Radisson Hotel Shanghai New World Awarded Official Five-star Rating

Shanghai, China (January 7, 2008) /China Newswire/ — Two years after official opening in October 2005, the Radisson Hotel Shanghai New World has received the official five-star rating status plaque. This rating is given by the Shanghai and China National Tourism Bureau judges and guests taking into consideration the hotel facilities, overall hardware and excellence in service.

The five-star plaque ceremony was held recently at the hotel lobby. Government representatives, hotel Owners and the Hotel management team were present at the ceremony.

"We are much honored to receive this 5 star rating plaque. The vision of the Hotel Owners and the Hotel management company Carlson Hotels Worldwide - Asia Pacific from day one was to build a high class Hotel with facilities beyond the needs of its guests. This recognition is a great reward for the employees who tirelessly opened the hotel and provided great service and made it a great place for great people to do great work!" comments Maurice Cook, General Manager of the Radisson Hotel Shanghai New World.

Mr. Xu Jiaping, General Manager of Shanghai New World Co. Ltd said on behalf of Hotel Owner, "all the care and attention from the Huangpu District Government, hotel guests and efforts from hotel staff are included in this recognition. This will be a new beginning of our work, which will motivate us to continue to provide personalized and high level service and care to our valued guests."

In China's tourism industry, a star rating is used to grade tourist hotels. The ratings are divided into five categories, from one to five. Hotels can apply for a star rating after having been open for a minimum of one year. The criteria for the different star ratings depend on the architecture, facilities, décor and service, as well as a plethora of policies, procedures and standards in the hotel. Within certain period of receiving an application for star rating, the local tourism bureau conducts the primary inspection. National Star Rating Evaluation Authority arranges anonymous inspections of the hotel by specialists, after which an evaluation report is presented to the Evaluation Authority of National Tourism Bureau and the final grade is decided. After a rating is confirmed, it is effective for five years and the hotel concerned is given an engraved brass plaque featuring the golden star symbol.

The Radisson Hotel Shanghai New World, which is the largest Radisson-branded hotel in China and managed by Carlson Hotels Worldwide - Asia Pacific, is located on the commercial Nanjing Road, adjacent to People's Square. A 15 minute walk from the famous Bund, the hotel adjoins a shopping centre that houses a SEGA World Entertainment venue, Madame Tussauds wax museum, a cinema complex and ice skating rink. The 5 star, 47-storey hotel has 520 rooms and offers guests a host of on-site conveniences, including 5 restaurants and bars, 10 meeting rooms, a multi-function ballroom, fitness centre, indoor swimming pool, spa, squash court, mini golf and mahjong rooms. The hotel is topped with a revolving restaurant and sky bar, offering guests one of Shanghai's finest a la carte menus and magnificent panoramic views of the city.