Chevy Chase, MD - The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., the leader in global luxury hospitality, has announced plans for its first location in India. The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore, a 250-room, five-star property, will open in the nation’s third-largest city in 2012.

“India represents the next great international expansion opportunity for The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company,” said Simon F. Cooper, president and chief operating officer. “We are especially pleased that our initial presence will be in Bangalore, a city whose thriving economy has made it the Silicon Valley of the nation. “Nitesh Estates, the Bangalore-based developer, has committed to building a world-class hotel in the heart of the city’s central business district,” he added.

Nitesh Shetty, managing director, Nitesh Estates said, “We are delighted that The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company will be entering the Indian market in association with us. We hope to continue this partnership in other cities, as well.” Nitesh Estates, headquartered in Bangalore, is a leading property-development company with luxury apartments, office buildings and retail space in its portfolio.

The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore will offer several restaurants, extensive meeting and events space, a luxurious spa and outdoor swimming pool, and an entire floor dedicated to high- end retail store boutiques. In addition to spacious rooms and suites, the hotel will include The Ritz-Carlton Club, a private floor accessible only by elevator key and offering light fare and dedicated concierge service throughout the day. Wimberly Allison Tong & Goo will be the architect and Hotel Interior Design Peter Silling will be the interior designer for the hotel.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. of Chevy Chase, Md., (USA) currently operates 71 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Over 30 projects are currently underway with openings planned for China, Japan, Russia, Ireland, Dallas, and Denver in 2007. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company is the only hospitality company to have twice earned the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, which recognizes outstanding customer service. For more information contact The Ritz-Carlton toll free reservations at 1 (800) 241-3333, your travel consultant or visit www.ritzcarlton.com.