How to Book Ritz-Carlton Through Marriott STARS for Added Benefits

Written By Miroslav Atanasov

How to Book Ritz-Carlton Through Marriott STARS for Added Benefits

If you’re planning a stay at any Ritz-Carlton hotel or resort, you’ve probably come across Marriott STARS—the exclusive, invitation-only preferred partner program for elite travel agencies. What many travelers don’t realize is that STARS can unlock hundreds (sometimes thousands) of dollars in added value, including breakfast, credits, upgrades, VIP treatment, and priority access that regular travelers simply can’t secure on their own.

This guide explains exactly how to book Ritz-Carlton through Marriott STARS, what benefits you receive, why it often beats booking direct or using Marriott Bonvoy, and how to guarantee the very best room and service for your stay.

As a top Ritz-Carlton STARS agency, Stars Desk books thousands of nights per year and receives priority support from Ritz-Carlton’s sales teams—meaning your requests get pushed to the top of the list.

What Is Marriott STARS?

Marriott STARS is Marriott International’s top-tier preferred partner program designed for the world’s leading high-end travel agencies. It applies to:

  • Ritz-Carlton

  • Ritz-Carlton Reserve

  • St. Regis

  • The Luxury Collection

  • EDITION



The program ensures travelers receive VIP amenities, personalized recognition, and room priority from the hotel’s executive team. Only a small number of agencies worldwide (including Stars Desk) have access to STARS.

Unlike other programs, Marriott STARS offers stackable value—meaning you get elite-style perks even if you’re not a Marriott Bonvoy elite member and still earn points, elite nights, and promotions.

Why Book Ritz-Carlton Through Marriott STARS Instead of Booking Direct?

Booking directly on Marriott.com or the Ritz-Carlton website is convenient, but it does not give you the same benefits or priority as STARS.

Here’s what you get when booking a Ritz-Carlton through a Marriott STARS advisor:

✔ Daily Complimentary Breakfast for Two

Breakfast at a Ritz-Carlton can easily reach $50–80 per person. Over a 5-night stay, this benefit alone often adds $500+ in value.

✔ $100 Hotel Credit

Can be used for:

  • Spa treatments

  • Food & beverage

  • Resort activities

  • In-room dining

Some resorts offer a $200 credit, depending on room category.

✔ Room Upgrade Priority

STARS upgrades are prioritized ahead of standard bookings and often ahead of many elite members.

Hotels provide upgrades:

  • At check-in

  • Occasionally at booking during off-peak dates

✔ Early Check-In / Late Check-Out

Though never guaranteed, STARS requests receive flagged VIP handling from the hotel’s executive team.

✔ Welcome Amenities

May include:

  • Champagne

  • Local gifts

  • Chocolates

  • Fresh fruit

  • Personalized handwritten notes

✔ Full Marriott Bonvoy Benefits

You still earn:

  • Points

  • Elite night credits

  • Promotions

  • Welcome points (if applicable)

This is a major advantage vs Amex FHR, Chase LHRC, Virtuoso, etc., which sometimes restrict earning.

✔ Hotel Team Oversight on Every Reservation

Your bookings are treated as high-priority VIP stays, because:

  • Ritz-Carlton has a dedicated STARS desk

  • Sales directors personally review STARS arrivals

  • Your advisor can escalate room requests directly

This matters if you need early check-in, room type flexibility, dietary needs, or special celebrations.

Who Should Book Ritz-Carlton Through Marriott STARS?

STARS is designed for travelers who expect:

  • Guaranteed added amenities

  • Priority service

  • VIP handling

  • Maximum room value

  • Personalized support

It’s ideal for:

  • Honeymoons

  • Anniversaries

  • Family vacations

  • Business travel

  • Suite bookings

  • Resort stays

  • Last-minute upgrades

  • Multi-room or multi-night stays

Even if you only stay one night, the value makes STARS a better choice 95% of the time.

How to Book a Ritz-Carlton Through Marriott STARS (Step-by-Step)

Booking through STARS is extremely simple—and no, it does not cost extra. Rates are the same as the hotel’s flexible (best available) rate, not the prepaid rate.

Here’s how the process works:

Step 1: Choose Your Ritz-Carlton Hotel

Decide on your destination and travel dates:

Popular high-demand options include:

  • The Ritz-Carlton Maldives

  • The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park

  • The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua

  • The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto

  • The Ritz-Carlton Turks & Caicos

  • The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong

STARS is available at every Ritz-Carlton.

Step 2: Contact a Certified Marriott STARS Advisor (Like Stars Desk)

Because STARS is not bookable online, the only way to access it is through an approved advisor.

You provide:

  • Dates

  • Guest names

  • Room preference

  • Special requests

  • Marriott Bonvoy number

Most clients send a quick email or WhatsApp message—we handle everything afterwards.

Step 3: Receive Your STARS Rate Options

Your advisor sends:

  • Available room categories

  • STARS pricing

  • Full benefits included

  • Upgrade insights

  • Pros/cons of each room type

  • Hotel notes or blackout dates

Importantly: STARS rates usually match Marriott’s Flexible Rate, but include much more value.

Step 4: Approve and Secure Your Booking

Once you choose a room, the advisor:

  • Submits the STARS reservation

  • Links your Bonvoy number

  • Sends your official Marriott confirmation number

  • Contacts the hotel to flag your VIP status

You can log into Marriott.com and see everything exactly as if you booked directly.

Step 5: Pre-Arrival VIP Communication

Before arrival, your advisor will:

  • Message the sales director or STARS coordinator

  • Reconfirm upgrade requests

  • Confirm early check-in / late check-out

  • Notify the hotel of celebrations

  • Review room preferences

  • Arrange transfers or dining

Your stay is hand-managed from start to finish.

What Types of Ritz-Carlton Rates Work with STARS?

The Marriott STARS program is compatible with:

  • Best Available Rate (BAR)

  • Flexible rates

  • Promotions in some cases

  • Resort offers that are not package-based

  • Suite bookings

  • Connecting room guarantees

Not available for:

  • Advanced purchase prepaid rates

  • Member-only promotional codes

  • Corporate or government rates

  • Award stays

However, a good advisor can often find ways to maximize promotions while still keeping benefits.

How Marriott STARS Compares to Other Luxury Booking Programs

Program Breakfast Credit Points Upgrade Priority Best For
Marriott STARS Yes, daily for 2 $100+ Yes Very high Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, EDITION
Amex FHR Yes $100 Yes (mostly) High Short stays
Virtuoso Yes $100 Sometimes varying Medium Broad selection
Chase LHRC Yes $100 No Medium Points collectors
Booking direct No No Yes Low Basic bookings

For Ritz-Carlton specifically, STARS offers the most consistent and predictable VIP benefits.

Why STARS Is Better Than Booked-Direct Elite Benefits

Even top-tier Bonvoy Platinum, Titanium, or Ambassador elites do not receive guaranteed breakfast or a $100 credit at most Ritz-Carltons.

Breakfast is typically not an elite benefit at Ritz-Carlton.

STARS fills that gap.

Also:

  • STARS upgrades are prioritized ahead of many elite upgrades

  • STARS guests are manually reviewed by hotel executive teams

  • STARS requests bypass the front desk and go to the VIP department

If you are a Platinum, Titanium, or Ambassador member, STARS helps you combine elite perks + luxury advisor perks for maximum value.

Real Example of STARS Added Value

Consider a 5-night stay at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua:

  • Breakfast value: ~$160/day

  • Total breakfast value over 5 nights: $800

  • Resort credit: $100

  • Upgrade value: $300–$1,500+

Total added value: $900–$2,400+ per stay

All for booking the same flexible rate you would have booked anyway.

How Upgrades Work Through Marriott STARS

Upgrades depend on:

  • Season

  • Occupancy

  • Room type booked

  • VIP status assigned

  • Request strength from your advisor

You may receive:

  • Partial ocean view → full ocean view

  • Deluxe → Premier

  • Junior Suite→ Suite

  • Suite → Larger suite

Holiday periods (Christmas, New Year’s, February break) tend to have fewer upgrades, but STARS guests still receive priority.

What About Ritz-Carlton Reserve?

Marriott STARS includes:

  • Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

  • Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

  • Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

  • Higashiyama Reserve (Kyoto)

STARS benefits at Reserve resorts are often even stronger:

  • Higher credits ($150–$200)

  • Personalized concierge communication

  • Strong pre-arrival planning

Frequently Asked Questions About Booking Ritz-Carlton with STARS

Does it cost more to book through Marriott STARS?

No. Rates match the Marriott Flexible Rate, but include far more value.

Can I still earn Marriott Bonvoy points and elite nights?

Yes. You earn everything, just like a direct booking.

Can I use my credit card perks?

Yes. You still receive:

  • Travel insurance

  • Bonus points on travel

  • Cardholder protections

Is Marriott STARS better than Amex FHR?

For Ritz-Carlton specifically—yes.
It offers:

  • Better upgrade priority

  • Better recognition

  • More consistent benefits

Is there a minimum stay?

No. Even one-night stays receive full STARS benefits.

Conclusion: Marriott STARS Is the Smartest Way to Book Any Ritz-Carlton

Booking a Ritz-Carlton through Marriott STARS is one of the easiest ways to elevate your stay while receiving hundreds of dollars in added value—and without paying a single dollar extra. Extras like breakfast, credits, upgrades, personalized VIP attention, and elite points make STARS the most powerful program for Ritz-Carlton travelers in 2025.

Whether you’re planning a honeymoon at Ritz-Carlton Maldives, a city break at Ritz-Carlton New York, or a ski trip at Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe, STARS ensures you receive the very best room, rate, and experience.


Miroslav Atanasov
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