Top of their game - best business hotels in Asia

Business Asia, Sept, 2001

The hotel

The 32-storey hotel is set in a seven-acre tropical oasis, situated in the heart of Singapore's designated new downtown core, Marina Centre. Guests can enjoy a work-out in the pool or fitness centre, followed by a private massage, sauna or spa. The 610 luxury rooms and suites are furnished with large desks, multi-line telephones with multi-lingual voice-mail, marble baths and colour television, and all offer stunning views of the city skyline and either Marina Bay or Kallang Bay. A conference concierge, 24-hour secretarial service and technology butler are available to assist the busy executive.

Well-equipped meeting and function rooms are plentiful, and there is a Grand Ballroom with a permanent theatrical stage, and state-of-the-art audio-visual and lighting equipment for special occasions. This room also has a private VIP entrance and two pre-function areas.

Other finalists: Conrad International Centennial; Four Seasons Hotel Singapore; Grand Hyatt Singapore; Marriott Hotel Singapore; Raffles Hotel; Shangri-La Hotel Singapore

THE RITZ-CARLTON, MILLENIA
SINGAPORE
7 Raffles Avenue Singapore,
39799 Singapore

No. of rooms: 608
Features:
walk-in wardrobe
Outdoor swimming pool & tennis court
Walking distance to the Singapore
International Convention and
Exhibition Centre (Suntec City)

BEST BUSINESS HOTEL IN SOUTJ KOREA

Winner: The Ritz-Carlton, Seoul

The news

The Ritz-Carlton, Seoul, has taken out the country's Award for the second year running. In keeping with the Ritz-Carlton tradition of continually upgrading services, the Seoul hotel has recently refined services for guests staying at the Ritz-Carlton Club to provide the "home away from home" and "office away from office" experience. This has involved introducing features such as complimentary mobile phone and pager, high speed internet access, food and beverage served five times a day in the Club Lounge, a shuttle service to popular shopping districts, and an unpacking service with one item pressed free upon arrival. Within the room, a guest will find Bvlgari toiletries, 100 per cent Egyptian cotton bed linens, personalised stationary and a state-of-the-art stereo system.

The hotel

Located in Kangnam, south of the Han River, the Ritz-Carlton, Seoul, is in the hub of the best business and entertainment areas. It houses 3000 square metres of comprehensive health and beauty services for the weary or fitness-conscious traveller. The 410 rooms, including a Presidential suite, contain multi-line telephones, generously sized desks and safe deposit box. A technology butler is available to help with any IT difficulties, and a conference concierge, 24-hour secretarial service and express check in/out are available to make business trips easier. The hotel is surrounded by traditional gardens, ideal for relaxation. The Korea World Trade Complex, Korea Exhibition Center, Trade Tower and City Air Terminal are a short 15-minute drive away.

Other finalists: COEX Inter-Continental Seoul; Grand Hyatt Seoul; The Grand Inter-Continental Seoul; The Westin Chosun