Time to choose top Asian hotel

Business Asia, August 30, 1999

* Voting is continuing for the Best Business Hotels in Asia Awards. In the next few editions of Business Asia, the finalists for each country will be profiled. In this edition we examine the finalists from the Philippines, Singapore and South Korea. Votes can be registered on the coupon below or via Internet on: www.charlton.com.au

PHILIPPINES

Hotel Inter-Continental Manila

This year marks the 30th birthday of the Hotel Inter-Continental, and it continues to impress business and leisure travellers. The hotel was one of the first in Asia to have Internet access in all rooms through the television. Other business services include specially designed business rooms, a 24-hour business centre, convention and conference facilities, and the Club Inter-Continental.

Mandarin Oriental Manila

Located in the heart of Makati, the business and commercial district of Manila, the Mandarin Oriental is a five-minute ride to shopping centres and is 10 kilometres from the airport. The hotel has a 24-hour business centre with facsimile, Internet/email access and secretarial services, and a fully equipped gym and sauna. All 448 of the Mandarin's guestrooms feature a marble bathroom with telephone extension, a safe and voice mail.

New World Renaissance Hotel Makati City

The New World can be found in the heart of Makati City and is just a stone's throw away from major shopping areas, art galleries and top business addresses. The hotel has 600 rooms and three Renaissance Club levels. Faxes and data ports can be found in Renaissance rooms, while all rooms have safes and international direct-dialling phones.

Makati Shangri-La Manila

The Makati Shangri-La prides itself on treating its business guests as kings, with many services and amenities tailored specifically for the corporate traveller. The hotel has a 24-hour business centre, which has photocopying, secretarial, translating and courier services as well as private offices for rent. Several function rooms are available, many of which have a Simultaneous Interpretation System.

The Peninsula Manila

Situated in the financial and commercial hub of the city, the Peninsula is a favourite meeting place for many of Manila's elite. All 500 rooms have fax machines, a working desk, electronic safe, international direct dialling and cable/satellite television. The hotel's business centre is open 24 hours day.

SINGAPORE

Conrad International Centennial

Ideally located in Marina South, the hotel is a 10-minute drive from the central business district, 15 minutes from the airport and a 10-minute walk to the nearest train station. The 31-storey hotel features speaker phones with direct international dialling in all rooms as well as a writing desk with desk organiser, fax and computer facilities.

Grand Hyatt

The Grand Hyatt was previously the Hyatt Regency but was renamed last year after major renovations and an upgrade of facilities. The hotel's facilities are at the cutting edge of technology, with the CyberHotel Network a system which combines data broadcasting and Internet services via televisions, installed in 100 guest rooms. The well-equipped business centre provides translation services, couriers, library facilities and computers.

Singapore Marriott Hotel

The Singapore Marriott, a renowned landmark on the corner of Scotts and Orchard roads, is in the heart of Singapore's business district and is right above the Orchard Mass Rapid Transit station. All 373 guest rooms and 19 suites have voice-mail facilities, in-room safes and interactive televisions that enable guests to view messages, check bills and arrange checkout. The hotel has a 24-hour business centre.

Raffles Hotel

This national monument is busily gearing up to welcome the turn of the century, the second time in its 112-year history. Guests at Raffles are treated to a piece of old-world comfort, with the rooms and suites featuring grand arches and ceiling fans. A comprehensive range of business services is available to guests around the clock through the hotel's business centre, including typing, photocopying and dictation.

Shangri-La Hotel

For nearly a quarter of a century, Shangri-La Hotel Singapore has been committed to delivering international standards of quality with an Asian feel. All guestrooms have news channels, telephones with international direct dialling, data ports and Internet access. Situated on the hotel's mezzanine level of the Tower Wing, the business centre has three private meeting rooms, four individual work stations and full secretarial services.

The Ritz-Carlton Millennia

The 32-storey hotel has a seven-acre garden and is strategically located in the heart of the Marina Centre, Singapore's new downtown hub. Each room in the hotel has two-line telephones and voice mail, and call forwarding to other areas of the hotel. Suites have their own fax machines.

SOUTH KOREA

Grand Hyatt Seoul

The Grand Hyatt offers stunning views of the surrounding city and is located at the foot of Mt Namsan. Services available to guests include a concierge, safe deposit boxes, satellite channels, and a data port for Internet access and fax machines. The hotel's business centre provides secretarial services, translation and interpretation, a business library and couriers.