Riyadh's Ritz 'luxury prison' to reopen on February 11

Riyadh's Ritz-Carlton will reopen on February 11, the hotel said yesterday, more than three months after it became a holding place of princes and ministers detained in an anti-corruption purge.

The luxury hotel was closed for business since the unprecedented probe was launched on November 4 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has consolidated his grip on power since his shock appointment as heir to the throne in June.

A hotel receptionist reached by phone confirmed to AFP that room bookings were available from noon on February 11.