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Reports: Ritz-Carlton Riyadh Being Used as Jail for Saudi Princes

Nov. 05, 2017
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2 min read
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Reports: Ritz-Carlton Riyadh Being Used as Jail for Saudi Princes
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Saudi Arabia launched a high-profile "anti-corruption" crackdown overnight on Saturday, arresting 11 princes and 38 former government ministers, deputies and businessmen, according to ABC News. Among those arrested include Saudi billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, who is a noteworthy investor in US companies such as Twitter, Apple, Lyft, Citigroup, Four Seasons and Fairmont.

The New York Times also reported that a private airport used by princes and businessmen had been closed by the Saudi government to prevent further targets of the raid from escaping the country. While the Saudi government is hailing these sweeping arrests as part of an anti-corruption reformation, some Middle East observers say the actions are a cover for a consolidation of power by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Where are the accused being held? Well, they aren't in any ordinary jail:

The Ritz-Carlton Riyadh is a Tier 1 property with prices starting at $275 per night. Standard deluxe rooms at the hotel normally feature air conditioning, a marble bathroom, a 37" flat screen television and touch screen controls.

Photo by Ritz-Carlton.

Calls to the Ritz-Carlton Riyadh on Sunday failed to connect on three different attempts, and Ritz-Carlton's online reservations system shows no check-in dates available though the end of November:

Three phone agents at Marriott reservations were unaware of any situation at the hotel, but the first available night found by all three agents was December 1. A Marriott spokesperson told TPG that "‘As a matter of guest privacy, we do not discuss the guests or groups with whom we do business or who may be visitors of the hotel."

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If you have a reservation for the Ritz-Carlton Riyadh anytime soon, you're going to want to call Marriott about your options.

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Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

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  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.