Shangri-La signs management agreement with hotel in Sydney

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts has signed a management agreement for the ANA Harbour Grand Hotel Sydney, which is owned by a subsidiary of GIC Real Estate Pte Ltd (GIC RE).

Located between the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge in the historic Rocks district of the city, the hotel will soon be formally rebranded as the Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney.

Shangri-La, in conjunction with the owners, GIC RE, will be implementing selected physical improvements to the property in the short term in order to strengthen the hotel's market position.

Commenting on the management agreement, Giovanni Angelini, Shangri-La's chief executive and managing director, said: 'We are delighted to be working with GIC RE and to have this opportunity to enter the Australian market with such a prominent hotel. This move is a strategic step in the group's expansion and will be a tremendous addition to the new hotels we have already announced in Dubai, Oman, the Maldives and China. We look forward to rebranding this great property and working with the existing loyal staff of the hotel.'

Dr Seek Ngee Huat, president of GIC RE, added: 'The decision to select Shangri-La was not an easy one as there were many reputable international operators who had submitted very attractive proposals. However, we were most impressed with Shangri-La's approach to align their interest with us in their proposal. We are confident that the appointment of Shangri-La as manager of the ANA Harbour Grand Hotel Sydney will help to realise the hotel's full potential and lift the profile of this premium asset.'

With 561 rooms, the five star 36-storey property features some of Sydney's most dramatic harbour views from guest rooms, each averaging over 40 square metres. The 81 Club rooms on six floors will become Horizon Club rooms, Shangri-La's exclusive retreat for frequent travellers offering a host of special privileges and amenities.

Situated within walking distance of the Central Business District, major shopping facilities and tourist attractions, the hotel offers a diverse array of top restaurants and bars to both visitors and locals alike. A specialty restaurant and the popular, adjacent Horizons Bar are ideally located on the top floor and provide some of Sydney's most spectacular harbour views. The Brasserie features all-day dining with a la carte and buffet selections whilst Harts Pub has a traditional Australian atmosphere and the unique Teppan on the Rocks sets the standard for this traditional style of Japanese dining.

With 1,900 square metres of conference facilities incorporating the 670 square metre Grand Ballroom, and 14 function rooms and board rooms, Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney will continue to be a major player in the meetings and banquet market.

The hotel is one of the best equipped video-conferencing venues in Australia with full ISDN, fibre-optic, broadband internet, e-mail and satellite linking facilities. Meetings taking place from the conference and meeting rooms can also be televised into designated guest rooms.

Other facilities include a gym, indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room, solarium and treatment rooms as well as a business centre.