Voting deadline nears - Asia's business hotel awards

Business Asia, Sept 13, 1999

* Voting is nearing the October 5 deadline for the Best Business Hotels in Asia Awards. In this and the next edition of Business Asia, the remaining finalists for each country will be profiled. In this edition we examine the finalists from Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. Votes can be registered on the coupon on this page or via Internet on www.charlton.com.au

TAIWAN

Grand Formosa Regent

Taipei

The Grand Formosa Regent has 539 rooms and 60 suites, all with working desks, two international direct-dial lines, in-room safes and large marble bathrooms. The hotel offers a 24-hour butler service on each floor and a fully equipped business centre. Meetings are also catered for, with a ballroom and six function rooms accommodating from eight to 1000 people.

The Sherwood

Taipei

The Sherwood is in the heart of Taipei's financial district and is only five minutes' drive from the domestic airport and 15 minutes to the Taipei World Trade Centre. Designed to evoke the feel of an elegant home rather than a hotel, The Sherwood has 350 rooms and 45 suites. Business travellers get 24-hour concierge service, a private health club, in-room safes, a 24-hour business centre, a computer and e-mail access.

The Far Eastern Plaza Hotel

Taipei

Located 45 minutes from the International Airport, the hotel is part of the 43-storey Taipei Metro Complex on fashionable Tun Hwa South Road. The Far Eastern has 422 guest rooms, all of which have two telephone lines, computer and fax ports and electronic safes. The hotel's 24-hour business centre provides secretarial services, translation, computers and two private offices.

Grand Hyatt

Taipei

As part of the Taipei World Trade Centre, the Grand Hyatt is in an ideal position for those attending trade exhibitions and international meetings. Facilities for the corporate traveller include international direct-dial telephones, a large writing desk personal sate and a world time clock. The hotel's business centre has a full range of services, including computers, private work rooms and a business library.

THAILAND

The Sukhothai

Bangkok

Named after the 13th century Thai capital The Sukhothai is set amidst six acres of prime land and scenic gardens in the heart of Bangkok. Built and designed to evoke the ancient style of the ancient Thai kingdom, the hotel's rooms come with cable and satellite channels, an electronic safe and a fax machine. Its business centre has a library, computers and other office equipment.

The Regent

Bangkok

The Regent is located on Rajadamri Road, one of Bangkok's most famous boulevards linking the city's main business, entertainment and cultural districts. The hotel's business centre has bilingual staff and offers private meeting rooms, word processing and translation services.

It also has the "Office on Wheels", a modified Chevrolet Presidential van which has a VCR, TV, computer, fax, telephone and writing table to allow the corporate traveller to work while on the move.

Grand Hyatt Erawan

Bangkok

The 400-room Hyatt hotel has many services aimed specifically at the business traveller: it has two telephone lines in each room and fax machines in suites. The business centre is open 24 hours and has two meeting rooms, Internet access and office equipment rental. For the discerning traveller, the Regency Club offers three floors of exclusive accommodation and access to the Regency Club Lounge.

The Oriental

Bangkok

Founded in 1876, The Oriental is recognised as one of the world's finest hotels and is just 30 minutes away from the airport and 10 minutes from the Bangkok city centre. All 361 rooms and 35 suites have river views and feature international direct-dial telephones. Business travellers have access to the business centre, which has translation, fax, Internet and secretarial services.

Shangri-La Hotel

Bangkok

Set on the banks of the Chao Phraya (River of Kings), the Shangri-La mixes modern western decor with Thai decorative motifs. The hotel's Horizon Club offers 24-hour butler service and a private lounge. Corporate facilities include a business centre and a range of meeting rooms offering state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment and lighting.

Westin Banyan Tree

Bangkok

Business travellers are foremost in the minds of the management of the Westin Banyan Tree, with all 216 suites having skyline views, separate sleeping and working areas, a king-size bed and a large desk The hotel's business centre has the complete range of secretarial and business services including boardrooms, two private offices for rent a business library and computers.

VIETNAM

The Hilton Hanoi Opera

Hanoi

The Hilton Hanoi Opera, located near the Hoan Kiem Lake in the midst of the city's business district and commercial centre, has 269 rooms spread over seven floors. Room amenities include in-room safes, a working desk, telephones with voice-mail and Internet access. A full range of business facilities is provided, including personal computers with the latest business programs.

Those who desire a higher level of service can upgrade to the Executive Level, which provides separate registration and Executive Lounge access.