RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — The Ritz-Carlton in Riyadh, which has been serving as a prison for royals and ministers detained in a sweeping Saudi corruption probe, will re-open for business in February, sources at the hotel say.
One source, who requested anonymity as he was not authorized to brief the press, says there were “preparations to open in February” but could not give further details.
This file photo taken on May 21, 2017, shows the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in the Saudi capital Riyadh. (AFP Photo/Giuseppe Cacace)
The Ritz-Carlton website now lists rooms as available from February 14.
A hotel employee reached by phone also confirms to AFP that bookings were available as of mid-February.
Asked why there were no bookings currently available, the employee says local authorities “had the whole hotel (booked) for them.”
The hotel has been closed for business and its phone line disconnected since early November, when more than 200 princes, ministers and businessmen were rounded up in an anti-corruption purge.
— AFP
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