THE Ritz-Carlton, the hotel that at one stage was tipped for demolition without having had one guest, finally celebrates its grand opening this week with a Chinese Lucky Number Programme and the distribution of roses to 1,800 offices in the territory.

The lucky number programme, announced yesterday, offers a 38 per cent discount on published room rates from August 16 to February 28 next year, for the hotel's Park View and Harbour View rooms.

The hotel's general manager, Eric Waldburger, said: ''The offer is being given to show our appreciation for the support and patience that the community and travel industry have demonstrated prior to the hotel's opening.'' The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong is the international hotel company's first property in Asia, and the 29th Ritz-Carlton hotel worldwide.

It is on Connaught Road Central next to the Hong Kong Club.