The five-star stars - award winning hotels in various countries - Brief Article

Business Asia, Sept, 2000

OTHER FINALISTS

Parkroyal Wellington
Quay West Auckland
Carlton Hotel, Auckland
The Heritage Auckland Hotel

BEST BUSINESS HOTEL IN PHILIPPINES

Winner: Mandarin Oriental Manila

The news

A "value-added" approach to running a hotel is one of the factors behind the Mandarin Oriental Manila's country category victory. As an example, American Express has tied up with the Mandarin for a promotion in which cardholders are entitled to premium items that will automatically be given to them upon payment of the bill at the hotel. Stay-in card members who book in the hotel using the local residents' rate and with a minimum billing of 6000 pesos (US$136) will get an instant premium prize. Combinations of room and food and beverage charges are allowed. For walk-in card members, a minimum purchase of 4000 pesos at any of the participating outlets also wins prizes. The promotion runs until September 30.

The hotel

The Mandarin continues to impress corporate travelers and is a finalist in the Best Business Hotels in Asia Awards for the third successive year. The hotel's 448 guest rooms and 27 suites have luxurious marble bathrooms. Those staying at the Mandarin Oriental Club levels are given extra amenities and services, including fax machines in their rooms, complimentary meals and use of boardrooms. The hotel can cater for any event thanks to its 15 function rooms.

OTHER FINALISTS

Hotel Inter-Continental Manila
Makati Shangri-La
New World Renaissance Hotel
The Peninsula Manila

BEST BUSINESS HOTEL IN SOUTH KOREA

Winner: The Ritz-Carlton, Seoul

The news

The Ritz-Carlton Seoul steals the Korea country category this year from the Grand Hyatt Seoul -- a mighty achievement given the Hyatt's formidable reputation in Seoul. The Ritz has been extra popular in recent months courtesy of its 2000 Summer Package, which guarantees its guests maximum comfort and relaxation and the free use of facilities such as the fitness centre and pool, plus 10 per cent discount in any of the hotel's restaurants. The hotel sector seems to be on the mend in Seoul after the debilitating effects of the economic crisis -- and the Ritz is one of the industry's standouts.

The hotel

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 can opt for the exclusive Ritz-Carlton Club, which gives guests five complimentary food servings a day, access to the club suite and concierge services.

OTHER FINALISTS

Grand Hyatt Seoul
Hotel Inter-Continental Seoul
The Shilla, Seoul
The Westin Chosun

BEST HOTEL CONFERENCE FACILITIES IN ASIA & BEST BUSINESS HOTEL IN THAILAND

Winner: The Peninsula, Bangkok

The news

The Peninsular is a dual winner this year, taking out the all-important new conferences facilities category, plus the Thailand category win. The former category was included this year to recognise its importance to recovering Asia. During the recent crisis, business travel plummeted and the conferences-and-conventions market slowed. However, outstanding business hotels such as The Peninsular are in demand again. Singapore is one of the main beneficiaries of conference travel, but hotels such as The Peninsula are keen to garner an increasing share of the Asia-Pacific market.