CHEVY CHASE, Md. – The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. unveiled its first hotel in Israel today, with the much anticipated official opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Herzliya. Spectacularly located overlooking the Mediterranean, the property is a first-of-its-kind industry leader for Israel's luxury hotel market and the country's first true 21st century "Urban Resort".

"It is a privilege to bring The Ritz-Carlton legendary service to Israel at this beautiful seafront location in the greater Tel Aviv area," said Herve Humler, President and Chief Operations Officer, The Ritz-Carlton. "The Ritz-Carlton service philosophy will be brought to life by a committed team of Israeli Ladies and Gentlemen at our 85th hotel."

Herzliya is Tel Aviv's water-front leisure destination, with pristine beaches and an exclusive residential area. Adjacent to Israel's "Silicon Valley", Herzliya is a destination for both business and leisure travellers close to the historic cultural sights, Bauhaus architecture and the dynamic cafe and restaurant culture of Tel Aviv.

The Ritz-Carlton, Herzliya is a contemporary resort situated above the Marina with accommodations including 115 rooms and 82 suites and residences. Contemporary interiors inspired by the colours of the Mediterranean coastline combine with the sweeping sea views to create a spacious relaxed ambience in each of the rooms and suites. An exciting collection of artwork throughout the hotel is centred on an original video-art piece by Ayal Landseman, specially commissioned for the lobby area.

Celebrated Israeli Chef Yonathan Roshfeld has partnered with the hotel to create the kosher Samuel Herbert Restaurant at the hotel. Chef Roshfeld, renowned for fresh Mediterranean cuisine, brings his creative talent to kosher cuisine for the first time, using local produce to deliver a memorable dining experience at The Ritz-Carlton.

The Ritz-Carlton, Herzliya introduces two new bars and lounges to the city with a Lobby Lounge and rooftop al fresco cocktail lounge for the evening. The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Fitness Centre and rooftop pool bring an unrivalled array of leisure facilities to complement the resort's beachfront location.

Located atop the hotel is the pool, enveloped by a 360 degree view of the Mediterranean coast and the sandy beaches of Herzliya. The rooftop location transforms into a sophisticated cocktail lounge bar as the sun goes down and becomes the summer venue for evening drinks. The Ritz-Carlton Spa offers a haven for pampering with an outdoor terrace for relaxation, couples treatment rooms and a Turkish Hammam. This urban oasis has a full range of beauty and body therapies including Ritz-Carlton signature therapies and Shiseido treatments created exclusively for the hotel.

Perfectly suited for intimate business meetings, grand celebrations and gatherings of every kind, business facilities at the hotel include the ballroom, located at the lobby level, with natural light and views out over the Mediterranean and two boardrooms.

About The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., of Chevy Chase, Md., currently operates 85 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.K. 0800 234 000, 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. (NASDAQ: MAR).