasons instead of during peak seasons.

If you’re lucky, you could find yourself enjoying a suite at no extra cost, reaping the benefits of elite status.

Making the Most of Your Ritz-Carlton Points Stay

A stay at a Ritz-Carlton hotel is the epitome of luxury travel. But it doesn’t need to cost you an arm and a leg.

By earning points through a co-branded Marriott credit card, traveling during shoulder seasons and maximizing perks such as free night awards, you can make your stay at a Ritz-Carlton highly affordable.

To learn how to leverage your everyday spending for more point-funded luxury travel, sign up to the free 10xTravel course today.