The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. Anchors North East China with 2013 Opening in Revitalised Historical Heart of Tianjin

HONG KONG, Jan. 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Located in the heart of the revitalised former British concession and central business district, The Ritz-Carlton, Tianjin will form an iconic landmark when it opens mid-2013 and pays homage to the city's historical heritage and vibrant modern development.

Tianjin, which literally means Emperor's Port in North East China, has long been recognized as a key trading port and as a route to Beijing which is only 30 minutes away by high speed train. Designated by the Chinese government as one of five 'national central cities,' Tianjin is at the forefront of leading and developing political, cultural and economic standards for the nation.

The Ritz-Carlton, Tianjin, is located by the Haihe River, surrounded by the 19^th and 20^th century architecture of European nations that sought to trade with China, reflecting the city's strategic importance that continues today. Tianjin enjoys one of the fastest growth rates in China and is a key hub of the economy. Major industries include petrochemical, car production, metal works and aircraft manufacturing. It is also the world's fifth largest container port and China's largest artificial deep-water port.

The soon-to-open Ritz-Carlton hotel with a grand neo-classical style facade was designed by the Tianjin Academy of Urban Planning and Design, with interiors created by luxury hospitality designer, Pierre-Yves Rochon. It houses 277 rooms, including 53 suites and reflects the cultural European heritage in the district.

"The opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Tianjin in one of China's most strategically important cities reflects our desire to meet the growing Chinese appetite for luxury experiences," said Herve Humler, President and Chief Operations Officer, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. "The Ritz-Carlton, Tianjin represents a major gateway opportunity that will accelerate the recognition of our service commitment to excellence by Chinese guests. It is an exciting time to lead the evolution of bespoke luxury by creating memorable experiences that will stay with them for life."

Mr. Ma He Ting, Chairman of the Board of Tianjin Real Estate Development Management Group Co. Ltd said: "The city of Tianjin's economic prestige and historical significance needs to build world-class facilities and services. We are delighted to have partnered with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company to bring part of that dream to life with an internationally-recognized luxury hospitality experience."

The property will showcase four restaurants and bars, the signature of which will be an elegant Cantonese restaurant with 10 private dining rooms, each featuring its own private wine cellar.

The popularity of the trendy lifestyle venue, Flair Bar and Lounge at The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong influenced a sister venue at The Ritz-Carlton, Tianjin which will offer Asian tapas, a dedicated whisky bar and a cigar cellar adjacent to the private room on the Mezzanine level. Flair in Tianjin will also feature nightly lounge music.

The Lobby Lounge, located at the heart of the hotel's majestic lobby will of course embrace the tradition of classical English Afternoon Tea service and a gourmet selection of fine Chinese and British teas, and an all-day dining restaurant with a theatre of live cooking stations will serve cuisine from Japan, China and Italy.

The Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge for club and suite guests will have a warm designer urban apartment atmosphere with elements to include a grand fire place room, a library, separate game and entertainment areas as well as a boutique bar and residential kitchen styling.

Conference spaces will include one of the city's largest ballrooms, and three additional function rooms, totaling 1,625 square meters of space. The hotel will be fully equipped with an indoor swimming pool, luxury fitness and spa facilities.

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).

SOURCE Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C.