NAPLES, Fla., March 20, 2013 -- The iconic five-diamond, five-star Ritz-Carlton, Naples is announcing an unprecedented summer 2013 refurbishment, the first of its kind in the resort's 27-year history. This project will be one of the largest resort renovations within The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company's portfolio. Refurbishments will include a complete overhaul of all 450-guest rooms, suites and corridors, three dinning outlets, Artisans the "princess ballroom," as well as various structural, mechanical and engineering upgrades throughout the property.

During the expansive two-month project, set to commence on July 24, 2013, the resort will not be accepting any guests, a first in its history. While the resort is being re-mastered its sister property, The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, located just 10 minutes down the road, will be open and fully operational. Guests staying at the Golf Resort will have beach access via the complimentary resort shuttle to Vanderbilt Beach, with full Ritz-Carlton beach services and amenities as well as beachfront dining at Gumbo Limbo restaurant.

"The decision to cease operations for the first time in the resort's 27-year history is a true testament to our ongoing commitment to product and service excellence," said Edward V. Staros, Vice President, Managing Director of The Ritz-Carlton Resorts of Naples and one of the original founders of The Ritz-Carlton brand. "Our goal was to avoid any guest inconvenience during this timeframe. When we reopen our doors on October 1, we look forward to delivering on this commitment by continuing to provide a world renowned level of luxury coupled with all the modern amenities expected by today's global traveler."

Interior designers, Wimberly Interiors are responsible for the new guest rooms, which will resemble a luxurious, residential beach home. The effect will bring the beauty of Naples indoors, with warm blues, greens and greys inspired by the Gulf of Mexico and its surrounding landscape. The Ritz-Carlton sophistication will play into the design with clean lines and upscale fabrics that will appeal to both traditional and modern tastes.

On the culinary front, three of the resort's restaurants will be fully re-mastered by New York-based design agency Blue Plate. The Sushi Bar, to be rebranded The Bar, will get an extended balcony, providing additional outdoor seating with Gulf of Mexico and sunset views. The Bar interior will be divided to allow for cozier areas while also creating an open space ideal for small events and entertainment. The lounge menu will be revamped to include sushi, small bites and creative cocktails.

The Terrace will reopen as Terrazza, an Italian eatery serving three meals a day. A new glass atrium with fully retractable doors will provide a seaside cafe feel with indoor and outdoor seating. The popular breakfast buffet will remain, but Terrazza's new menu and design will make it a hot spot where guests and local residents alike will enjoy a casual lunch or Italian dinner.

The Grill steakhouse and specialty restaurant will continue as a classic establishment with new contemporary accents to the furnishings and decor. Refreshing the fabrics and updating. The Grill's mahogany touches on the walls and floors will remain. The restaurant's selections of dry-aged beef, fresh seafood and collection of international wines will remain untouched.

The Ritz-Carlton Naples is a favorite wedding destination and as such the resort's Artisans "princess ballroom" will be brightened with soft silvers, whites and light greys to resemble an elegant jewel box. Taking a cue from diamond wedding bands, new chandeliers will be added to the space and a restructuring to areas of the floor plan will help to expand the room while enhancing access to the resort's numerous outdoor event venues.

This re-mastering coupled with the investments over the past ten years including a new lobby and lobby concept "Bites" as well as enhancements to other public spaces including 20,000 square feet of meeting space, demonstrates The Ritz-Carlton's continued commitment to its guests and staff while ensuring that the resort's reputation for world-class product and service excellence is enhanced.

This iconic re-mastering will solidify the resort's position as the social center of Naples, the destination that the resort helped to enhance when the hotel opened to much fanfare 27-years ago. The transformation will be unveiled on October 1, 2013, when the resort will welcome its first guests following the re-opening.

About The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company
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)

About The Ritz-Carlton Resorts of Naples:
Located on the pristine white sands of Southwest Florida's Gulf Coast, the AAA Five Diamond, Forbes Five Star Ritz-Carlton, Naples appeals to today's sophisticated traveler with an array of pampering amenities. With 450 guest rooms and suites—all with stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico—the resort offers a variety of innovative dining experiences, a luxurious, 51,000-square-foot Ritz-Carlton Spa®, two heated pools, a high-tech entertainment lounge, an interactive environmental children's program and a wide selection of beach activities and water sports. Consistently, readers of Travel + Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler magazines rank The Ritz-Carlton, Naples beach resort among the best in Florida, the U.S., and the world. Dec. 4, 2010, marked The Ritz-Carlton, Naples' 25th anniversary.

The AAA Five Diamond, Forbes Four Star Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples is renowned for its exceptional personalized service, inventive cuisine and luxurious accommodations, with panoramic views of the adjacent Greg Norman-designed Tiburon Golf Club. The 295-room Mediterranean-style resort, ranked as one of the top hotels in the U.S. by U.S. New & World Report (2012), is home to a pair of 18-hole signature Greg Norman golf courses at Tiburon and is home to the annual PGA TOUR Franklin Templeton Shootout, hosted in December. The Tiburon Golf Course complex is complete with the with the PGA TOURAcademy, recognized as one of the top academies in the country and the TaylorMade Performance Lab which unites the golfer and fitter with advanced technology to create the ultimate club fitting experience. January 4, 2012, marked the 10th anniversary of The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples.