Ritz-Carlton to Open Ritz-Carlton Chengdu China

Chengdu (China) – December 15, 2012 – The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. announces that The Ritz-Carlton, Chengdu, located in the heart of the capital of Sichuan province, will become the luxury hotel operator’s first flag in Southwest China, when it opens in summer 2013.

Sichuan is renowned globally as the home of the giant panda, one of China’s national treasures, while the city of Chengdu enjoys a rich history dating back over 2,000 years as a cultural and trading hub. Today, Chengdu is recognized as amongst the new leading cities inside China.

The Ritz-Carlton, Chengdu, in Tianfu Square, is home to one of the city’s largest commercial districts. The hotel will have 353 rooms, including 55 suites, taking interior design cues from the style of a traditional courtyard home which can be found in parts of the old city. Featuring a palette of light woods, relaxing blues and golden hues, the property will subtly reflect the city’s heritage in a contemporary way.

The property features three restaurants including an elegant Cantonese with eight private dining rooms, Flair – the sister lifestyle restaurant and bar of The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong as well as an all-day dining restaurant. There will also be a contemporary lobby lounge that will act as a focal point for people to meet and enjoy high tea. Meeting spaces will include a Grand Ballroom, Junior Ballroom and seven additional meeting rooms, totaling 1,716 square meters of space. The hotel will be fully equipped with an indoor swimming pool as well as luxury fitness and spa facilities.

“China is already one of our most significant international markets. The opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Chengdu sees the company continue on a path that will double its China footprint in the next 3 years. Chengdu is the key economic, transport and communication hub in Western China and is one of the fastest growing cities in the world today,” said Herve Humler, President and Chief Operations Officer, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. “The Ritz-Carlton, Chengdu will be a new beacon of luxury hospitality in Southwest China.”

Mr. LI Sze Lim, Chairman of R&F Properties said: “We are delighted to be bringing an international luxury brand the stature of The Ritz-Carlton’s to Southwest China. We have created a major landmark in the rapidly growing city of Chengdu and the opening of The Ritz-Carlton will complete one of the most significant projects the city has ever seen.”

About The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., of Chevy Chase, Md., currently operates 81 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean. More than 30 hotel and residential projects are under development around the globe. The Ritz-Carlton is the only service company to have twice earned the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, an award that originated in 1987. Its purpose is to promote the awareness of quality excellence, recognize quality achievements of companies and publicize successful quality strategies. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company won the award in 1992 and 1999. For more information, or reservations, contact a travel professional, call toll free in the U.S. 1-800-241-3333, or visit the company web site at www.ritzcarlton.com. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE:MAR).