Voting opens in hotel awards - 2002 Best Business Hotels In Asia Awards - Brief Article

Business Asia, April, 2002

The Kerry Centre Hotel, Beijing

A new addition to the nominee list, the Kerry Centre Hotel is located within Beijing's business district, 30 minutes from the airport. Each of the 487 rooms and suites is fitted with luxury amenities, particularly so on the Horizon Club floors. The hotel caters for all kinds of functions and allows for gatherings of up to 1500 guests. A range of cuisine is offered, suited to business meetings or more relaxed occasions. The Kerry Sports Centre is an ideal place to unwind after business is over for the day, whether it be in the gym, 35 metre indoor pool, or different sports courts.

The Palace Hotel, Beijing

The exterior of this hotel, which is in walking distance of several Beijing landmarks, is in the style of traditional Chinese architecture. Its 478 rooms and 52 suites feature IDD telephones, individually controlled air-conditioning and marble bathrooms. The luxury is extended further in the Palace Club floors, with an exclusive lounge and a range of amenities and privileges. A business centre operates 18 hours a day, and there are several rooms for function purposes, including the Crystal Ballroom.

The Portman Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai

The Top honour of Best Business Hotel in Asia went to this hotel last year, and the Portman Ritz-Carlton in Shanghai is scheduled to host the 2002 BBHIA awards. The hotel boasts 564 guest rooms, including 446 deluxe rooms, 54 Ritz-Carlton Club rooms, 34 junior suites, 26 executive suites and four Ritz-Carlton suites. The Ritz-Carlton Club has private meeting rooms, an exclusive lounge for private 24-hour check in/out and a dedicated concierge. A variety of banquet and conference rooms are available, supported by a conference services and catering team.

Pudong Shangri-La Shanghai

The 606-room Pudong Shangri-La Shanghai is located in the Lujiazui Finance and Trade Zone of Shanghai, and is close to transport. Offering views of the Bund riverfront and the Orient Pearl TV Tower, the spacious rooms have a minimum floor area of 39 square metres and have modern business facilities such as internet access, dataport and IDD telephone. As well as extensive banquet and meeting facilities, the hotel boasts a fully-equipped, 24-hour business centre, complete with secretarial service.

The St Regis Beijing

The St Regis Beijing is situated in the centre of the city's business, shopping and diplomatic precinct, close to Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and the Silk market. There are 273 guest rooms and suites, and 14 rooms for meetings and conferences of up to 350 people, including a business centre. Formerly the Beijing International Club Hotel, The St Regis offers extensive facilities and services, including a luxury spa, gym, and even a bowling alley.

HONG KONG

Conrad Hong Kong

Defending its title as the 2001 Best Business Hotel in Hong Kong, the Conrad will be difficult to beat. The hotel towers 61 floors above the city's most prestigious shopping and entertainment complex, Pacific Palace. Easily accessible from all parts of Hong Kong, the Conrad boasts 467 guest rooms and 46 suites, including 81 executive rooms with luxury facilities and special amenities. For conferences, there are several rooms for smaller functions, and an 8242 square feet Grand Ballroom offering column-free visibility and excellent acoustics.