Two Ritz-Carlton hotels have received 2009 top honors and recognition from the prestigious Zagat Survey and Guide Michelin.

The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas, open since August 2007, won dual awards as The Number One Large Hotel, and its signature restaurant “Fearings” as Number One Hotel Dining in the United States, by more than 14,000 readers and travel professionals responding to the famed Zagat Survey. Both rated extraordinary to perfection in each category, with accolades including “fabulous luxury” and “haute Texan” cuisine.

The iconic Guide Michelin awarded a rare three star rating to The Aqua restaurant and chef Sven Elverfeld at The Ritz-Carlton, Wolfsburg, Germany. This is the first time Guide Michelin has recognized a restaurant in Northern Germany with a coveted three star designation. Chef Elverfeld, a ten year veteran of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, began his culinary career in Dubai before joining Wolfsburg during the 2000 pre-opening. During his tenure at Aqua, the restaurant has won numerous awards for culinary excellence. Most recently Chef Elverfeld received 19 out of 20 points from the esteemed Gault Millau—no restaurant has ever received 20 points—and his food was named “Menu of the Year. Guide Michelin also awarded a one star rating to Chef Hendrik Otto at The Ritz-Carlton, Berlin.

“I am extremely proud and pleased of both hotels and restaurants receiving such extraordinary recognition from the ultimate experts, the Zagat Survey and Guide Michelin,” said Simon F. Cooper, president and chief operating officer, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. “It is especially gratifying during a challenging time for the hotel industry for two Ritz-Carlton properties to demonstrate such a continued commitment to providing truly memorable experiences for our guests,” he added.

Vivian Deuschl
Corporate Vice President, Public Relations
703/941-6225
Ritz-Carlton