The Ritz-Carlton Club

1. What Is The Ritz-Carlton Club?

The Ritz-Carlton Club is a luxury vacation ownership brand operated by Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: VAC). The brand encompasses five fractional ownership properties in the United States and the Caribbean. Ownership is available through two structures: deeded fractional interests (Home Club Membership) at specific properties, and a points-based Beneficial Interest in the Marriott Vacation Club Destinations Trust through the Abound by Marriott Vacations exchange program.

The Ritz-Carlton Development Company, Inc. (RCDC) develops, markets, and sells vacation ownership products under The Ritz-Carlton Club brand. RCDC is an affiliate of Marriott Vacations Worldwide. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. does not own, develop, or sell Ritz-Carlton Club products. RCDC operates under a trademark license from The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, which is itself a subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc.

This distinction matters. Marriott Vacations Worldwide (MVW) and Marriott International are separate, publicly traded companies. MVW licenses the Ritz-Carlton name for vacation ownership. Marriott International licenses the Ritz-Carlton name for hotels. The two licensing arrangements are independent.

This article provides an independent overview of The Ritz-Carlton Club’s ownership structures, properties, and program mechanics. VacationPlaces does not sell or endorse any vacation ownership product. The information here is intended for prospective buyers evaluating the program, existing members tracking developments, and anyone researching the luxury vacation ownership segment.

Last updated: May 2026. Sources: Marriott Vacations Worldwide FY2025 10-K filing, ritzcarltonclub.com, ritzcarlton.com/en/destination-club.

2. The Ritz-Carlton Club Company Overview

The Ritz-Carlton Club does not file separate financial statements. It operates as part of MVW’s Vacation Ownership segment. The table below summarizes key data for the parent company and the Ritz-Carlton Club brand.

Source: Marriott Vacations Worldwide FY2025 10-K filing (SEC).

MVW reported total segment revenue of $5.03 billion in FY2025. The Vacation Ownership segment generated $4.81 billion, representing 96{47e772cd852496d685f7768c1e1ff3926845e99bc685d09b5cb3e90ff014ab6d} of total revenue. MVW does not break out revenue by individual brand (Marriott Vacation Club, Ritz-Carlton Club, Sheraton Vacation Club, Westin Vacation Club, etc.) in its public filings.

3. How Does The Ritz-Carlton Club Ownership Work?

The Ritz-Carlton Club offers two distinct ownership structures. Understanding the difference between them is essential before evaluating a purchase.

Home Club Membership (Fractional Ownership)

The Home Club Membership is a deeded fractional interest in a specific Ritz-Carlton Club property. Owners hold a 1/12 undivided interest in a designated two-bedroom or three-bedroom residence. This is real estate. The deed is recorded in the county where the property is located. Owners receive a specific number of guaranteed nights per year at their home property, along with reciprocal access to other Ritz-Carlton Club locations on a space-available basis.

Home Club purchases at the developer level have historically ranged from approximately $100,000 to over $800,000 per deeded interest, depending on the property, unit size, and season. Annual maintenance fees for a 1/12 fractional interest at Ritz-Carlton Club properties are substantially higher than standard timeshare maintenance fees, reflecting the luxury service level and property quality. Owners on the TUG (Timeshare Users Group) forums have reported annual costs of $5,000 to $18,000 or more per fractional interest, depending on the property.

Home Club Members receive a personal Member Services Advisor who coordinates reservations and pre-arrival services at their home property.

Points-Based Ownership (MVC Destinations Trust)

The second ownership option is a Beneficial Interest in the Marriott Vacation Club Destinations Trust, a Florida land trust. This is the same trust structure used across all MVW brands. Owners receive an annual allocation of Club Points, which are the currency for booking stays across the entire MVW portfolio.

Points-based ownership starts at $17,720 (as of September 30, 2024, per the Ritz-Carlton Club website). Club Points owners book stays at Ritz-Carlton Club locations, 90+ Marriott Vacation Club resorts, Sheraton Vacation Club properties, and Westin Vacation Club properties through the Abound by Marriott Vacations exchange program.

The number of Club Points required to book a stay at a Ritz-Carlton Club property varies by location, unit size, season, and day of week. Ritz-Carlton Club properties generally require more Club Points per night than standard Marriott Vacation Club or Sheraton Vacation Club resorts.

Abound by Marriott Vacations Exchange Program

Both ownership types connect to the Abound by Marriott Vacations exchange program. Abound replaced the separate Marriott Vacation Club Destinations and Vistana Signature Network programs following MVW’s acquisition of ILG in 2018 and subsequent program consolidation. Through Abound, owners access the full portfolio of MVW brands.

Club Points are replenished annually on the owner’s anniversary date. Owners may bank unused points for use in a future year or borrow points from a future year’s allocation, subject to program rules. Club Points also convert to Marriott Bonvoy points for hotel stays, though conversion ratios typically deliver less value per dollar than using points directly at vacation ownership properties.

Interval International

Owners also have access to Interval International, MVW’s external exchange network. Interval International provides access to 3,200+ affiliated resorts in 90+ countries. This extends booking options beyond the MVW portfolio. Exchange through Interval International requires a separate membership and exchange fee.

4. The Ritz-Carlton Club Resort Portfolio

The Ritz-Carlton Club operates five properties. All are located in the United States or the Caribbean. The brand does not have properties in Hawaii, Asia, Europe, or other international markets.

Three of the five properties are ski destinations (Aspen Highlands, Vail, Lake Tahoe). One is an urban property (San Francisco). One is a beach/ocean property (St. Thomas). This portfolio composition is relevant for buyers evaluating whether the brand’s property mix matches their travel preferences.

Through the Abound exchange program, Ritz-Carlton Club owners also access the broader MVW portfolio, which includes 90+ resorts spanning the United States, Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, Europe, Asia, and Australia under the Marriott Vacation Club, Sheraton Vacation Club, and Westin Vacation Club brands.

5. How Does Marriott Bonvoy Work with The Ritz-Carlton Club?

Ritz-Carlton Club owners receive elevated Marriott Bonvoy status for the duration of their ownership. Marriott Bonvoy is the loyalty program of Marriott International, the hotel company. MVW and Marriott International are separate companies, but they maintain a commercial relationship that allows vacation ownership owners to participate in Bonvoy.

Owners convert Club Points to Marriott Bonvoy points for use at 8,500+ Marriott International hotels across 31 brands in 139 countries. The conversion is one-directional. Marriott Bonvoy points do not convert into Club Points.

Some owners of fractional interests at Ritz-Carlton Club properties are unable to convert their usage to Marriott Bonvoy Points, per the legal disclosures on the Ritz-Carlton Club website. Prospective buyers should confirm Bonvoy conversion eligibility before purchasing.

6. Where Does The Ritz-Carlton Club Operate Internationally?

The Ritz-Carlton Club’s own property portfolio is domestic. All five properties are in the United States or U.S. territories. The brand does not operate properties outside the U.S.

International access for Ritz-Carlton Club owners comes through two channels. The Abound by Marriott Vacations exchange program provides access to MVW resorts in the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Interval International provides external exchange access to 3,200+ affiliated resorts in 90+ countries worldwide.

The Ritz-Carlton Club does not maintain sales galleries outside the United States. The brand’s virtual sales presentation program (90-minute online format) is available to residents of the United States (excluding Delaware, Maine, and West Virginia) and Alberta, Canada. Income qualification of $100,000 or more is required.

7. How Does The Ritz-Carlton Club Compare to Other Luxury Vacation Ownership Brands?

The Ritz-Carlton Club occupies the ultra-luxury segment of the vacation ownership industry. Within MVW’s own brand hierarchy, the positioning from highest to lowest runs: St. Regis Residence Club, The Ritz-Carlton Club, Grand Residences by Marriott, Marriott Vacation Club, Westin Vacation Club, Sheraton Vacation Club.

Marriott Vacations Worldwide reported $5.03 billion in total revenue for FY2025. By comparison, Hilton Grand Vacations (NYSE: HGV) reported approximately $4.3 billion in FY2024 revenue, and Travel + Leisure Co. (NYSE: TNL), parent of Club Wyndham, reported approximately $3.7 billion in FY2024 revenue. MVW is the largest publicly traded pure-play vacation ownership company by revenue.

Direct competitors to The Ritz-Carlton Club in the luxury fractional segment include Four Seasons Private Residences (fractional programs at select properties), Montage Residences, and Timbers Resorts (private residence club model). These competitors are typically smaller in scale and privately held, with per-interest pricing comparable to or exceeding Ritz-Carlton Club levels.

The Ritz-Carlton Club’s structural advantage is its connection to the MVW portfolio through Abound. Owners who want variety beyond five properties gain access to 90+ resorts. Standalone luxury fractional programs typically offer access to fewer properties without a comparable exchange network.

The Ritz-Carlton Club’s structural risk is integration dilution. MVW consolidated the Ritz-Carlton Destination Club into the broader MVC Destinations Trust and Abound program. Legacy fractional owners at some properties have raised concerns about inventory availability when their exclusive properties were opened to points-based access from the larger MVW owner pool. A class-action lawsuit filed by approximately 200 fractional owners at the Aspen Highlands property alleged that MVW’s affiliation of their property with the broader Marriott Vacation Club reduced property values.

8. What Should You Know Before Buying The Ritz-Carlton Club?

How Much Does The Ritz-Carlton Club Cost?

Points-based ownership starts at $17,720 for an initial allocation of Club Points (per the Ritz-Carlton Club website, as of September 30, 2024). Fractional Home Club Memberships have historically ranged from approximately $100,000 to over $800,000 per deeded interest at the developer level, depending on property, unit size, and season.

Annual costs include maintenance fees, property taxes (for deeded interests), and club dues. Maintenance fees for Ritz-Carlton Club fractional interests are significantly higher than standard timeshare maintenance fees. Reported annual costs range from $5,000 to $18,000+ per fractional interest.

What Is the Difference Between Developer and Resale?

Developer purchases come directly from RCDC or MVW at full retail pricing. Resale purchases are from existing owners selling on the secondary market, typically at prices substantially below the original developer price. Resale fractional interests at Ritz-Carlton Club properties have traded at deep discounts to original purchase prices. Some owners have surrendered their deeds to RCDC at no cost through deed-back programs, indicating zero resale value in some cases.

Resale buyers should confirm whether a resale purchase includes enrollment in the Abound exchange program and Marriott Bonvoy benefits. Some resale purchases lose access to these programs. Enrollment eligibility varies and should be verified directly with MVW before closing a resale transaction.

What Should You Consider Before Purchasing?

Evaluate whether the five Ritz-Carlton Club locations match your vacation patterns. Three of five properties are ski-oriented. If you prefer beach or tropical destinations, the brand’s direct portfolio is limited to St. Thomas.

Understand the total annual cost of ownership, including maintenance fees, property taxes, special assessments, exchange fees, and club dues. These costs increase over time and are obligations for the life of the ownership interest.

Consider whether points-based ownership or fractional ownership better fits your usage. Points-based ownership offers more flexibility across the MVW network. Fractional ownership provides guaranteed access to a specific property. Each structure has different financial characteristics and different resale prospects.

9. What Should Existing Ritz-Carlton Club Owners Know?

How Do You Maximize Your Club Points?

Book during lower-demand periods to stretch your annual Club Points allocation further. Shoulder season stays at ski properties (late spring, early fall) and mid-week stays at St. Thomas require fewer points than peak-season weekend stays. Plan reservations as early as the booking window allows to secure your preferred dates.

What Are Your Options if You Want to Exit?

MVW has operated deed-back programs for some Ritz-Carlton Club properties. Deed-back programs allow owners to surrender their interest at no cost, ending future maintenance fee obligations. Availability of deed-back programs varies by property and is not guaranteed.

Resale through licensed resale brokers is another option. Resale values for Ritz-Carlton Club fractional interests have declined substantially from original purchase prices. Owners considering resale should obtain current market comparables from resale specialists before listing.

Owners with questions about program changes, points allocations, or exit options should contact Member Services directly at 888-220-2084 or member.services@ritzcarltonclub.com.

10. Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Ritz-Carlton Club?

The Ritz-Carlton Club is a luxury vacation ownership brand operated by Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: VAC). The brand operates five fractional ownership properties in the United States and the Caribbean: Aspen Highlands and Vail in Colorado, Lake Tahoe and San Francisco in California, and St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Ownership is available as deeded fractional interests or through the points-based Marriott Vacation Club Destinations Trust.

Is The Ritz-Carlton Club the same as The Ritz-Carlton hotels?

No. The Ritz-Carlton Club is developed and sold by The Ritz-Carlton Development Company, Inc. (RCDC), an affiliate of Marriott Vacations Worldwide. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. does not own, develop, or sell Ritz-Carlton Club products. RCDC licenses The Ritz-Carlton brand name from The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. Marriott Vacations Worldwide and Marriott International are separate, publicly traded companies.

How many properties does The Ritz-Carlton Club have?

The Ritz-Carlton Club operates five properties: Aspen Highlands (Colorado), Vail (Colorado), Lake Tahoe (California), San Francisco (California), and St. Thomas (U.S. Virgin Islands). Through the Abound by Marriott Vacations exchange program, owners also access 90+ resorts across the Marriott Vacation Club, Sheraton Vacation Club, and Westin Vacation Club brands.

How much does The Ritz-Carlton Club cost?

Points-based ownership in the Marriott Vacation Club Destinations program starts at $17,720 (as of September 30, 2024). Deeded fractional Home Club Memberships have historically ranged from approximately $100,000 to over $800,000 per interest at the developer level. Annual maintenance fees for fractional interests range from approximately $5,000 to $18,000 or more, depending on the property and unit size.

What is the difference between Home Club Membership and points-based ownership?

Home Club Membership is a deeded 1/12 fractional interest in a specific residence at a Ritz-Carlton Club property. Owners receive guaranteed nights at their home property. Points-based ownership is a Beneficial Interest in the Marriott Vacation Club Destinations Trust. Owners receive an annual allocation of Club Points to book stays across the entire MVW portfolio of 90+ resorts through the Abound exchange program.

Can you buy Ritz-Carlton Club on the resale market?

Fractional interests at Ritz-Carlton Club properties do appear on the resale market, typically at prices well below the original developer price. Resale buyers should verify whether the interest includes enrollment in the Abound exchange program and Marriott Bonvoy eligibility, as some resale purchases lose access to these benefits. Consult a licensed resale broker or contact MVW directly for current enrollment policies.

Is The Ritz-Carlton Club part of Marriott Vacation Club?

The Ritz-Carlton Club is a separate brand within the Marriott Vacations Worldwide portfolio. It is not the same product as Marriott Vacation Club. The two brands share the Abound by Marriott Vacations exchange program and the Club Points currency, allowing cross-brand booking. The Ritz-Carlton Club is positioned as the luxury tier within MVW’s brand hierarchy.

Information in this article is current as of May 2026. Vacation ownership programs, pricing, and resort facilities are subject to change. Please consult each company’s official materials before making purchase decisions. VacationPlaces does not endorse or recommend any specific product.