Ritz-Carlton to assume Management of The St. Regis Fort Lauderdale

Ritz-Carlton has reached agreement with ownership group Castillo Grand, L.L.C. to assume management of The St. Regis Fort Lauderdale, a 192-room oceanfront hotel, which also includes lavish private residences, on the beaches of Florida’s scenic Gold Coast. The management transition will be effective August 11, 2008, with The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale becoming the tenth location in the state for the company.

Open since May 2007, the resort was designed by Miami-based architectural firm Arquitectonica. Interiors were created by the noted decorators Hirsch-Bedner. The 24-story building stands out for its white curvilinear exteriors, inspired by the grand ocean liners of another era and whimsical murals reminiscent of famed French painter Jean Cocteau. In addition to the 192 guest rooms, the hotel includes eight oceanfront suites and 20 suites overlooking the Intracoastal waterway. Room décor is casually elegant in tones of cream, yellow, and beige. Vintage black and white photos evoking the Fort Lauderdale of the 1940’s accent the spacious rooms. A range of modern services from wireless access to LCD televisions and in-room fax, copier and printing offer guests every convenience.

The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale will provide owners with a range of personalized services, including the opportunity to avail themselves of housekeeping, catering, in-room dining, concierge, and other amenities provided by the resort staff.

Meeting and special event space at The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale totals 14,000 square feet, including two ballrooms and an Executive Boardroom, all equipped with state-of-the-art wireless technology and features. The 29,000 square foot tropical pool deck features exclusive cabanas, a bar and grill for casual dining, and a convenient skywalk connecting to the beach. For the ultimate in pampering and relaxation, the resort’s spa and fitness center complex offer a range of services and treatments, as well as workout equipment and choice of classes from yoga to spinning.

Dining choices at The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale currently include the Cero Restaurant, a three meal a day facility with al fresco oceanfront dining. In The Lobby Bar, a 16-foot high ceiling with a hand-painted mural of Neptune, provides a relaxing setting for refreshments and cocktails. In addition to the pool bar, The Wine Room, stocked with an extensive collection, is open for private events.

Located at One North Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard, the resort is less than seven miles from The Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport.

Castillo Grand Managing Partner, Fred B. Bullard, Jr. and Gregory Morris, Chief Operating Officer, representing fellow partners Clayton McNeel, Roy M. Speer, Dr. John Barnett and Barbara Santangelo said, “The Ritz-Carlton brand represents the ultimate in luxury, which is what Castillo partners have committed to the Fort Lauderdale area. With more coveted Mobil Five Star and American Automobile Association (AAA) Five Diamond ratings than any other hospitality company, The Ritz-Carlton reputation for professionalism and attention to detail is obviously why they have achieved such a great reputation. We are very pleased to be working with The Ritz-Carlton and look forward to making the resort an icon of relaxed elegance and superb service.”

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