Leaders in their field: as part of the 2002 Best Business Hotels in Asia Awards, Business Asia will profile all of the finalist hotels. In this edition, we take a look at Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines and South Korea - Best Business Hotels In Asia Awards - describes hotel buildings, organized by country - Industry Overview

Business Asia, June, 2002

MALAYSIA

JW Marriott Hotel, Kuala Lumpur

Linked to the prestigious Starhill Centre, the JW Marriott Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, is minutes away from internationally acclaimed retail stores. The hotel itself offers 518 guest rooms and 13 flexible meeting room options. These include the Mayangsari Grand Ballroom, which can accommodate up to 1200 people. Supporting the meeting facilities is a business centre which offers a full range of secretarial services. Five food and beverage outlets are available, including the only Chinese restaurant in Kuala Lumpur that specialises in Shanghainese cuisine. For relaxing, a fitness centre and spa are on hand.

Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur

Enjoying a prime location in the heart of the city, the Mandarin Oriental is close to both leisure and business in Kuala Lumpur. Aimed at providing a residential feel, the 643 guestrooms feature all the expected luxuries, as well as in-room technology required by the business traveller. In terms of events, the hotel boasts the largest pillar-less ballroom in the city, which can accommodate up to 1800 guests for a sit down dinner. 16 function rooms are also available, as well as a fully equipped business centre.

The Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur

Situated 10 minutes from the Petronas Twin Towers, the Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur is a club-like boutique hotel with 219 guest rooms and 29 suites. The rooms are large and decorated in traditional Ritz-Carlton style, including 19th and early 20th century genre artwork. Meetings, conferences and intimate events can take place in one of three meeting rooms, or one of three restaurants, with a maximum capacity of 120 persons. Support services are available to assist with such events, including a business centre, technology butler, security services and entertainment. A comprehensive health club and 24-hour gym is available for those who need time out from the work environment.

Shangri-La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur

Surrounded by lush gardens, the Shangri-La Hotel is minutes away from the business and shopping districts of Kuala Lumpur. The hotel boasts ultramodern conference and banquet facilities, including a grand ballroom that is capable of accommodating up to 1800 guests. Another 13 functions rooms are equipped with the latest technology, and the business centre offers a commercial library, four boardrooms and two executive meeting rooms. In terms of accommodation, the hotel has 720 spacious rooms, although a major renovation being completed this year will bring that number down to 671 due to an expansion of Horizon Club facilities.

Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur

Situated in the Golden Triangle of the city, the Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur offers wall-to-wall luxury. The four-storey high lobby atrium is the gateway to 398 rooms, including Club rooms and Executive suites that allow access to the Executive Lounge. Here, guests can enjoy a variety of reading materials and complimentary refreshments. An event planning team is on hand to help with special occasions, as well as state-of-the-art technical equipment. 1000 square feet of floor space is available, allowing for grand events of up to 1000 guests, or smaller meetings.

NEW ZEALAND

The Carlton Hotel, Auckland

The Carlton Hotel is located in the heart of Auckland's financial, arts and cultural district. Meeting facilities include nine conference and banquet rooms, as well as the city's largest ballroom. A business centre incorporates five boardrooms equipped with ISDN lines and modern equipment. The 455 rooms all feature opening windows, and Carlton Floor guests have 24 hour access to the Executive Carlton Club Lounge. Restaurant and bar options vary from casual all-day dining to the Aucklander Bar, where guests can enjoy an international selection of beverages. An indoor heated lap pool, fully equipped gymnasium and sauna are available for relaxation.

The George, Christchurch

This boutique hotel provides guests with tranquil surroundings in the heart of the city. The George offers 57 deluxe rooms and suites with restful views of the nearby park. This setting is also ideal for intimate functions--the hotel caters for groups of eight to 180--and staff are dedicated to successful, individual events. Business meetings can also be conducted in one of the two award-winning restaurants. Pescatore is one of the country's top 10 restaurants, boasting innovative dishes using locally caught seafood.

Inter-Continental, Wellington

Opposite Wellington Harbour, the Inter-Continental Wellington is in an ideal location for both business and leisure. The 232 guest rooms include five business rooms, with all the extras required by the corporate traveller, such as fax, photocopier and secretarial services on request. Eight function rooms and a variety of services and equipment are available for groups of up to 400 guests, and `The Meeting Place' program ensures all needs are met. Fine cuisine can be enjoyed at Chameleon, New Zealand's Restaurant of the Year 2001/02, followed by a stroll around the waterfront.