GUANGZHOU, CHINA - 11 March 2013 - The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou today hosted more than 250 community leaders, associates and favored guests for an extravagant evening celebrating the fifth anniversary of the hotel's 2008 grand opening.

The event began with a retrospective film and birdcage-enclosed dance performance, after which the doors to the Rococo-styled Grand Ballroom were thrown wide and Mr. Jim Lv, managing director of the property's owner R&F Properties, and The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou General Manager Andrew Rogers commenced the anniversary ceremony by filling an ice-sculpted lion with 'blue blood'. The substance, which imbued the sculpture with an azure luminescence, dually-represented the hotel's deep institutional wealth of the Ritz-Carlton sophistication and style as well as R&F's corporate color.

"Since we first opened our doors exactly five years ago today, we have served this community with an unwavering commitment to each guest's comfort and satisfaction. This commitment is embodied in the attentiveness and personal creativity of every Ritz-Carlton lady and gentleman, and it is what has enabled us to be here today celebrating five years of success in Guangzhou," said Mr. Rogers.

Next, the hotel's senior chefs treated guests to a kinetic culinary spectacle. Hailing variously from Germany, Italy, Singapore, Malaysia and China, each chef prepared a playful tribute to his native cuisine at one of the live-cooking stations situated throughout the ballroom.

Simultaneously, two "The Art of the Craft" documentaries produced by the hotel premiered on screens at the space's periphery. Part of a global series, each film captures the experiences, challenges and triumphs of a Ritz-Carlton lady or gentleman both on- and off the job. The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou's first two shorts portray LIMONI Italian Restaurant Chef de Cuisine Luca Pecorari and Housekeeping Supervisor Hebe Li.

In addition to the evening's festivities, the hotel's fifth anniversary celebrations have also included the commission of a limited edition Ritz-Carlton handkerchief from fashion house MIUKI WEN (RMB 388) and the offer of an indulgent "My Perfect Ritz-Carlton Memory" package (RMB 85,555) which includes accommodation in the 420-square-meter Ritz-Carlton Suite, a luxurious nighttime cocktail cruise on the Pearl River and a round of golf with General Manager Andrew Rogers, a PGA card-carrying scratch golfer.

Proceeds from the sale of Ritz-Carlton Handkerchiefs will be donated to the "Butterfly Student Group," a charity which assists disadvantaged students in China's rural areas. The "My Perfect Ritz-Carlton Memory" package is available from March 1 to December 31, 2013 at RMB 85,555. This price is subject to a 15 percent service charge. This offer may not be used in conjunction with other offers, promotions or benefits; reservations are required in advance. Terms and conditions apply. For reservations or more information, please call (86 20) 3813 6898 or e-mail rc.canrz.reservation@ritzcarlton.com.

About The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou

Situated in the new CBD Pearl River New City of Tianhe District, the 351-room Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou is a luxury destination in the hub of Southern China. Distinctive services and facilities include 6 restaurants and lounges serving Cantonese and Western favorites, special cigars and wines. An extensive health club and The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Guangzhou rejuvenate body and mind, while The Ritz-Carlton Club® Level anticipates guests' needs with its dedicated personalized service. The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou features 91 luxury serviced apartments of one to four bedrooms in size.

About The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. of Chevy Chase, Md., currently operates 82 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 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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