Ritz-Carlton Reserve Meaning: In simple terms it's part of the Ritz Carlton Brand but being a Reserve property signifies that it's one of their most luxurious properties in the brand. They are one – of – kind boutique resorts each with a distinctive personality and sense of place.

The primary difference lies in exclusivity and scale. While a standard Ritz-Carlton is a large-scale luxury hotel (often with 200–400 rooms) located in major cities or prime resorts, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is a rare, boutique "sanctuary" with fewer than 100 rooms. Reserve properties (like Dorado Beach or Phulay Bay) are designed to be "hand-picked hideaways" that reflect the local culture and environment with intense detail. In 2026, the service at a Reserve is more personalized, featuring a dedicated "Embajador" (ambassador) for each guest. Crucially for travelers, Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties have historically opted out of certain Marriott Bonvoy benefits (like standard point redemptions or elite upgrades), though they began integrating more fully into the loyalty program in recent years to allow for "bespoke" point stays.