VIENNA and CHEVY CHASE, Md., Aug. 27, 2012 -- The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. has opened its first hotel in Austria in the capital city of Vienna. The Ritz-Carlton, Vienna, a 202 room property located on the central Schubertring Boulevard, is the ninth hotel in Europe for the luxury hotel company.

The Ritz-Carlton, Vienna is an elegant building composed of four historic palaces dating back to the 19th century and is located in the heart of the city with incredible views of Vienna's landmarks from its rooms and roof top bar. The cultural heritage of the city with its museums, opera, concert halls and historic buildings is just a short stroll from the hotel.

The hotel embraces tradition with many original design features which have been painstakingly preserved and integrated into the interiors offering a strong sense of place. An impressive marble staircase is a stunning feature of the hotel interior, decorative mural paintings together with intricate wood carvings and panelling were all carefully restored and form an essential part of the hotel's character.

"We are delighted to open our 80^th hotel in this key European capital and to offer discerning global travellers a truly unique property here in Vienna," said Herve Humler President and Chief Operating Officer of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company.

"The hotel will bring The Ritz-Carlton service philosophy to the city and combine it with Viennese hospitality to create memorable experiences for guests whether travelling on leisure or for business."

The Ritz-Carlton Vienna reflects the city's combination of Imperial tradition and contemporary creativity in its design and interiors incorporating both historic and modern features.

The hotel's stylish guestrooms and suites include 43 suites and a spacious Presidential suite of rooms on the second floor with many original features. The Club Lounge is located on the seventh floor and provides guests exclusive access to a private concierge service, a gastronomic food and beverage presentation throughout the day and views of the city scape from its windows below the eaves of the hotel.

Dstrikt restaurant , located on the ground floor with a summer terrace, offers authentic Austrian cuisine from the kitchen of Chef Wini Brugger, open throughout the day guests can enjoy locally grown produce and regional dishes. The rooftop bar Atmosphere is a unique location from which to discover the panoramic views of the city of Vienna and enjoy a relaxing drink. Melounge is adjacent to the lobby and is the perfect setting for the Viennese tradition of coffee and cake in the afternoon. The cosy D-Bar completes the sophisticated variety of bars and restaurants at the hotel open to both local residents and hotel guests.

The business facilities offered at the hotel include a range of meeting rooms featuring the stunning 300 square metre Crystal Ballroom decorated with thousands of sparkling crystals. Two permanent boardrooms and three function rooms with natural light are complemented by a Business Centre, all located on the first floor.

Recreational amenities comprise of a spectacular 18 metre indoor swimming pool, Fitness room, sauna and steam rooms. The boutique Guerlain Spa will offer six treatment rooms including two specially designed for couples.

For additional information on The Ritz-Carlton, Vienna please visit www.ritzcarlton.com/vienna or call the hotel on + 43 1 311 88 110.

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 www.ritzcarlton.com. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR)