Airline News and Hotel Updates: Riyadh

The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh, with 493 rooms and suites located next to the Diplomatic Quarter and adjacent to the King Abdul Aziz Convention Centre, has opened.

The sense of arrival through 213,500 square meters (52 acres) of exquisitely landscaped gardens is befitting of the grandeur of the palace that lies ahead. Designed by Al Rasheed Engineering Company and constructed by Oger International, The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh boasts spectacular fountains that front the one kilometer driveway.

Originally envisioned as a royal guest palace for visiting dignitaries and heads of state, the hotel?s stately architecture is modeled on traditional palaces and elegant Arabian residences, with ochre facades blending gracefully with the verdant landscape of the gardens. Native palms, 600-year old olive trees from Lebanon, and water fountains abound on the property, providing an oasis of serenity amidst the city centre.

All guestrooms and suites are elegantly styled using the vibrant colors and ethnic textures of the region, with subtle touches reflecting the Kingdom?s heritage. Highlights include not just one, but 49 two-bedroom Royal Suites, each generously measuring more than 425 square meters (4,574 square feet,) and 50 one-bedroom Executive Suites at 95 square meters (1,022 square feet,) ideal for senior corporate titans and political delegates.

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

The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh offers more than 5,800 square meters (62,000 square feet) of conference space combined, including two colossal ballrooms in a separate wing that are both identical in size at 1,970 square meters or 21,000 square feet each. They are complemented by two vast auditorium-styled theatres with stepped floors and built-in stages, perfect for press conferences and symposium lectures, and a generous variety of smaller meeting rooms. Completing the conference area is Aubergine restaurant that caters exclusively for the invited delegates, journalists and accompanying security personnel.

Guests are offered a selection of gourmet dining venues, including Al Orjouan, the signature all-day dining buffet restaurant featuring Lebanese favorites; 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 1,000 square meter (10,700 square feet) indoor six-lane bowling alley.

Flanking the indoor swimming pool on the ground level, which features garden views from the floor-to-ceiling windows, are 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.

The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh joins nine other Ritz-Carlton hotels and resorts currently operating or under development in the Middle East: Bahrain, Dubai, Sharm El Sheikh, Doha, Sharq Village & Spa, Dubai International Finance Centre, Muscat, Abu Dhabi and Nile Cairo (opening respectively in 2012 and 2013).