The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou will have 353 luxurious guestrooms and 120 serviced, luxury private residences at a prime location in the emerging Zhujian New Town area of the city`s Tianhe District. Construction on the project is expected to begin before the end of 2004, with an anticipated opening date of early 2007. Two Ritz-Carlton properties are currently under construction in Beijing and are scheduled to open in late 2006. The new projects will join The Portman Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai and The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong in the China portfolio of the award-winning hotel company.

The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou will be located at a site surrounded by several luxury residential and commercial developments, including an opera house and national museum in front of the hotel. Convenient to the new Guangzhou International Convention and Exhibition Center and the city`s economic development zones, The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou is well positioned to cater to luxury travelers in the city’s rapidly growing lodging market.

The hotel`s architect is WAT&G. While the interior designer has yet to be selected, the interior of the hotel, owned by the Guangzhou R&F Heng Sheng Property Development Company, is expected to be the most luxurious in the city, with guestrooms and suites offering views of the Pearl River. The Fuli Apartments, managed by Ritz-Carlton, will be located in the same building as the hotel and will offer a range of services provided by the hotel staff, including concierge, housekeeping, and in-home dining and catering.

The continued strong economic growth of China, its entrance into the World Trade Organization and hosting of the 2008 Summer Olympics, make it a nation where the investment in luxury hotels and residences fits well with The Ritz-Carlton global expansion plan. Locating in Guangzhou, one of China’s key international gateway cities, positions Ritz-Carlton as a leader in China’s luxury lodging segment, said Simon Cooper, president and chief operating officer.