Beijing Tourism Group and Fairmont Open the Raffles Beijing Hotel

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. October 14, 2008

BEIJING, China, December 1, 2006. With the opening of Raffles Beijing Hotel, the legendary Raffles hospitality has now arrived in China. Rated among the finest in the world, residency at Raffles is a magical fusion of heartfelt hospitality, rare discretion and residential charm, delivered with the legendary and impeccable Raffles service.

The 171 luxuriously-appointed guestrooms and suites are some of the most spacious in Beijing, with many offering views of the glittering, vibrant city. The Presidential Suite occupies an expansive 884 square meters, while five Grand Hotel Suites and nine Personality Suites, each named after various luminaries associated with the hotel, are equally infused with the splendour of the past, yet technologically enabled with discretion, for the needs of a 21st century international traveller. Residents can also enjoy four distinctive restaurants and bars, comprising the exquisitely elegant Jaan Restaurant, the creative blend of Chinese and Italian cuisine at East 33, La Vie's traditional afternoon tea, and the legendary Writers' Bar for cocktails and after-dinner cognac.

"Beijing Tourism Group is one of China's top 500 companies. The Group's strategy emphasises the development of the brand in China and across the globe," commented Mr Mei Yunxin, President, Beijing Tourism Group, "The marriage between the Raffles brand and Beijing Hotel is a fine example of this strategy. It is also a critical move in ensuring that the Group is equipped to provide an unprecedented level of service during the forthcoming Olympics Games. As we officially open Raffles Beijing Hotel today, I believe that guests will be convinced of the signature Raffles style of heartfelt service."

"Today's Grand Opening is a proud moment for Raffles Hotels & Resorts," said Chris Cahill, President & Chief Operating Officer, Fairmont Raffles Hotels International. "It is an honour for Raffles to be entrusted by the Beijing Tourism Group to manage one of Beijing's most well known and most treasured icons. China is increasingly, a much desired destination for both leisure and corporate travellers, and we are delighted that Raffles is part of this amazing growth and demand."

"Raffles Beijing Hotel is a precious addition to our award-winning collection of iconic hotels," said Diana Ee Tan, Managing Director of Raffles Hotels & Resorts. "Each of our Raffles hotels is unique in itself, not only are they landmarks, they are also rated at the top in every destination they are located. Every hotel offers the Raffles promise - which is the promise to provide the very best."

Mr Peter Wynne, General Manager of Raffles Beijing Hotel concluded, "Raffles Beijing Hotel, with its distinguished history and legacy, will continue to be one of the city's most significant landmarks. Infused with the Raffles style of hospitality, it will soon be wellloved not only by local residents, but by global travellers as well."

One of the highlights of the Grand Opening Ceremony was the unveiling of the Raffles Beijing Hotel plaque, followed by a naming ceremony of the Hotel's 154-square meter Grand Hotel Suite, as the Tang Dynasty Suite. The Tang Dynasty is regarded by historians as the peak in Chinese civilisation and many considered it the Golden Age of the Middle Kingdom. It is only fitting that the first Grand Hotel Suite to be named, would be after one of the most celebrated dynasties in Chinese history.

As part of the evening celebrations, Raffles Beijing Hotel was symbolically declared opened with an exquisite jade key, setting off a shower of shimmering lights and illuminating the Raffles Courtyard atrium with a spectacular glow. A grand banquet, showcasing Raffles Beijing Hotel chefs' culinary brilliance followed, along with entertainment from a percussion brand, an acrobatic show and a traditional changing masks performance. Guests were also invited for a turn on the French timber spring dance floor, built in 1926, which has borne the dance steps of Dr Sun Yat Sen, and countless other dignitaries, as well as dazzling socialites.