The Ritz-Carlton Naples Reopens After Only 66 day Re-Mastering

SOURCE: The Ritz-Carlton, Naples

NAPLES, FL–(Marketwired – Oct 3, 2013) – The Ritz-Carlton, Naples re-opened its doors on October 1, following the completion of its unprecedented re-mastering — one of the largest refurbishment projects in The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. The work, undertaken this summer, saw a complete overhaul of all 450-guest rooms, suites, and corridors, three dining outlets, Artisans ballroom, as well as various structural, mechanical and engineering upgrades throughout the property. The resort ceased operations for the first time in its 27-year history to complete the project over a two-month period.

“This re-mastering underscores our continued commitment to delivering world-class product and service excellence that exceed our guests’ expectations,” 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. “We look forward to welcoming our guests back to enjoy the sophisticated contemporary style and service excellence expected of an iconic landmark like The Ritz-Carlton, Naples.”

Designed by Wimberly Interiors, a globally recognized leader in hospitality design, the new guest rooms are reminiscent of a luxurious, residential beach home. The allure and beauty of Naples are reflected in the rooms’ aesthetic, fusing hues of warm blues, greens and greys — all inspired by the Gulf of Mexico and its surrounding landscape. The Ritz-Carlton sophistication, style and elegance are also factored in the design, blending clean lines and upscale fabrics to appeal to both traditional and modern senses.

Another component of the re-mastering is the complete refurbishment of two of the resort’s dining options and the bar, which were transformed by Blueplate Studios, a Wilson Associates design studio. The Sushi Bar, now known as Dusk, features an extended balcony, which provides additional outdoor seating and offers stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico. Soft colors, oversized lanterns and an outdoor patio make Dusk ideal for small events and entertainment. The menu includes sushi favorites such as fresh Sashimi, Nigiri and Maki rolls and cleverly crafted cocktails exclusively designed for Dusk.

A new Italian inspired restaurant, Terrazza, will open its doors on November 1, serving three meals a day with a featured highlight being the “Mozzarella Bar,” offering a choice of fresh smoked mozzarella, artisan burrata and traditional buffalo mozzarella. The newly designed space replaces The Terrace, previously featuring continental cuisine, and will now have an open-air-terrace with floor-to-ceiling glass doors that reveal breathtaking preserve views and cool Gulf breezes. The fresh color palette captures the sun-kissed shades of the beach at sunrise, creating an inviting ambiance for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The Grill steakhouse and specialty restaurant features contemporary accents to the furnishings and décor, while retaining its position as a classic establishment. The mahogany touches on the walls and floors, paired with outstanding service and exceptional menu offerings still remain.

The new Artisans, known as a popular venue for large events and weddings in Naples, now boasts a color pallet of soft silvers, whites and light greys and features sparkling chandeliers, mimicking an elegant jewel box. Further restructuring to areas of the floor plan has expanded the room while enhancing access to the resort’s numerous outdoor event venues.

This re-mastering, coupled with the investments over the past several years, including a new lobby and lobby culinary concept, “Bites,” as well as renovations to other public spaces (including 20,000 square feet of Southwest Florida meeting space), solidifies the resort’s reputation as the social center in Naples, providing local guests and visitors with an un-matched level of product and service.

About The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company
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)

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 Condé 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 Tiburón 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 Tiburón and is home to the annual PGA TOUR Franklin Templeton Shootout, hosted in December. The Tiburón 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.