Ritz Carlton has announced plans for its first location in Bangalore, India.

The five-star property with 250-rooms will open in the nation's third-largest city by early 2010.

"India represents the next great international expansion opportunity for The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company," said Simon F. Cooper, president and chief operating officer. "We are especially pleased that our initial presence will be in Bangalore, a city whose thriving economy has made it the Silicon Valley of the nation. "Nitesh Estates, the Bangalore-based developer, has committed to building a world-class hotel in the heart of the city's central business district," he added.

Nitesh Shetty, managing director, Nitesh Estates said, "We are delighted that The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company will be entering the Indian market in association with us. We hope to continue this partnership in other cities, as well." Nitesh Estates, headquartered in Bangalore, is a leading property-development company with luxury apartments, office buildings and retail space in its portfolio.

The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore will offer several restaurants, extensive meeting and events space, a luxurious spa and outdoor swimming pool, and an entire floor dedicated to high- end retail store boutiques.

In addition to spacious rooms and suites, the hotel will include The Ritz-Carlton Club, a private floor accessible only by elevator key and offering light fare and dedicated concierge service throughout the day. Wimberly Allison Tong & Goo will be the architect and Hotel Interior Design Peter Silling will be the interior designer for the hotel.