Last chance to cast your vote: voting for the 2002 Best Business Hotels in Asia Awards closes on 22 August, so readers only have a few weeks left to put in their choices for Asia's top hotels. In this edition, we profile the finalists for Vietnam, the Best New Hotel category, and the Best Airport Hotel category - Best Business Hotels In Asia Awards

Business Asia, August, 2002

VIETNAM

The Caravelle Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City

Centrally located in Ho Chi Minh City's business, shopping and entertainment district, The Caravelle Hotel prides itself on offering traditional refinement that reflects the city, combined with modern luxury. Executive services include the Signature Floor and lounge, where guests can enjoy extra privileges such as late check-out until 6pm, complimentary buffet breakfast and fruit basket, international newspapers and magazines, and the use of a private conference room for one hour daily. A fully equipped business centre is also available for the use of the working traveller. When work is done, there are a variety of bars and restaurants in which to unwind.

Hilton Hanoi Opera

Adjacent to the famous opera house from which the hotel gets its name, the Hilton Hanoi Opera is within walking distance to major office buildings, government ministries and shopping areas. The 269 guest rooms on seven floors combine classic French architecture with locally produced furniture, original paintings and embroideries. Business needs are met with a business centre, two executive floors, clubroom lounge, and an executive boardroom, as well as a dedicated conference floor. This floor includes a ballroom accommodating up to 650 guests, and five private function rooms.

Hotel Sofitel Metropole Hanoi

Located in Old Hanoi, the 232-room Sofitel Metropole Hanoi is close to the Opera House and a number of other historical sites, In terms of the business traveller, the hotel features five meeting rooms, with a maximum capacity of 250 guests, These are backed up by a business centre and catering facilities. Alternative meeting places include three bars and two restaurants located within the hotel, ranging from French cuisine to regional delicacies. Other facilities include an outdoor unheated pool, jacuzzi and sauna.

Hotel Sofitel Plaza Saigon

In the heart of Ho Chi Minh City's business and diplomatic district, the Hotel Sofitel Plaza Saigon is on a tree-lined boulevard ideal for the pedestrian. The hotel boasts 290 elegantly furnished rooms equipped with five-star amenities, with the convenience of 24-hour room service. A number of options exist for business functions, accommodating a maximum number of 550 guests. For more informal meetings, there is also the lobby lounge with an open terrace overlooking the boulevard, the French and international brasseries, or L'Olivier Restaurant offering cuisines from south-east France. A poolside bar on the rooftop is also available to relax and unwind.

BEST NEW HOTEL

Four Seasons Hotel, Shanghai

The Four Seasons Hotel comprises of 443 spacious guest rooms, including 79 suites. The business traveller is catered for with in-room fax, high-speed internet and modern phone jack, as well as 24-hour multilingual concierge and secretarial services. In terms of meetings and events, there is 1910 square metres of function space, while a variety of dining options are available, including an all-day restaurant. When work is done, recreation facilities include a fitness centre and spa, indoor pool and whirlpool with a landscaped garden, as well as private massage and treatment rooms.

Grand Hyatt Beijing

Located in the heart of the business, shopping and tourist district, the Grand Hyatt Beijing is minutes walk away from Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. It is also part of the Beijing Oriental Plaza, China's largest commercial complex including eight office towers, four apartment buildings and a shopping mall. The hotel itself boasts 579 rooms with broadband internet access, web TV, data and fax ports, and video streaming and conferencing facilities in some suites. For the fitness conscious, there is an Olympic size indoor pool with a virtual sky featuring different weather phenomena, as well as a spa and fitness centre.

JW Marriott Hotel Jakarta

Occupying a spot in the newly developed commercial district south of the city centre, the JW Marriott Hotel Jakarta is surrounded by lush green landscapes. Rising up 33 floors, the hotel's 333 rooms are designed specifically for the business traveller. They include a work desk, two-line phone, speaker phone, voice mail, cable/satellite TV and data ports. Meetings can be held in a choice of 12 rooms, totalling 1122 square metres of space. Cuisine ranges from Japanese to international in a variety of restaurants within the hotel complex. Recreation is catered for with an outdoor pool, health club, whirlpool, and sauna.

M Hotel Singapore

M Hotel Singapore is situated in the heart of the city's central business district and within walking distance to major commercial and government offices. Designed specifically for the business traveller, the hotel has 416 rooms, all of which face either the harbour or have city views. 10 luxury suites each include a modern bathroom with a large jacuzzi, massage shower and a glass panel wall that turns transparent with the flick of a switch. In terms of business, the hotel also offers several function rooms suitable for private meetings or events.