Top of their game - best business hotels in Asia

Business Asia, Sept, 2001

Other finalists: Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok; The Oriental Hotel, Bangkok; Pan Pacific Bangkok; The Peninsula, Bangkok; The Regent Bangkok; Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok; The Sukhotai Bangkok

LE ROYAL MERIDIEN BANGKOK
973 Ploenchit Road, Lumpini
Bangkok, Paumwan 10330
Thailand

No. of rooms: 381
Features:
venueconnection event service
Three telephones with three lines
in each room
Sensational views

BEST HOTEL IN VIETNAM

Winner: Hotel Sofitel Plaza Saigon

The news

Under the Sofitel brand, the Hotel Sofitel Plaza Saigon is one of the world's premier luxury establishments. The brand has a presence in key business and resort destinations, and offers a distinctive quality of facilities and service in a personal, refined atmosphere. Sofitel is part of one of the largest and fastest growing hotel groups in the region, Accor Asia Pacific. The company has 136 hotels and 24,783 rooms in 15 countries.

The hotel

The Hotel Sofitel Plaza Saigon is located in the hub of Ho Chi Minh city's commercial district, on the historical Le Duan Boulevard. Refined luxury and outstanding service are key features of the hotel, which is evident in the 280 rooms, 11 suites and the elegantly furnished Champagne suite. All rooms are fitted with an executive desk, satellite TV, international telephone and computer ports, while the Sofitel Club's four floors are especially accommodating to the corporate traveller. These floors offer the unique privileges of personalised service, private check-in, business facilities and an exclusive lounge. Excellent conference and banquet facilities are available, accommodating up to 500 people. Spare time is well catered for by the hotel's tour desk.

Other finalists: The Caravelle Hotel Saigon; Hilton Hanoi Opera; Hotel Sofitel Metropole Hanoi

HOTEL SOFITEL PLAZA SAIGON
17 Le Duan Blvd, Ho Chi Minh
City, Vietnam

No. of rooms: 292
Features:
Wide range of cuisine
Proximity to cultural & historical sights
Prestigious Sofitel Club benefits

BEST NEW HOTEL

Winner: The Westin Taipei

The news

Although the Westin Taipei is a new hotel, it is part of a distinctive brand that celebrated its 70th birthday last year. The hospitality journey began when two competing hoteliers were eating in the same diner in Yakima, Washington, in 1930. The pair got talking, and so Western Hotels was born. As the company expanded, the name changed to Western International, then in 1980 it became Westin Hotels and Resorts. At present, there are 120 hotels in 24 countries. The company claims a long history of firsts, such as the first guest credit card, 24-hour room service, and even the first minibar at The Westin Ottawa in Canada.

The hotel

Situated within the busy business and financial district of Taipei, The Westin Taipei is an ideal venue for corporate visitors. Business guests are well catered for, with nine meeting rooms available. The largest provides 2850 square feet of space ideal for an international conference. Among the 288 rooms are special Guest Office rooms, which are ideal for those whose corporate tasks extend beyond the meeting room. These rooms contain in-room printer, fax and copier, speaker phone with data port, desk and lamp, and office supplies, along with all the comforts of a private guest room. For leisure, one can swim, play golf or enjoy the exercise facilities.