The Grand Ballroom of The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou Photo: Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou

The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou unveiled its 1,200-square-meter, brand-new, pillarless and state-of-the-art Grand Ballroom on January 6. Almost 400 guests, including consul generals, diplomats and industry partners attended the grand opening.

The 100 million yuan ($14.4 million)project took over 24 months to complete and is definitely a new social icon of Zhujiang New Town. Collectively, The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou features more than 3,300 square meters of banquet and event space, making it a paradise for event planners. It can hold events of all sizes, including board meetings, product launches, corporate and social celebrations, and many other high-profile events. 

Designed by Hong Kong AB Concept International Ltd, the new Grand Ballroom, with a nine-meter-high ceiling, is inspired by the concept of an exquisite Chinese ivory ball. It exudes an elegant blend of contemporary glamour, boldness, and refinement that is further enhanced by the seamless merger of architectural technique and interior design sense.

The overall concept of the new Grand Ballroom is to create a space that speaks for itself when guests enter. The numerous layers of sophisticated crafting and detail effortlessly lend themselves to this concept. The reception area and foyer offer a warm welcome and a relaxing ambiance through a combination of a layered ivory colored settings accentuated with a touch of natural marble, bronze-glazed details, custom lighting, furniture, and carpeting.

A sensual touch of rococo grace is also translated into the design, blending Eastern and Western styles into a space that represents both cultures. The custom-designed patterned walls and ceiling are delicately embroidered with layers of detail and feature intricate fluted and floral patterns that contribute to the sense of exclusivity, understated luxury and symmetrical balance of the room.

The new Grand Ballroom also offers a flexible layout and can be divided into three separate venues for smaller events. A separate VIP room is available within proximity to the Grand Ballroom and offers the most exquisite atmosphere. Floor-to-ceiling windows fill the 635-square-meter foyer space with natural light, making it ideal for pre-function cocktails and wedding receptions. The three venues all have separate entrances, providing convenience and efficiency to guests attending functions.

The ballroom also features advanced, sophisticated audiovisual systems with electronically controlled lighting systems, including LCD projectors in the ceiling, oversized remote-controlled electronic screens, an 80-square-meter high-definition LED screen, and remote-controlled ceiling lighting fixtures to capture the appropriate mood.

The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou has a dedicated conference and banqueting team that ensures that every event held at the hotel is professionally organized and enjoyable.

"The grandeur and elegance of the new Grand Ballroom will enhance the positioning of The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou as the premier choice for prestigious conferences and social events in Zhujiang New Town," said Matthias Vogt, the general manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou. "It was designed to provide the most memorable experiences and unforgettable moments to guests whatever the occasion."