Shangri-La's Seventh Traders Hotel to open in 2005 in Kunshan, China

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts is strengthening its presence in China's mid-market travel segment through a management agreement with the First Shanghai Group to operate the Traders Hotel, Kunshan in August 2005.

The 387-room hotel will complement Shangri-La's existing 17 hotels in mainland China and is located in the centre of Kunshan city with convenient accessibility to major shopping, sightseeing and entertainment areas. The hotel is a 50-minute drive to Shanghai's city centre and 30 minutes from Suzhou where the Traders Hotel, Suzhou will open in late 2005.

Featuring spacious guestrooms with river and garden views, measuring an average 32 to 43 square metres, Traders Hotel, Kunshan will also offer 24-hour room service and wireless/broadband Internet service in both public areas and guestrooms. In addition, the Club Lounge allows Traders Club floor guests to enjoy exclusive concierge services, complimentary food presentations and wireless Internet access.

The hotel, designed by BC & A in Hong Kong, will offer a variety of dining and entertainment choices, including a coffee shop, lobby lounge and Chinese restaurant. Recreational facilities will include an indoor swimming pool and health club and spa with aerobics room, sauna, whirlpool and workout facilities. There will also be state-of-the-art meeting and banqueting facilities including a 620-square-metre grand ballroom.

"We are delighted to be opening Traders Hotel, Kunshan as part of our strategy to accommodate the needs of the fast-growing mid-market business and leisure travel segment," said Giovanni Angelini, Shangri-La's chief executive officer and managing director.

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