And the winners are … the votes are in and business travellers across the region have had their say on Asia's best hotels

Business Asia, April, 2008

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Many new hotels have been recognised in this year's awards, and Business Asia recorded the largest number of votes ever recorded in the competition's history.

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Over ten years the best of Asia-Pacific's hotels have been recognised, and this year the Lebua in Bangkok was voted the best overall hotel in Asia. Two hotels have consistently won their national awards, Crown Towers in Melbourne and the Conrad in Hong Kong. The Pan Pacific Kuala Lumpur International Airport won best airport hotel again, and the Ritz-Carlton group, who dominated for so many years, failed to win an award this year.

All winners receive a special trophy from Business Asia, and the 11th annual awards for 2008 will commence in July.

OVERALL BEST BUSINESS HOTEL IN ASIA

WINNER: Lebua at State Tower

Indulgence is the theme running through every aspect of lebua at State Tower, a member of "Small Luxury Hotels of the World" group.

The hotel has been designed to provide each of the 198 elegant suites the most spacious in the whole city with stunning vistas of Bangkok and the Chao Phraya river.

With Bvlgari amenities and 330-thread cotton sheets and French Petrossian caviar in the mini bar, the hotel provides itself on creating an air of exclusivity for its guests. Those staying in a three-bedroom suites will enjoy complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea and evening canapes served to them in-room.

The in-suite cooking option allows guests to entertain in their suite with gourmet meals prepared by Conde Nast--accredited chefs. For those who prefer to eat out, several venues beckon. "The Dome" with its world famous restaurants is located on the 64th floor.

Sirocco, an alfresco restaurant with its sky bar has put Bangkok on the world map of fine wining and dining. It features Mediterranean cuisine. Mezzaluna is the half moon shaped indoor North Italian venue with an elegant open kitchen. Everything is premium about Distil Bar Lounge--the spirits and wines, cigars, its oyster and sushi bar. Breeze, 2007 Conde Nast Traveler award winning restaurant is located on the 52nd floor and promises the finest Asian seafood with spectacular river views.

Cafe Mozu on level M presents a delectable international spread. In all, each experience at lebua defines distinction in the truest and most elegant way possible.

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Facilities

* Fitness centre with gym, sauna, swimming pool, massage rooms and Jacuzzi

* Business centre and banquet facilities " Restaurants and bars

* Tea Lounge

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LEBUA AT STATE TOWER

1055 Silom Road, Bangrak, Bangkok

10500, Thailand.

Tel: (66) 2 624 9999, Fax: (66) 2 624

9998. Email: resvn@lebua.com; Website: www.lebua.com

BEST BUSINESS HOTEL IN AUSTRALIA

WINNER: Crown Towers Hotel Melbourne

Beautifully located on the southern bank of the Yarra River in Melbourne, Crown Towers sets the benchmark for luxury hotels in Australia. Lavishly appointed and offering an impeccable standard of customer service and attention to detail, Crown Towers is a hotel that truly understands the meaning of opulence.

All of Crown Towers' 482 luxuriously appointed oversized guest rooms have spectacular views to the city or Port Phillip Bay and feature a truly unique level of comfort and finish. Each room has the latest in room technology including a 42 inch plasma television.

Located just a short stroll from Melbourne's Central Business District and boasting flexible, purpose built meeting and conference facilities, Crown Towers enables you to conduct business in comfort and style. For those wanting to relax, hotel guests have access to the spectacular Crown Spa, the culinary delights of our superb signature restaurants and the amazing Crown Entertainment Complex with its cinemas, nightclubs, bars, shopping, indoor entertainment theme park and the 24 hour excitement of the world renowned Crown Casino.

Few hotels in the world can match this level of opulence and excitement. If you're seeking luxury in Melbourne, Crown Towers is the hotel for you.

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Crown Towers recently won the Australian Tourism Awards for Luxury Accommodation - one of the highest honours in the Australian Tourism industry. Finalists were winners of the State and Territory Tourism Awards (Crown Towers won the Victorian Tourism Award for Luxury Accommodation and was inducted into the Hall of Fame after winning the award for 3 consecutive years).

Finalists: Four Seasons Sydney, Hilton Sydney, Hotel Lindrum Melbourne, Intercontinental Sydney, Langham Melbourne, Observatory Sydney, Park Hyatt Melbourne, Park Hyatt Sydney, Shangri-la Sydney, The Westin Melbourne, The Westin Sydney

CROWN TOWERS

MELBOURNE

8 Whiteman Street, Southbank

VIC 3006,

Tel: (03) 9292 6868

Fax: 613 9292 6600

Toll Free (within Australia): 1800 811 653

Email: reservations@crowntowers.com.au

www.crowntowers.com.au

BEST BUSINESS HOTEL IN JAPAN

WINNER: From Seasons Tokyo Maranouchi

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Prominently placed in the Marunouchi central business district, adjacent to Tokyo Station, Four Seasons offers a striking, contemporary setting within the landmark glass clad tower of the prestigious Pacific Century Place.