RIYADH, KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA--(Marketwire - Nov 15, 2012) - The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh -- the company's flagship Saudi Arabia property -- picked up two high profile International Hotel Awards at this year's World Travel Market exhibition and hospitality showcase, which took place in London in early November.

The palatial 493-room luxury hotel, set in 52 acres of landscaped gardens in the heart of the Saudi capital, walked away with the regional title in two eagerly contested categories -- 'Best New Hotel Construction & Design Saudi Arabia' and 'Best Convention Hotel Saudi Arabia.'

Recognising excellence in the global hospitality sector, the inaugural International Hotel Awards were launched to acknowledge and reward hotel design, performance and reputation on five continents, and seek out the best properties in each participating country.

Accepting the awards at a gala dinner ceremony, hotel General Manager, Jean-Franois Laurent, said: "In just 12 months of operation, The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh has established itself as a flagship hotel both for the brand and for the region.

"The fact that we have been acknowledged in not one, but two important categories, is a fantastic way to celebrate our first anniversary. I would like to dedicate the awards to all our ladies and gentlemen, in recognition of their continued excellence and dedication in ensuring that we remain the Kingdom's premier gateway to luxury hospitality."

A new initiative by the organisation behind the annual International Property Awards, the International Hotel Awards encompass 13 categories covering excellence in design, operations, marketing and sustainability, with regional winners chosen from Arabia to Asia Pacific.

The 24-person judging panel, led by Chairman Sir David Michels, President of the Hilton foundation, cited the five star hotel's green credentials, architectural merit and uniquely opulent design interpretation of a Middle Eastern palace as the success factors in naming The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh regional winner in the design and convention hotel categories.

About The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh is a majestic and elegant oasis located within 52 acres of luxuriantly landscaped gardens. The luxury 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. The palatial hotel, which offers 493 rooms and suites, 5,800 square meters of meeting and event space, and numerous onsite fine dining options, is prominently situated next to the Diplomatic Quarter and adjacent to the King Abdul Aziz Convention Centre, one of the largest in the region and host to international summits and conferences. For additional information on The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh please call +966 1 802 8020 or visit http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/Riyadh/Default.htm

About The Ritz-Carlton The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. of Chevy Chase, Md., currently operates 80 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 which recognizes outstanding customer service. For more information, or reservations, contact a travel professional, call toll free in the U.S. 1-800-241-3333, or visit the company website at http://www.ritzcarlton.com. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. ( NYSE : MAR )

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The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh Celebrates Double Wins at World Travel Market 2012 Awards