Luxury travelers rejoice: The Ritz-Carlton will finally start giving customers loyalty points in exchange for stays at Ritz hotels around the world. Ritz-Carlton officials will unveil the "Ritz-Carlton Rewards" program this morning at a press conference in New York City.

Why the excitement? Until now, Ritz-Carlton has remained Marriott's only brand that doesn't offer customers points for frequent stays. Starting Sept. 15, both Marriott and Ritz-Carlton guests who sign up for the new loyalty program will be able to earn and accumulate points for reward stays at Ritz-Carlton hotels, or use points toward experiences offered through specific partnerships. Some of the partnerships with the Ritz-Carlton rewards program include Vera Wang, National Geographic Expeditions photography workshops, and Neiman Marcus.

So how will Ritz-Carlton Rewards work? According to Barbara De Lollis over at USA Today's Hotel Check-in column:

• There will be silver, gold, and platinum status for the Ritz-Carlton Rewards program and each level will have the same requirements as Marriott Rewards.
• Customers can be a member of either Ritz-Carlton Rewards or Marriott Rewards; not both.
• Marriott Rewards platinum members who stay at a Ritz-Carlton will receive a complimentary room upgrade.
• Ritz-Carlton Rewards members who earn platinum status will receive upgrades at Marriott hotels.

I'll report on more details from this morning's press conference, but until then... now's a great time to start looking at Ritz-Carlton for your upcoming trip.

Filed under: Hotels and Accommodations, Luxury Travel