Marriott Casa Magna or Ritz Carlton on Marriott points without kids in January?

No contest! Ritz Carlton! The Casa Manga is not impressive. The Ritz is a 5 star, CM is a 3-4 star. No comparison.

What about the JW?

I think the Ritz is the best but many do put the JW right up there with it!

We stayed at the JW marriott in Cancun about a year ago. It is absolutely beautiful. It has an infinity type pool that makes it seem as though the ocean runs right into the pool. You can eat at the Casa Magna restaurants and still charge them to your room too. The food was very expensive at the JW. There are very few kids at the JW, which is nice if you are traveling without kids. I have not seen the Ritz, so I cannot compare. However, we used points to stay at the JW. I think it is signigicantly more points to stay at the Ritz.

Can't go wrong w/the JW Marriott or the Ritz they are the best hotels there.

The Ritz is definitely more upscale than the JW and the Casa Magna, but I do prefer the JW since you are able to be at both hotels freely and use both facilities. The Casa Magna and JW are next to each other and connected by a pedestrian bridge. The beach is also very nice infront of both properties. The JW is very upscale, but if you really need the luxury stay at the Ritz.

Just returned from JW Marriott - have stayed in many, many top hotels/resorts and was very impressed with the ambiance, pool area, beauty, but especially the service. The Ritz could be a Ritz Carlton anywhere - the JW goes out of their way to make sure you have a wonderful Mexican vacation.