The Ritz-Carlton Club lounge has a homely feel with an extensive library of books. Photo: Courtesy of Ritz-Carlton

What differentiates Ritz-Carlton hotels and resorts from other luxury competitors in the Asia Pacific region? For many business and leisure travelers, the answer is simple - the special Club accommodation and amenities. Featuring many services and privileges, the Club experience offers guests the comfort, convenience and privacy of a "hotel within a hotel."

Located on the upper floors of each hotel across the region, the Ritz-Carlton Club is not just about luxurious surroundings. The services, including five complimentary food and beverage presentations daily, also provide added value to a stay by solo business travelers or families on vacation. The focal point of the Ritz-Carlton Club is a spacious lounge area, furnished to resemble a comfortable, homely living area and well-stocked with books and a variety of international magazines and newspapers. A dedicated concierge is always on duty to meet any needs from hard-to-get restaurant reservations to assistance with changing airline flights. Only Club members can access the floor by using a special elevator key.

The design and layout of the Club varies from location to location. At the Ritz-Carlton in Hong Kong, guests can enjoy their breakfast while overlooking the island, 116 floors below. For business guests needing a quiet meeting space, a portion of the clubs in the Beijing, Singapore and Shenzhen hotels, offer private rooms with conference tables. In Tokyo, the ambience of the Club can be appreciated by enjoying the floor to ceiling windows which offer exceptional views across the city to snow-topped Mount Fuji. Situated in a classic landmark building, at the Ritz-Carlton Tianjin there is an added sense of home in a Club lounge designed as a spacious, yet intimate apartment.

In-room check-in is a relaxed one-step process and a personal welcome is always guaranteed. Accommodation at the Ritz-Carlton Club includes both deluxe rooms and suites.

The food and beverage selections are one of the prime attractions of staying on the Club level. Afternoon tea is a particular highlight with three-tiers of scones, finger sandwiches and desserts served with an extensive choice of international teas.

When the work or play day is over, the Club invites guests for cocktails and pre-dinner snacks. Extending comforts beyond the Club lounge, guests can request barista-made coffee or loose-leaf tea, served directly to guestrooms within 10 minutes at any hour of the day or night.

For short trips in the vicinity of the hotel, a complimentary chauffeur-driven Club limousine is on stand-by to drive guests from 7 am to 10 pm daily.

When it's time to leave, checking-out of the Club lounge is a breeze, with pre-arranged billing procedures, a personal send-off and a small departure souvenir. 

"The Ritz-Carlton Club experience is part of our commitment to always delight our guests with the finest personal services in a warm, relaxed and refined ambience," said Victor Clavell, Vice President of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, Asia Pacific. 

Global Times