The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., of Chevy Chase, Md. (USA) plans to open a 300-room hotel in Hong Kong in 2009 which will be a showcase of contemporary design, as well as the highest hotel in the world. Additionally, a letter of intent has been signed to open a second Ritz-Carlton hotel in Shanghai on Century Boulevard in the heart of Pudong`s Lujiazui District.

Both hotels will be owned by Sun Hung Kai Properties Limited, one of the largest real estate companies in the world operating in Hong Kong and mainland China.

The 1,574-foot-tall Ritz-Carlton will soar above the city`s skyline and harbour, becoming a landmark structure from its strategic location above Kowloon Station on the Hong Kong Airport Railway line.

Since 1993, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company has operated one of the region`s most successful and award-winning properties, The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong in the Central District, under the direction of regional Vice President, and General Manager Mark Lettenbichler. The company will continue to operate this hotel.

The new hotel will occupy the upper 13 floors of a 100-storey plus tower designed by the renowned architectural firm of Kohn Pederson Fox Associates PC. The site will be the home of a major mixed-use development, including condominiums, office space, retail and serviced apartments.

Designed to make an impressive architectural statement, the new Ritz-Carlton in Kowloon will match its exterior quality with equally stunning interior appointments. Luxuriously-appointed rooms and suites will be spacious, featuring the latest in technological enhancements and the finest design elements. Windows will overlook Victoria Harbour with 360 degree panoramic views. In addition, the signature Ritz-Carlton Club level will provide an exceptional level of privacy and exclusive services for guests, including complimentary, round-the-clock food presentations and dedicated butler/concierge services.

Three fine-dining restaurants will be complemented by The Lobby Lounge and Bar. Meeting space totaling 1,200 square meters, including a grand ballroom of 640 square meters, will offer customers an array of choices from board meetings to social functions. Of special note will be an indoor swimming pool, complemented by an outdoor swimming pool, set high atop the hotel. A world class spa and wellness center will occupy the top floor, offering a unique vantage point for Ritz-Carlton guests.

Asia continues to provide the best strategic growth opportunity for The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, notes Simon F. Cooper, president and chief operating officer. We are proud to partner with Sun Hung Kai Properties in the development of this extraordinary new property. The location offers significant advantages because of planned development in the area, as well as access to vital transportation links. This hotel will offer both our corporate and leisure guests an address that is exclusive, as well as highly convenient.

Sun Hung Kai Properties` Chairman and Chief Executive Walter Kwok said, We are very pleased to have The Ritz-Carlton as the operator of this magnificent six-star hotel which will occupy the top floors of the 1,574-foot mega tower. This property forms an important link in the Kowloon Station development and will be the highest elevated hotel in the world. Our Kowloon Station development will offer residential, office and retail space along with the luxury hotel, all designed and built to the most exacting standards. We are confident that the world-famous Ritz-Carlton hospitality and service will make this one of the finest hotels on an international scale.