The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. continues its show its strong commitment to the Middle East with the opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh on October 24, 2011. The palatial hotel, with 493 rooms and suites, is prominently situated next to the Diplomatic Quarter and adjacent to the King Abdul Aziz Convention Centre, one of the largest in the region and host to international summits and conferences.

“This majestic hotel’s prime location in the literal heart of the Arabian Peninsula offers many significant advantages to visiting guests and dignitaries,” says Herve Humler, president and chief operations officer of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. “We are privileged to be managing this spectacular palace which fits our luxury brand perfectly, and we are extremely proud that The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh represents our first hotel into the Kingdom,” he adds.

The sense of arrival will immediately let guests know they have entered a hotel that is unlike any other within The Ritz-Carlton portfolio.  Enjoying a pre-eminent address in the capital and situated within 213,500 square meters (52 acres) of luxuriantly landscaped gardens, the hotel rightfully positions itself amongst the grand palace hotels in the world. Designed by Al Rasheed Engineering Company and constructed by Oger International, The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh regally faces spectacular fountains fronting a one kilometer driveway. Originally envisioned as a royal guest palace for visiting dignitaries and heads of state, the hotel’s stately architecture is modeled on traditional palaces and elegant Arabian residences, with ochre facades blending gracefully with the verdant landscape of the gardens. Native palms, 600-year old olive trees from Lebanon, and water fountains abound on the property, providing an oasis of serenity amidst the city centre.

The architecture, interior design, landscaping and accessories fuse to create a marriage of style and sense of place within the Middle East.  All guestrooms and suites are elegantly styled using the vibrant colors and ethnic textures of the region, with subtle touches reflecting the Kingdom’s Arabic heritage. Highlights include not just one, but 49 exquisitely appointed two-bedroom Royal Suites, each generously measuring more than 425 square meters (4,574 square feet,) and 50 one-bedroom, opulent Executive Suites at 95 square meters (1,022 square feet,) ideal for senior corporate titans and political delegates.

All guest rooms are equipped with the latest technology, including wireless and wired internet access, flat screen televisions and DVD players as standards, enabling guests to both work and relax in their rooms.

Already host to several weddings even before the hotel opened, the conference and catering team at The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh is well poised to accommodate the largest of international summits and social gala events. The hotel offers more than 5,800 square meters (62,000 square feet) of conference space combined, including two colossal ballrooms in a separate wing that are both identical in size at 1,970 square meters or 21,000 square feet each. They are complemented by two vast auditorium-styled theatres with stepped floors and built-in stages, perfect for press conferences and symposium lectures, and a generous variety of smaller meeting rooms.  Completing the conference area is Aubergine restaurant that cater exclusively for the invited delegates, journalists and accompanying security personnel.

As befitting a hotel of such imperial stature, guests are offered a selection of gourmet dining venues, including Al Orjouan, the signature all-day dining buffet restaurant featuring Lebanese favourites; and Turquoise, the cigar lounge that will be home to one of the widest selection of Cuban cigars in Saudi Arabia.  Presenting an alfresco option is Chorisia Lounge for leisurely breakfast, lunch or the signature afternoon tea, while Strike offers a fun and stimulating atmosphere for mocktails and smoothies within the 1,000 square meter (10,700 square feet) indoor six-lane bowling alley.

Flanking the stunning indoor swimming pool on the ground level, which features garden views from the floor-to-ceiling windows, are Hong, the Asian restaurant featuring a contemporary fusion of fresh Oriental ingredients with a western flair, and Azzuro Italian restaurant that serves authentic cuisine from the old country.

Recreational facilities include a full-service men’s health club complete with three treatment rooms. For medical emergencies, the hotel features a fully-equipped Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with separate rooms for patients.