Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney to unveil new look

By mid September 2004 the Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney will have put the finishing touches on a A$25 million re-imaging process. The design concept is from internationally renowned design firm, Brennan Beer Gorman Monk/Interiors, an American company which is also based in Sydney. BBGM has expertise in the design of first class hotels and resorts with a portfolio of projects including work in 20 countries over five continents.

"Re-imaging Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney marks the beginning of a new era for five-star luxury accommodation and dining in Australia. With its new look guestrooms and public areas, plus the added bonus of the very latest in technology, the hotel will definitely become one of the most sought after leisure and business addresses in town", commented general manager, Michael Cottan.

One of the initial investments was to upgrade the hotel's technology with the expansion of Intel Centrino Certified Wi-Fi (wireless LAN technology) to all public areas and conference rooms of the property, high-speed broadband Internet is now also available in every guest room.

Early May marks the beginning of a complete transformation of the Lobby and Reception Desk. A grander sense of arrival for the Porte Cochere will follow, and by the end of September, guests will be able to enjoy a classic Shangri-La Lobby Lounge which will feature increased seating capacity, modern furnishings and a greater variety of food and beverage options. All-day dinning and breakfast will soon be served in a new look open-kitchen Cafe on level one, and all guestrooms will be re-modeled, complete with modern furnishings that are aesthetically pleasing and functional; plush duvets, glorious goose-down pillows, Shangri-La's signature bed linen, plus innovative bedside lamps which can be tilted upward to a 90 degree angle to best suit lighting needs. Large flat screen televisions and a generously sized working desk complete with state-of-the-art in-room connectivity, adjustable suede leather desk chair and enhanced lighting encapsulates modern guest room luxury.

The five-story glass atrium, which ceremoniously fills the Horizon Club Lounge with Sydney 'sunshine' along with cascading views of Sydney Harbour, is one of the most stunning original design features of the hotel. The re-imaging planned for the club includes the addition of more than 45 square metres of floor space, a new buffet, boardroom and a dedicated personalised check-in, check-out area.

The creme de la creme of the hotel's facilities - level 36, will still feature the renowned Horizons Bar however, with a more commanding entrance and a reconfigured bar area. In the very front section of the bar, the floor will be elevated to take further advantage of the fabulous views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, and to make the view more accessible to many more guests. The adjoining restaurant, which is yet to be officially renamed, is set to become one of the city's premier new restaurants, complete with a hexagonal glassed-in private dining area and floor elevations styled in a manner to compliment the sweeping views of Sydney Harbour.

Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney is located in the historic Rocks are. The re-imaging process is expected to be completed in September 2004.