Ritz Carlton: This Riyadh hotel has suddenly become world's most exclusive

The gates are shut, the phone line is perpetually busy and you can’t book a room until February 1.

The Riyadh Ritz-Carlton has suddenly become very exclusive — and by popular account, a luxury prison. Earlier this week, just as Saudi Arabia declared an anti-corruption purge that targeted some of the kingdom’s wealthiest and most powerful men, guests were booted out and reservations were cancelled. Travel agents were told the palatial compound had been taken over for government use.

Saudis gleefully shared screenshots showing the hotel as fully booked, because word was that the VIP detainees — including billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, 10 other princes, four ministers and dozens of former officials and businessmen — were being held there. People have been quipping about who’s going to be added to the “Ritz guest list.” The government’s Center for International Communication did not respond to a request for comment on where the detainees are being held.

Just weeks ago, the hotel hosted some of the world’s top officials and businessmen for an investment conference dubbed “Davos in the desert.” On a typical day, the lobby is an informal salon of government officials, consultants and prominent businessmen who hobnob over high tea in halls decorated with leaping bronze horses and pastel trimmings in the style of Louis XIV gone wild. Guests who float in the extravagant indoor pool — male-only — look up at a painted blue sky dotted with clouds.

But on Sunday, the property was shut tight, its massive gates uncharacteristically closed, without a security guard in sight. The hotel’s main phone line has played a busy tone all week. A duty manager reached on a mobile number said the hotel was closed and he had no further information. Marriott, which operates the hotel, declined to comment, citing guest privacy. Whoever has booked the entire hotel must have decided they need more time.