Saudi Arabia’s first Ritz-Carlton Hotel will open in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on October 24, 2011.

The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh features 493 rooms and suites, is prominently situated next to the Diplomatic Quarter and adjacent to the King Abdul Aziz Convention Centre.


“This majestic hotel’s prime location in the literal heart of the Arabian Peninsula offers many significant advantages to visiting guests and dignitaries,” commented Herve Humler, president and chief operations officer of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC.

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“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 added.


The property is set among 213,500 sq m (52 acres) of luxuriantly landscaped gardens. Designed by Al Rasheed Engineering Company and constructed by Oger International, The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh fronts a one kilometre driveway.


Originally envisioned as a royal guest palace for visiting dignitaries and heads of state, the hotel’s stately architecture is modelled on traditional palaces and elegant Arabian residences.


All guestrooms and suites are styled using the vibrant colors and ethnic textures of the region. Highlights include 49 two-bedroom Royal Suites, each measuring more than 425 sq m and 50 one-bedroom Executive Suites at 95 sq m.


All guest rooms are equipped with the latest technology, including wireless and wired internet access, flat screen televisions and DVD players as standard.


The hotel offers more than 5800 sq m of conference space combined, including two colossal ballrooms in a separate wing that are both identical in size at 1970 sq meters. They are complemented by two vast auditorium-styled theatres with stepped floors and built-in stages.


Guest 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 1000 sq m indoor six-lane bowling alley.


Flanking the indoor swimming pool on the ground level is 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.