SARASOTA, FL - September 5, 2006 -The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota has been selected as one of the international luxury world’s most exceptional urban escapes in the premiere issue of Robb Report Luxury Hotels, a special annual publication from the editors of Robb Report magazine.

Scheduled to hit newsstands on September 5, Robb Report Luxury Hotels is the essential source for city travelers for whom price is no object. The magazine offers first-hand accounts of exclusive properties from around the world, all meeting or exceeding the highest standards for service, setting, architecture and amenities.

“The publication of Robb Report Luxury Hotels culminates a yearlong effort by our editorial staff members, who identified the best properties in each of nearly 100 cities worldwide,” explains Editor Bruce Wallin.

Spanning 42 countries on six continents, the collection of exclusive properties showcased in Robb Report Luxury Hotels ranges from historic grand dames in Europe to contemporary boutiques in Asia. But each hotel, according to Mr. Wallin, shares at least one common trait: the ability to convey the absolute best of its respective city.

“In addition to exceptional locations, these hotels have staffs that are not only highly focused on guest service, but are also thoroughly knowledgeable about everything that makes their city great,” Mr. Wallin says. “First-rate accommodations, amenities and facilities are a given.”

In selecting only one property for a given city, the editorial staff focused on determining “which property represented the ultimate address for the luxury traveler,” according to Mr. Wallin. “Our objective is to simplify the selection process for the Robb Report reader who is traveling to a city and wants to stay in the absolutely best hotel.”

Included in the Conde Nast Traveler 2006 Gold List and Travel + Leisure Magazine’s 2006 “Top 500 Hotels” in the world, the AAA Five Diamond Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota is located on the beautiful and cultural Gulf-coast of central-west Florida. It is named by Zagat as one of 50 Top Resorts in the U.S., while its free-standing luxury spa has received Mobil’s Four-Star rating again for 2006. The 266-room destination resort offers championship golf, private beach-front facilities, award-winning dining, nearby shopping and fishing and a Ritz-Carlton Club Level featuring its own private lounge and concierge team. The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota may be booked toll-free at 1-800-241-3333 or online at www.ritzcarlton.com.