Ritz-Carlton wins top marks from J.D. Power

Monday, Sept. 8, 2003 | 10:47 a.m.

The Ritz-Carlton Co. was the highest rated brand in the "luxury" hotel segment in a new guest satisfaction study from J.D. Power and Associates.

The hotel chain, which is owned by Marriott, ranked No. 1 out of 54 hotel companies worldwide.

Categories in the survey include overall guest satisfaction, pre-arrival, hotel rooms, food and beverage, hotel services and departure. The Ritz-Carlton aims to grow its brand without sacrificing service, Ritz-Carlton Hotel Co. Chief Operating Officer Simon F. Cooper said.

The honor is "gratifying, especially during a year when the industry has continued to have to make difficult staffing level decisions in response to a sharp drop in travel due to the economy, the war and SARS," Cooper said.

The Ritz-Carlton's $170 million Lake Las Vegas property -- the second luxury hotel to debut at the growing Lake Las Vegas resort complex -- opened in February with 349 rooms.

The Four Seasons, which owns a hotel on the Las Vegas Strip next to Mandalay Bay, won in the luxury category the previous two years.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Co. has 54 properties worldwide.