Ritz-Carlton or Four Seasons: Which Hotels Are Better?
TPG reader Whitney tweeted me to ask:
@thepointsguy — "If you had to choose between Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons hotels, which would you pick?"
I won't lie, I like staying at fancy hotels. I've stayed at some really nice Four Seasons properties; in fact, I absolutely love the Four Seasons Gresham Palace Budapest.
Aside from specific properties, I would have to say I prefer Ritz-Carlton, simply because of the points program. Ritz-Carlton Rewards is basically identical to Marriott Rewards, except it's specialized for Ritz. You can get the co-branded Ritz-Carlton Rewards Credit Card, which can be really lucrative if you know how to use it.
However, setting cost and rewards aside, I would probably go with Four Seasons. I think they generally have a higher level of service, and their properties are swankier and more unique. Of course, quality varies within any chain, but there are some pretty beat-up Ritz-Carlton hotels out there.
For points and value I'd stick with Ritz-Carlton, and for a splurge I like Four Seasons. However, since I always love a good value using points, I guess in the end I'd have to say Ritz.
If you have any other questions, please tweet me @thepointsguy, message me on Facebook, or send me an email at info@thepointsguy.com.
[card card-name='Marriott Rewards® Premier Credit Card' card-id='221210956' type='javascript' bullet-id='1']
TPG featured card
at Bilt's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 1X | Choose to earn up to 1X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee |
| 2X | Earn 2X points + the option to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday purchases |
Pros
- Choice to earn up to 1 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments
- Elevated everyday earnings with both Bilt Points and the option to earn Bilt Cash
- $400 Bilt Travel Portal hotel credit per year (up to $200 biannually)
- $200 Bilt Cash annually
- Priority Pass membership
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Moderate annual fee
- Designed primarily for members seeking a premium, all-in-one card
- Earn points on housing with no transaction fee
- Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.
- 2X points on everyday spend
- $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit. Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings.
- $200 Bilt Cash (awarded annually). At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
- Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 90 days + $300 of Bilt Cash.
- Priority Pass ($469/year value). See Guide to Benefits.
- Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.