Ritz-Carlton Set for First Property in Israel

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The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company will open its first property in Israel at the end of 2013, the company announced. 

The Ritz-Carlton Herzliya is located north of Tel Aviv, the country's financial center, and will be the first global luxury branded hotel in the country, according to Ritz Carlton. 

Located on the marina with views to the Mediterranean, the 12-story property was designed by Rani Ziss Architects Ltd. and New York-based interior design firm Studio Gaia with lobby and restaurant concepts by Israeli studio Gad Halperin. 

The 197-room Ritz-Carlton Herzliya includes 82 suites with balconies and sea views. The hotel features a roof-top swimming pool, spa and fitness center, a rooftop panoramic bar and 4,500 square feet of meeting space with views of the Marina. The property is less than an hour away from the holy city of Jerusalem and will include kosher kitchens, and a synagogue.  

Earlier this year, Ritz-Carlton announced the expansion of its North Africa portfolio with two new properties in Morocco.