The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. Assumes Management of Al Bustan Palace in Muscat, Oman

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, July 1, 2011 -

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. has entered an agreement
with the Ministry of Tourism from the Sultanate of Oman to acquire
the full management of Al Bustan Palace in Muscat, Oman.  As
of today the landmark property, which is set against a dramatic
backdrop of rugged mountains and overlooks the Gulf of Oman, will
be rebranded under The Ritz-Carlton portfolio.

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“The Omani capital has long been a key aspiration for The
Ritz-Carlton and we have waited a long time to find the perfect
opportunity to add to our collection,” says President and Chief
Operating Officer Herve Humler.  ”It is an honour to be
selected to manage such an iconic hotel as Al Bustan Palace and we
look forward to retaining its premier position in the regional and
international marketplace.”

To ensure the smooth transition of operations and level of
service to the guests, “all the current employees will be retained
by The Ritz-Carlton under the new management,” says Mr. Humler.
“The Ritz-Carlton is also strongly committed to all the Omani
ladies and gentlemen at the hotel and we welcome the existing Al
Bustan Palace team to The Ritz-Carlton family.  I know that we
shall do our utmost to make them feel comfortable within our
corporate culture.”

Commenting on the agreement, His Excellency Sheikh Abdul Malik
bin Abdullah Al Khalili, the Minister of Tourism said, “Our
agreement with one of the biggest and most prestigious hotel
management companies in the world reflects our total commitment to
preserve the position of Al Bustan Palace as one of the most
esteemed and luxurious hotels in the region. The new management
aims at introducing the concept of luxury and hospitality
philosophy in our present time while maintaining the prestigious
stature of the hotel.”

Noted architecturally for its 38-meter high domed atrium lobby,
Al Bustan Palace has recently undergone a multi-million dollar
refurbishment to both the interior and exterior that only enhances
its well-earned reputation as the “jewel of the Sultanate.”
 Home to visiting heads of state and members of royalty, the
hotel showcases new furnishings that artistically fuse elements
from both local traditions and art deco influences, blending the
richness of Arabian culture, art and history.  Intricate
handcrafted wall coverings and original carvings bring an essential
sense of place to the 26-year resort that was originally built to
host the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit in 1985.

In addition to the 250 spacious rooms and suites - all of which
feature their own private balcony - the hotel offers meeting and
banquet facilities for up to 720 guests, 200 acres of landscaped
gardens and the longest beach in the country.  As the center
of all leisure, cultural and water sport activities in Muscat,
recreational facilities include five swimming pools, a
well-appointed spa, a water sports centre, and a Tennis Village
with four floodlit courts.

Renowned for its dining variety in the city, the hotel’s seven
restaurants and bars include Al Marjan Bistro, featuring
contemporary French cuisine; China Mood, the fine-dining Cantonese
restaurant; Al Khiran Terrace restaurant with multiple-themed
buffets and live cooking stations; and Al Maha Piano Bar, offering
nightly live entertainment.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., of Chevy Chase, Md.,
currently operates 76 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the
Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean. More than 38 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 web site at href="www.ritzcarlton.com/">www.ritzcarlton.com.
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly owned subsidiary
of Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR).

Allison Sitch, +1-301-547-4784, allison.sitch at ritzcarlton.com