Marriott STARS: The Advisor Program for Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, and EDITION
Marriott STARS is Marriott International's invitation-only preferred partner program for luxury travel advisors. Bookings placed through a STARS advisor receive VIP benefits at 287 properties across six luxury brands, layered on top of any Marriott Bonvoy elite benefits, at the same rate shown on Marriott.com. The program covers The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, EDITION, Bulgari Hotels & Resorts, The Luxury Collection, and Ritz-Carlton Reserve.
If you are comparing booking channels, we have written a detailed comparison of direct bookings, Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts, and advisor programs. This article focuses on the STARS program specifically: what it includes, which brands participate, where we recommend staying, and how it compares to Four Seasons Preferred Partner.
What the Program Includes: Current 2026 Benefits
A Marriott STARS booking includes the following benefits at participating properties, with no minimum stay requirement. Benefits apply to one-night stays.
Daily breakfast for two per room, every morning of the stay. Full or continental breakfast, included in the rate.
$100 property credit per stay, usable on dining, spa, minibar, laundry, or curated experiences. The credit is more flexible than Virtuoso credits, which are often restricted to spa or food and beverage only.
One-category room upgrade subject to availability at check-in. STARS bookings are typically prioritized alongside top-tier Bonvoy elites.
Personalized welcome and VIP recognition. A hotel manager or director provides an in-person welcome, plus a welcome amenity and handwritten note.
Early check-in and late checkout, subject to availability.
Complimentary Wi-Fi for the duration of the stay.
The STARS rate equals the standard or flexible rate shown on Marriott.com. There is no booking fee and no rate premium.
What Sets STARS Apart
Three things distinguish a STARS booking from booking direct or through a credit card program:
The Guardian Angel. This is a feature unique to STARS. Having a named on-site contact who knows your reservation details and preferences before arrival is a meaningful operational advantage, particularly at larger properties where the front desk may not have context on your booking.
Breakfast at Ritz-Carlton and EDITION. Bonvoy elites do not receive complimentary breakfast at The Ritz-Carlton or EDITION at any tier. STARS is the only way most guests receive breakfast at these brands without paying for a club-level room.
Structured perks at Bulgari and Ritz-Carlton Reserve. These two brands do not participate in Marriott Bonvoy at all. No points, no elite credits, no elite benefits. STARS is the only structured perk path available.
The Six Brands
The Ritz-Carlton
The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco. Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company.
The Ritz-Carlton is Marriott's flagship luxury brand with 105 hotels across more than 30 countries. Bonvoy elites do not receive complimentary breakfast at any tier, making STARS the primary way to add breakfast, the $100 credit, and upgrade priority to a Ritz-Carlton stay.
Recommended properties:
The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco: Set in a 1909 Neoclassical landmark on Nob Hill. The courtyard terrace is one of the most photographed hotel spaces in the city. Book a Club Level room for access to the Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge, which offers five food and beverage presentations daily.
The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo: Perched atop the 53rd to 56th floors of Midtown Tower. Request a room facing south for Imperial Palace Garden views, or east for Tokyo Tower and Bay views.
Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Dorado Beach, Puerto Rico: One of only eight Reserve properties worldwide. Ultra-exclusive, set apart from the world. STARS is the only structured perk path, as Reserve does not participate in Bonvoy.
St. Regis
St. Regis is known for signature butler service and old-world luxury across 55 hotels. Bonvoy elites already receive a breakfast benefit at St. Regis, so STARS adds the $100 credit, upgrade priority, welcome amenity, and personalized recognition on top of what Bonvoy provides.
Recommended properties:
The St. Regis New York: The flagship property on Fifth Avenue at 55th Street. The Imperial Suite is the hotel's most distinctive accommodation, the only suite with dramatic circular windows and window seats. For a separate tub and shower, book a Deluxe Room or Grand Luxe Room, as Superior Rooms may not include both.
The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort, Florida: Oceanfront in Bal Harbour. Request a room with a balcony overlooking the Atlantic. The Grand Hallway is a striking architectural feature worth experiencing.
The St. Regis Deer Valley, Utah: Ski-in, ski-out access. Book well ahead for peak ski season (December through March). The St. Regis Bar is one of the best aprés-ski spots in Deer Valley.
EDITION
EDITION combines Ian Schrager's design sensibility with Marriott's operational backbone across 18 hotels. Like Ritz-Carlton, EDITION does not offer complimentary breakfast to Bonvoy elites, making STARS the only way to add breakfast and the $100 credit without booking a higher-tier room.
Recommended properties:
The Miami Beach EDITION: The pool is one of the most distinctive in South Florida, with a bougainvillea-covered white tower as its centerpiece. Book a bungalow for direct pool access. The lobby lounge is one of the best cocktail venues in Miami.
The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon: Designed by Kengo Kuma with 206 rooms including 22 suites. Request a room on level 31 or above for private terrace access with Tokyo Tower and skyline views. Three restaurants, including a specialty restaurant with an outdoor terrace.
The Tokyo EDITION, Ginza: A smaller, more intimate property with 86 guest rooms. Located in the heart of Ginza, steps from luxury boutiques and Michelin-starred restaurants. The personal, warm ambiance makes it ideal for travelers who prefer smaller hotels.
The Miami Beach EDITION. Courtesy of EDITION Hotels.
Bulgari Hotels & Resorts
Bulgari operates nine hotels and does not participate in Marriott Bonvoy at all. No points, no elite credits, no elite benefits. STARS is the only structured perk path, making it uniquely valuable for Bulgari stays. Properties include Milan, London, Paris, Dubai, Bali, Beijing, Shanghai, Tokyo, and the newest opening in Rome.
The Luxury Collection
The Luxury Collection includes 92 distinctive properties ranging from historic palaces to designer hideaways. Bonvoy elites already receive breakfast, so STARS adds the $100 credit, welcome amenity, and additional upgrade consideration. Standout properties include Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido Resort, The Gritti Palace in Venice, and Hotel Cala di Volpe in Sardinia's Costa Smeralda.
Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Ritz-Carlton Reserve consists of eight ultra-exclusive private estate properties. Like Bulgari, Reserve does not participate in Bonvoy. STARS is the only perk layer. Properties include Dorado Beach (Puerto Rico), Kapalua (Maui), Los Cabos (Mexico), Mandapa (Bali), Zadun (Los Cabos), Tamuda Bay (Morocco), and two locations in Asia.
STARS vs. Four Seasons Preferred Partner
Feature | Marriott STARS | Four Seasons Preferred Partner |
Properties | 287 across 6 brands | 139 across 1 brand |
Daily breakfast | Yes, for two | Yes, for two (including in-room dining) |
Property credit | $100 per stay | $100 guest rooms, $200 suites |
Room upgrade | One category, at check-in | One category, can often be secured in advance |
Welcome amenity | Yes | Yes |
Unique feature | Guardian Angel (on-site contact) | Pre-arrival advocacy by advisor |
Bonvoy stacking | Yes (except Bulgari and Reserve) | Not applicable |
Minimum stay | None | None |
Rate | Same as Marriott.com | Same as fourseasons.com |
The programs serve different purposes. STARS covers more properties and brands, stacks with Bonvoy benefits, and includes the Guardian Angel feature. Four Seasons Preferred Partner offers a more personal advisor-to-hotel relationship, the ability to often secure upgrades in advance, and breakfast as in-room dining (which STARS does not guarantee). If you are choosing between a Four Seasons and a Ritz-Carlton in the same city, the program comparison should factor into the decision alongside the property itself.
When to Choose STARS
Choose Marriott STARS for:
Stays at Ritz-Carlton or EDITION, where Bonvoy does not provide breakfast
Stays at Bulgari or Ritz-Carlton Reserve, where Bonvoy does not apply at all
Multi-brand itineraries where you want consistent benefits across different Marriott luxury brands
Family travel to St. Regis properties, where butler service adds a layer of convenience
Travelers who value having a named on-site contact (the Guardian Angel) during their stay
Consider alternatives when:
You are staying at a Four Seasons property (use Four Seasons Preferred Partner instead)
You are staying at a non-Marriott luxury hotel (use Virtuoso or the brand's own preferred partner program)
You have Bonvoy Ambassador status and the hotel already provides your preferred benefits
The Low-Friction Guide
Book the standard or flexible rate. Member-only rates, advance-purchase rates, prepaid non-refundable rates, and points redemptions do not qualify for STARS benefits.
Stack with Bonvoy. Add your Bonvoy number to the reservation. You earn full points, elite night credits, and promotional bonuses, plus STARS benefits on top (except at Bulgari and Ritz-Carlton Reserve).
Communicate special occasions at the time of booking. Anniversaries and milestone birthdays are noted on the reservation and often result in enhanced welcome amenities.
For Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection voyages, STARS perks apply but differ from hotel stays. Contact us for yacht-specific benefit details.
Ready to book a Marriott STARS stay? Explore our partner programs or start planning your trip with a consultation.
Program benefits, hotel offers, and reservation terms can change and may vary by property, rate, room category, and booking. Benefits should be confirmed for the individual reservation. Program information reviewed October, 2026.
