Ritz Carlton Riyadh to reopen for bookings following crackdown on Saudi Arabian elites

THE “gilded prison”, home to Saudi Arabian elites, will soon open for bookings following reports of horrifying treatment inside.

THE luxury five star hotel transformed into a “gilded prison” for Saudi Arabian elites is set to reopen after collecting a reported US$100 billion (A$125 billion) from those held there.

The Ritz Carlton in Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh, was commandeered by officials on November 4 when more than 200 elites including 11 princes as well as businessmen and officials were rounded up and taken inside the hotel.

At the time, amateur video showed moments of confusion inside the luxury space. The swoop came under the orders of Saudi Arabia’s new Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman who said it was a crackdown on corruption, money laundering and abuse of power in the country. Critics labelled it a vicious crackdown on political rivals.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel in the Saudi capital Riyadh will reopen in time for Valentine’s Day. Picture: AFP PHOTO / GIUSEPPE CACACE

The glitzy hallway of the hotel. Picture: AFP PHOTO / GIUSEPPE CACACE

The hotel will reopen for bookings but travellers are advised to book at their own risk. Picture: AFP PHOTO / FAYEZ NURELDINE

The luxury hotel that was home to President Trump and former President Obama when they stayed in Riyadh features huge “royal suites” with views of the city, garden and fountains.

There is an ornate lobby, deluxe restaurants, a glittering pool and day spa. However it was reportedly turned into a prison for those held there, with claims people were hung upside down and beaten, according to local media reports. One officer died in mysterious circumstances in December.

Since November, many of those detained have been gradually released in exchange for substantial payments. Middle East Monitor claims Saudi authorities sought between $100 billion — $300 billion (A$125 billion — $376 billion) throughout the ordeal, including up to 70 per cent of a person’s wealth in some cases.

Saudi authorities told the BBC’s Lyce Doucet that 95 per cent of people were willing to make a deal. Prince Miteb bin Abdullah was released after more than three weeks after being ordered to pay more than US$1 billion ($A1.25 billion) officials said. Other media reports suggest the purge saw 1200 bank accounts frozen with some of those held told: “Cough up the cash and you will go home.”

Authorities reportedly demanded US$6 billion from Prince Alwaleed bin Talal who is one of the world’s richest men. Picture: AFP PHOTO / Amer HILABI

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman orchestrated the crackdown on elites which he claims is anti-corruption. Critics claim it’s a power grab against rivals. Picture: AFP PHOTO / FAYEZ NURELDINE

It’s believed around 60 people are still being held including Prince Al-Waleed Bin Talal, who is worth an estimated US$17.6 billion (A$22 billion) and has reportedly rejecting an offer of US$6 billion (A$7.54 billion) for his freedom.

He is now said to be in talks with authorities and is thought to have been moved to a local prison Al Ha’i, south of the city.

A message on the Ritz Carlton website states hotel phone lines remain disconnected until further notice. Booking inquiries show that the hotel is not available until February 14, from when rooms cam be booked at a travellers’s own risk.

A Ritz Carlton spokeswoman said “the hotel is operating under the directive of local authorities and not as a traditional hotel for the time being.”

A call centre employee told AP: “Bookings are available from the 14th of February, but the hotel is not liable if the booking is cancelled. Local authorities might extend the hotel lockout for security reasons,” a call centre employee said.