A New Level of Luxury has Arrived in Toronto

TORONTO, February 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

- Legendary Service of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company Returns to Canada With the Opening of the Ritz-Carlton, Toronto

Toronto's newest and most anticipated hotel officially opens its doors today. Located in the heart of the downtown core and at the crossroads of the financial and performing arts districts, The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto brings a new level of luxury to the city.

As the only Canadian property of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company L.L.C., the 53-storey Ritz-Carlton, Toronto, features 267 guestrooms including 56 Corner Suites, 2 Deluxe Suites and The Ritz-Carlton Suite at over 2,400 square feet.

"We are delighted to be able to bring The Ritz-Carlton brand to Canada. Toronto is a key gateway city for our customers and this hotel complements the portfolio of Ritz-Carlton properties around the globe beautifully," said Herve Humler, president and chief operating officer of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. "Toronto is a cosmopolitan city with true international appeal, attracting visitors from all over the world, whether they are visiting for business or pleasure. The opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto helps to put this vibrant destination on the map for discerning luxury travellers."

General Manager Tim Terceira joined hotel owners and senior leaders from The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., during the official ribbon cutting ceremony. "I am honoured to be part of this exciting new venture," said Mr. Terceira. "It is because of the hard work and dedication of our Ladies and Gentlemen that we stand here today. Their passion and commitment to providing the highest level of service is truly unsurpassed and I am proud to join them in launching this hotel."

With unimpeded North or South facing views of the city or Lake Ontario, each guestroom or suite at The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto offers floor-to-ceiling windows with heated perimeters, rich African Anigre wood and Portuguese Estremoz marble that complements the neutral, yet contemporary decor. Spacious bathrooms feature heated marble flooring, dual vanities embedded with 22" HD television screens, private rain showers and soaker tubs with bath caddies.

Providing an enhanced guest experience, The Ritz-Carlton Club Level on floors 18 through 20 includes access to the elegantly-appointed 20th floor Club Lounge, with magnificent water views, personal concierge and continuous complimentary food and beverage presentations throughout the day.

The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto's five-storey glass podium at the base of the guestroom tower, contains the public areas of the hotel and features the grand foyer lobby with its striking glass bridge, restaurant, bar, lounge and upscale meeting and conference facilities including the city's largest luxury ballroom, The Ritz-Carlton Ballroom at 690 square meters (7,400 square feet).

A natural light-filled Urban Sanctuary on the 5th floor of the podium reveals over 2,130 square meters (23,000 square feet) of space including pool, professionally-equipped fitness facility, kinesis centre, yoga studio, relaxation area and walk-out, wrap-around terrace.

At 1,200 square meters (13,000 square feet), The Ritz-Carlton Spa offers additional pampering with 16 treatment rooms, including two Couples Suites, private Ladies' and Gentlemen's wet lounges, steam/sauna areas and dry relaxation dens. Signature treatments inspired by the beauty of Canada's great outdoors define the experience including the aromatic Cloud 9 Massage, which utilizes locally grown ground flowers and herbs such as Niagara lavender and Quebec sage.

The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto offers an unrivalled dining experience with signature restaurant, TOCA by Tom Brodi. TOCA's Canadian menu features homegrown, naturally-raised, sustainable ingredients - a reflection of Chef Brodi's commitment to utilizing local purveyors and suppliers. The interactive restaurant includes an open-concept kitchen, walk-through pastry corridor, in-kitchen chef's table, glass-encased cheese cave and extensive wine cellar with a focus on Canadian wines.

Located lobby level, TOCA Bar is the perfect place to unwind. With its trendy ambiance, free standing bar, tapas-style menu, raw bar, sustainable caviar tasting, 10 sparkling and over 60 still wines by the glass, TOCA Bar will satisfy even the most discerning palates. Guests have the option of sitting in the grand lobby of The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto or on the outdoor patio overlooking the city's performing arts district.

With breathtaking views of the CN Tower and lounge style seating, DEQ offers an expansive outdoor patio and open-air firepit for all-day dining options. The distinctive menu includes a variety of offerings from an outdoor oven, flatbreads, antipasti or tableside charcuterie. DEQ's 'Mixology by You' drink menu allows guests to create their own fresh-muddled Mojitos or Caipirinhas, among other signature cocktails.

To be among the first to enjoy The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto call +1-416-585-2500, reservation toll free line in the UK at 0800-234-000, in Ireland at 00800-2413-3333, or visit http://www.ritzcarlton.com/toronto.

Notes for Editors:

High resolution image download: http://bit.ly/gFS2BP

Facebook hotel tour video: http://tiny.cc/x7jeg

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., of Chevy Chase (Maryland, USA), currently operates 74 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 with future openings which include The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong which will open as the highest hotel in the world. 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 web site at http://www.ritzcarlton.com. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE:MAR)

    
    Contact: Marion Schumacher
    Regional Director Public Relations, Europe
    Potsdamer Platz 3
    10785 Berlin
    Germany
    Tel: +49-(0)30- 337776900, Fax: +49(0)30-337775900
    Email: marion.schumacher@ritzcarlton.com