The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis Reveals $500 Martini

To mark the completion of the $1 million renovation of its iconic Lobby Lounge and Bar - built around the theme of "Rhythm and Martinis" - The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis recently introduced the king of all martinis: a martini known as the Grand XIII that sells for $500.

Taking its name from the Louis XIII de Rémy Martin cognac used as the main ingredient, the Grand XIII certainly dwarfs the price of any of The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis' other martinis. And with good reason. A bottle of the cognac costs well over $2,000 and the Grand XIII martini comes in a Waterford crystal glass that each royal subject gets to keep.

Other ingredients of The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis Grand XIII martini are Grand Marnier 150, Veuve Cliquot, and a twist of lemon.

The Lobby Lounge is the St. Louis place to enjoy both the classic martini as well many whimsical but delicious ones, including the Gooey Butter Cake martini - a nod to the savory hometown treat that all native St. Louisans grow up with; the Strawberry Fields Forever martini made with Stoli Strawberry vodka; the Espresso martini offering Godiva chocolate with a shot of espresso, and the Bourbon Bliss martini with Markers Mark.

The Lobby Lounge and Bar $1 million renovation is the first update of the popular gathering space since the luxury hotel opened more than 20 years ago. The new theme, "Rhythm and Martinis," infuses the traditional Ritz-Carlton elegance with renewed energy and the social air of a modern club.

"Our showcase Grand XIII martini is born out of our new Lobby Lounge experience, " said The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis Director of Food and Beverage Sasa Jaramaz. "It perfectly embodies the feel and ambiance of the space. The Waterford crystal personifies traditional refinement and sophistication while adding to the exciting glamour of a truly memorable and unique cocktail."

One guest has already purchased a Grand XIII martini. "She is the inaugural member of a very special club," Jaramaz added.

About The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis

The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis is a four-star, four-diamond hotel with 300 guest rooms and suites and 30,000 square feet of meeting space, located in the heart of Clayton, Mo., at 100 Carondelet Plaza. The property also features The Restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch and Sunday brunch, and The Grill, the hotel's four-diamond signature restaurant. For more information, visit ritzcarlton.com/stlouis

About The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. of Chevy Chase, Md., currently operates 82 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean. More than 30 hotel and residential projects are under development around the globe. The Ritz-Carlton is the only service company to have twice earned the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award which recognizes outstanding customer service. For more information, or reservations, contact a travel professional, call toll free in the U.S. 1-800-241-3333, or visit the company website at www.ritzcarlton.com. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR)