The original investors behind this hotel got the usage of the name Ritz-Carlton before the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company was formed. They approached Isadore Sharp, who at that point did not have any hotels in the US, to manage it for them. This was his first hotel in the US. Then, of course, Four Seasons Chicago was opened and they could hardly turn the R-C Chicago into Four Seasons Part 1, so we are left with the name. Maybe one day it will change. Everyone at Four Seasons wishes it would as it is a real headache to market!