The Ritz-Carlton, Shenzhen Is Sixth Strategic Location in China as Luxury Hotel Company Continues Asia Expansion

Market Wire, April, 2005

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. signed a formal agreement on April 4, 2005, with Shenzhen Galaxy Real Estate Development Company, Ltd. to manage a 245-room luxury hotel in the southern China city of Shenzhen. Opening in 2007, the 25-story hotel -- located adjacent to the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Centre in the Futian Central Business District -- will be the sixth strategic site in China for the award-winning hotel company.

The mixed-use complex will include the hotel, office space, and high-end retail space and will be within walking distance to a metro station served by two lines. Contemporary in design, The Ritz-Carlton, Shenzhen will offer the most spacious guestrooms and suites in the city. The rooms will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including wireless access and flat screen televisions. The majority of the guest rooms will include a free-standing bathtub offering a view overlooking the city. The project architect is Rocco Design, Ltd., and the interior designer is HBA, Hong Kong.

Four specialty restaurants will feature an array of dining choices, from traditional Chinese to classic Italian cuisine. The Lobby Lounge will be the center of the hotel's dramatic atrium space, with a focal curved wall that connects all levels and is a combination of figured wood and back-lit golden-hued onyx. This space will accommodate both afternoon tea and impromptu business meetings, where guests may take advantage of the wireless technology.

The hotel will feature a landscaped roof garden on the fifth floor. This area will include an outdoor swimming pool with sun deck, a terrace area perfect for meetings and events, and a rooftop bar and grill. A 1,300-square meter health club and spa will also be located on this level, providing guests with a variety of recreational options.

Meeting space will range from a 700-square meter grand ballroom for conferences and special events, to five smaller meeting rooms and an executive boardroom. All meeting space (totaling 1,135 square meters) will be equipped with the most advanced technology.

"Asia continues to provide an outstanding growth opportunity for The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company," said Simon F. Cooper, president and chief operating officer. "We are proud to partner with Shenzhen Galaxy Real Estate Development Company, Ltd. in the development of this extraordinary new property. The location offers significant advantages with its presence in the Futian Central Business District and location across from the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Centre in this up and coming business destination."

The company's flagship property in China, The Portman Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai opened in 1998 and is the leading luxury hotel in the nation, having twice won recognition as "Overall Best Employer in Asia" by Hewitt Associates, The Asian Wall Street Journal and Far Eastern Economic Review. The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, opened in 1993 and was ranked No. 4 in Travel + Leisure's "World's Best Hotels for Service" in 2004. Currently under construction are The Ritz-Carlton Beijing, The Ritz-Carlton Financial Street, Beijing and The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. of Chevy Chase, Md., (USA) currently operates 58 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. It is the only service company to have twice earned the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, which recognizes outstanding customer service. For more information, call toll free, 1-800-241-3333, contact a travel professional, or consult the web site at www.ritzcarlton.com.

Contact: Vivian Deuschl Corporate Vice President, Public Relations The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company (703) 941-6225 vivian.deuschl@ritzcarlton.com