Check-In To The Ritz-Carlton, Check Out a Mercedes at Select Hotels and Resorts, Beginning October 20

Along with the finest in service and surroundings, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company will soon begin offering guests checking-in the opportunity to "check out" the latest model of Mercedes luxury sedans. From October 20 through November 21, this one-of-a-kind program will allow hotel and resort guests at most Ritz-Carlton locations in the United States to request the complimentary loan of a Mercedes -- the ultimate value-added amenity.

"We wanted to show our guests how much we appreciate their support and loyalty and what better way than to give them the very finest driving experience, a new Mercedes, to use for a business meeting, special occasion, or just for the fun of it?" said Simon Cooper, president and chief operating officer of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. "Whether they are a road warrior needing to conduct business with clients, or a couple celebrating a night on the town, getting there behind the wheel of a car known for its superb performance and style is the ultimate definition of 'putting on the Ritz.'"

To participate in the "Check-In To The Ritz-Carlton, Check Out a Mercedes" program, overnight guests should contact the guest relations manager at the hotel or resort before their arrival, if possible. The length of time the Mercedes will be available for loan will depend upon availability with some limitations on mileage and/or the number of hours the car may be used.

With undeniable elegance, exquisite comfort and energized performance, the E320 is an exceptionally well-rounded luxury sedan, and will be available at the following participating Ritz-Carlton properties: Half Moon Bay, San Francisco, Marina del Rey, Huntington (Pasadena), Laguna Niguel, Phoenix Lake, Las Vegas, Dearborn, St. Louis, Washington DC, Georgetown, Pentagon City, Tysons Corner, Boston, Boston Common, Amelia Island, Atlanta, Buckhead, Reynolds Plantation and New Orleans.

Mercedes-Benz USA, headquartered in Montvale, N.J., is responsible for the sales, service and marketing of Mercedes-Benz products in the United States. The company sold 206,638 vehicles in the U.S. during 2001, setting the highest sales volume ever in its history.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C, a winner of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award in 1992 and 1999, manages 54 luxury hotels in North America, Europe, the Caribbean, South America, Asia, Africa, Mexico, and the Middle East. For information or reservations, please call (800) 241-3333, a travel professional or visit The Ritz-Carlton web site at www.ritzcarlton.com.

Vivian Deuschl 703-941-6225 Stephanie Platt 404-653-0208