In early November Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia moved to consolidate power, arresting senior princes, the wealthy, and former government leaders under the banner of a new anti-corruption campaign.
The high profile prisoners were held inside the Ritz-Carlton Riyadh. All guests on property were unilaterally kicked out, reservations dishonored. A second Marriott was commandeered by the Saudi government as well.
One of the prisoners there reportedly died from electric shocks that had been administered to him.
Ritz-Carlton Riyadh, Credit: Ritz-Carlton
Here are photos from inside the Ritz-Carlton prison.
These photos confirm our original report, that the Ritz-Carlton Riyadh has indeed become a prison after MBS's purge https://t.co/VpceqWfk6t pic.twitter.com/merF5WRL0I
— Ryan Grim (@ryangrim) November 6, 2017
Several members of the Saudi royal family that had been rounded up and held there were released once “officials negotiated financial settlements.”
Based on searches of Marriott.com it appears the hotel has plans to re-open to guests starting with Valentine’s Day.
And since Saudi Arabia plans to start issuing tourist visas this year you and your special someone can spend that special night together like Saudi royalty… or like the Hainan Airlines passengers delayed on Valentine’s Day two years ago who were put up in an S&M themed hotel in Chongqing City, China.
Passenger described the room on social media site Weibo
New “Chains of Love” promotion to be announced shortly.
“There’s electricity in the air at the Ritz-Carlton Riyadh! Shock that special loved one this Valentines Day.”