Top ten hotel openings in the Middle East 2010 (#4)

Ritz-Carlton DIFC – The development of Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre has been one of those stories that won’t go away. After months of rumours of potential sales, possible buyers and various sums of money, Union Properties agreed to sell the Ritz-Carlton hotel development for less than the asking price of AED1.5bn (US $410m). But behind the stories was a Ritz-Carlton hotel standing 14-storeys high begging to be occupied and that is something worth getting excited about. Epitomising understated luxury, the hotel is finally opening this month. Guests benefit from a direct walkway access to The Gate buildings, and with 341 rooms, the hotel is destined to become a Dubai staple for business travellers. Other reasons to be cheerful include Blue Rain, a signature Thai fine-dining restaurant; Can Can, a French brasserie; the Center Cut steakhouse; Lobby Lounge & Terrace and No 5 Cigar Bar. FAST FACT: The name Ritz-Carlton dates back to the Hotel Ritz Paris and the Carlton Hotel in London, both operated by the legendary hotelier Cesar Ritz.  Click here for full article and photos from Arabian Business.com….