The Final Word In Style And Substance - Brief Article - Statistical Data Included

Business Asia, July, 2000

In this edition, we profile finalists from Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand in the Best Business Hotels in Asia Awards

SINGAPORE

Conrad International Centennial

Located adjacent to the Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre and near 1.5 million square feet of retail shopping space at the Millenia Walk, the Conrad International Centennial is the ideal place for corporate and leisure travellers. The hotel's 509 rooms are spread over 31 floors. All rooms have data ports for fax machines and computers, voice mail and international direct dial (IDD) phones. The business centre is fully staffed and open 24 hours a day.

Four Seasons Hotel Singapore

From its oversized marble bathrooms to its air-conditioned tennis courts, the Four Seasons Hotel Singapore has spared no expense for its guests. All 257 rooms and 43 suites contain an in-room safe, two telephones, voice mail, a modem phone jack and in-room exercise equipment (available upon request). The business centre provides photocopying, faxes, secretarial services, translation and cell phones.

Grand Hyatt Singapore

Situated at the heart of the Orchard Road district, Singapore's famous shopping area, the Grand Hyatt Singapore is 10 minutes away from the central business district and 30km from Changi International Airport. The hotel offers its guests the choice of staying in the 427-room Grand Wing or the 266-room terrace wing. All rooms feature hands-free dual telephone lines, voice mail and a personal safe. The Grand Wing rooms are all suites and have separate living areas and bedrooms.

JW Marriott Singapore

Transportation won't be a problem for guests at the JW Marriott Singapore. The 30-storey, 392-room hotel is located in Orchard Road directly above a subway station that is three stops away from Singapore's business district. Standard in all guest rooms are features such as a work desk with lamp, two-line phone with voice mail, in-room safe and satellite news channels: Computers and printers are also available upon request.

Raffles Hotel

Raffles Hotel, a Singapore national monument and undoubtedly one of the most famous hotels in the world, continues to provide guests with the best in modern luxury mixed with old-world charm. The hotel has 103 suites, including the Personality Suites, which were named and themed after some of the hotel's most renowned patrons, including Joseph Conrad, Charlie Chaplin and Noel Coward. If you are not working in Raffles' business centre, corporate travellers can indulge themselves by using facilities such as the Jubilee Hall Theatre Playhouse, and the Raffles Culinary Academy.

Ritz-Carlton Millenia

Last year's winner of the Best Business Hotel in Asia is back again this year. The Ritz-Carlton Millenia, located at Marina Centre, will also host this year's awards ceremony. Corporate guests have long been a focus for the Ritz-Carlton Millenia, with special services including "in-residence" business cards and stationery, a full-service business centre with secretaries, fax machines in suites, and private meeting rooms for rent. All 608 of the hotel's rooms, 19 one-bedroom suites and three two-bedroom suites have large marble bathrooms.

Shangri-La Hotel

Set on 15 acres of lush gardens, the Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore, offers its guests the choice of staying in three different wings -- the tropical feel of the Garden Wing, classic refinement in the Valley Wing and elegant splendour in the Tower Wing. All the rooms feature in-room safes, IDD telephones, data ports and a butler call system. Guests staying at the Garden and Valley Wings also have an in-room fax machine. Other guest services include a 24-hour business centre.

SOUTH KOREA

Grand Hyatt Seoul

This 605-room hotel is set among 18 acres of landscaped gardens and offers panoramic views of Seoul. All rooms have IDD phones, an in-room safe and private bath. Guest recreational amenities include tennis courts, pool, spa and an outdoor skating rink in winter. The hotel has a fully equipped business centre.

Hotel Intercontinental Seoul

Located in the Korea Exhibition and World Trade Centre, the Hotel Intercontinental Seoul has a total of 597 guest rooms, all of which have fax modem connections, on-command video, voice mail messaging and an in-room safe. As well as a business centre, the hotel has 16 function rooms, including two ballrooms and 14 smaller meeting rooms.

The Ritz-Carlton, Seoul

The Ritz-Carlton Seoul, situated in the busy Kangnam business district, prides itself on quality and luxury, with all of its rooms having internet access, in-room safe and impressive views of the surrounding city. Those wanting a higher level of service will find all they need in the exclusive Ritz-Carlton Club, which gives guests five complimentary food servings a day, access to the club suite and concierge services.

The Shilla, Seoul

Surrounded by 23 acres of gardens, the hotel has in-room safes, voice mail, dual line telephones and computer jacks as standard in all of its 511 guest rooms. Those staying in Executive Floors receive express check-in/out, complimentary meals and in-room faxes. The hotel's business centre has everything the travelling executive needs, including secretarial services, office equipment rentals, lounge services and meeting rooms.