LONDON, UK. November 17th , 2016 – From charming roof top markets overlooking imperial Vienna to building 'sandmen' on the beaches of the Caribbean, The Ritz-Carlton showcases festive celebrations diverse enough to suit both wintry traditionalists and those looking for a sunnier holiday season.

The Ritz-Carlton, Vienna, Austria

Vienna transforms in the winter months, revelling in festive spirit. The holiday celebrations start with the opening of the revered Christmas markets and The Ritz-Carlton, Vienna, is renowned for being home to the loftiest in the city.  Situated on the roof of the iconic building, high above the rooftops, it provides an unsurpassed view over the old town and majestic ring boulevard, the perfect outlook from which to enjoy mulled wine and Viennese treats.  With its markets, ice rinks and choral performances, the city is one of the most festive in the World, and able to convert even the more stalwart Grinch.

Room rates start from €289 (Approx £248) per room per night. To book please visit www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/europe/vienna to book or call +43-1-31188

The Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia, USA

The newly renovated Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia, set in an iconic bank building and minutes away from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, also celebrates the delights of gingerbread, which was originally introduced from Germany in the 13th Century.  With decorating classes held for children throughout the festive season, participants are also provided with a chef's hat and apron, to set them on the path to master baker, before settling down to an evening of Christmas story telling.

Room rates start at $254 (pprox £204) per room per night. To book please visit www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/philadelphia or call +1-215-523-8000

The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, USA

For those looking for a snowy Christmas, guests at The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch can enjoy their own Ski Concierge, who ensures the best experience, from having equipment ready on time, to cleaning down skis at the end of a long day en piste! As well as this, guests are welcomed by Bachelor, the resident canine at the resort. Bachelor's role at the dog-friendly property includes welcoming hotel guests and their own furry friends and assisting on guided hikes through Beaver Creek and the stunning Colorado Rockie Mountains with the hotel's resident Naturalist “Ranger Jackie”.

Room rates start at $175 (approx. £140) per room per night. To book please visit http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/colorado/bachelor-gulch or call +1-970-748-6200

The Ritz-Carlton, St Thomas, British Virgin Islands

Whilst landlubbers may choose to enjoy the hotel's 30 acre tropical estate, where better to enjoy the 25th December than sailing a luxury 53-foot catamaran on Christmas Cove?  The Ritz-Carlton, St Thomas, offers a unique and memorable experience with Santa Claus himself joining in the festivities on-board.  With the cove being named after Christopher Columbus who landed there on Christmas Day over 500 years ago, today it provides a safe haven from which to enjoy exemplary snorkelling amongst the coral or a simple celebratory holiday lunch of freshly caught lobster.

Room rates start at $440 (approx. £354) per room per night. To book please visit www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/caribbean/st-thomas or call +1-340-775-3333

The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, USA

Of course, it's not all about the gingerbread. For those whose tastes lay elsewhere, The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, with its spectacular mountain-side location, has a specialist Marshmologist, who is eager to teach the history of marshmallows and their traditional ingredients, whilst sharing s'mores around the hotel's glowing fire pit.  Perfect relaxation after a strenuous day's skiing or hiking in the surrounding hills.  Consistently named one of the best family-friendly ski resorts, The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, with its ski-in / ski-out access to Northstar California and mountain concierge service, is the ideal environment for all of the family to hone their winter sport skills.

Room rates start at $234 (approx. £188) per room per night. To book please visit http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/california/lake-tahoe or call +1-530-562-3000

The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, USA

Continuing the Christmas culinary theme, The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, delights adults and children alike with its larger-than-life edible gingerbread house with its own working fireplace and styled interior. With ingredients including over fifty pounds of cinnamon and ten pounds of nutmeg, the festively fragrant edible house can also be used as a unique private dining room for up to six guests, who can enjoy a specially curated menu, in an extraordinary fable-like setting.  Set majestically beside the Sonoran Desert, an area known for its pristine, dark, skies, The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, is also the perfect vantage point from which to keep an eye out for Santa Clause's arrival, whilst stargazing.

Room rates start at $195 (approx. £157) per room per night. To book please visit http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/arizona/dove-mountain or call +1-520-572-3000

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About The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC

About The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., of Chevy Chase, MD., currently operates more than 90 hotels in over 30 countries and territories.  More than 40 hotel and residential projects are under development around the globe. The Ritz-Carlton is proud to offer The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® in which members can link accounts with Marriott Rewards® and Starwood Preferred Guest® for instant elite status matching and unlimited points transfer. For more information or reservations, visit the company web site at www.ritzcarlton.com, for the latest company updates, visit news.ritzcarlton.com and to join the live conversation, use #RCMemories.  The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR).