Ritz’s Suite Deal Comes With a Mercedes 600SL

For the ultimate two-night fantasy at the seaside Ritz-Carlton in Dana Point, better bring cash and credit cards.

Creating what appears to be the most expensive promotion ever in the resort industry, the Ritz is offering a weekend stay for three couples--at $500,000.

Those with an urge to splurge can arrive by stretch limousine; sleep in ocean-view suites with at least two balconies; attend a caviar and champagne reception overlooking the Pacific; dine on a five-course custom-designed menu followed by an after-dinner cognac, Remy-Martin XIII, about $225 per glass; smoke $40 Cohiba cigars with expert Richard Carleton Hacker; and sip three 1989 first-growth Bordeauxs, costing as much as $3,000 per bottle, from Riedel wine crystal.

But here’s the clincher: Each couple can drive away in a new $130,000 Mercedes-Benz 600SL, theirs to keep. Matter of fact, take the wineglasses too.

Listed in Robb Report’s 14th Annual Gift Guide, a catalog featuring the creme de la creme of outlandish tastes, is the Ritz’s package. So far the high-priced publicity stunt has attracted two callers, but no takers.

Still, as memory fades of the recession that made flaunting passe, the shameless selling of such a package shows that affluence, or the appearance of it, is once again in style.

“People are in a mood to spend,” Ritz spokeswoman Suzanne Willis said. Last year, the Ritz created the “Ultimate Dinner Party” for 12, which included an overnight stay in suites and champagne, for $48,000. No one has bought that deal either.

So this year, as consumer confidence surged and the bull market raged, the Ritz added the cars and upped the ante. But will even the filthy rich blow $500,000 for a weekend? Willis thinks so and believes the Ritz is simply ahead of the curve in sating the nouveau opulence.