February 9, 2007
The Ritz-Carlton Club, Aspen Highlands Viewed as Industry Leading Pioneer
First Fractional Ownership Property in Aspen Remains Standard Bearer for Emerging Industry
ASPEN, COLORADO – February 9, 2007 – The Ritz-Carlton Club, Aspen Highlands opened in February 2001 as the first private residence club in Aspen and the first property for The Ritz-Carlton Club brand. More than five years later, its benchmarks and successes have changed the face of Aspen real estate while helping propel The Ritz-Carlton Club to the acknowledged leader in one of the fastest growing segments of the resort real estate industry.
All the comforts and benefits of owning a second home combined with the signature services of The Ritz-Carlton remain the hallmark of membership at The Club. “When we wanted to ski, the staff had our skis waxed and tuned and our boots warmed and waiting for us,” explained Peter Mann of Atlanta, a founding Ritz-Carlton Club, Aspen Highlands Member. “When we needed transportation, there was always a driver and car ready. Part of the pleasure of the vacation came from how much there was to do, while part of it came from how easy it was to do it.”
The pioneering Ritz-Carlton Club led to a boom in fractional properties in Aspen. Currently, there are 10 in the mountain resort area. The Club at Aspen Highlands has itself enjoyed great success and is currently nearly 80 percent subscribed in its 73 residences.
“People are initially attracted to the signature level of service provided by The Ritz-Carlton, plus our lavish amenities, ease of use, and deeded ownership concept,” said Jud Hawk, general manager, who has been at The Club since it opened. “We now find that 50 percent of sales stemming for all Ritz-Carlton Clubs come from Members buying additional interests and recommending friends or family.”
Since the property opened, Club staff has provided personalized services such as pre-arrival provisioning of a Member’s residence and assisting with vacation activity plans and reservations. And yet, The Club continues to raise the bar on the level of service and amenities it offers. In 2004, it doubled the amenities offered to Members, including a slopeside heated pool and a second spa and fitness center.
“The Ritz-Carlton Club regularly exceeds our expectations,” said Russell Parker of Austin, Texas, another long-time Ritz-Carlton Club Member. “Having stayed at Ritz-Carlton hotels around the country, we knew we could expect the finest in service. The staff has become like extended family to us. They know how to take care of our needs.”
A testament to the achievements of The Ritz-Carlton Club brand is the growth of this brand over the past five years. The Ritz-Carlton Club now enjoys properties in Bachelor Gulch, Colo.; St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.; and Jupiter, Fla. Future locations include San Francisco, Miami’s South Beach, Kapalua Bay on Maui, Kauai Lagoons on Kauai, and North Lake Tahoe, Calif. This growth creates new vacation experiences for Ritz-Carlton Club, Aspen Highlands Members through buying additional interests or using a portion of their time at other Club locations on a reciprocal usage basis.
“We’ve been fortunate to vacation at each of The Ritz-Carlton Club properties,” continued Parker. “We have enjoyed them immensely, and we’re looking forward to visiting the new Clubs as well.”
Designed by noted architect Robert A.M. Stern, The Ritz-Carlton Club, Aspen Highlands include 73 two- and three- bedroom residences equipped with every amenity from imported bedding and plush linens to the latest edition household appliances. The interior décor reflects casual mountain elegance, with wide planked wooden floors, fieldstone fireplaces, patterned area rugs, and Western-themed artworks. Membership at The Ritz-Carlton Club, Aspen Highlands are sold in one-twelfth deeded interests, entitling access for a minimum of 28 days each year, as well as unlimited access on a space available basis. Memberships range from $170,000 to $550,000 per interest depending on season and residence type.
For information, please visit www.rccaspen.com.
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