Carlson Hotels Asia Pacific today announced its third Regent hotel for China with The Regent Shanghai, another addition to the company's fast-growing operations in China.

The 500-room Regent is owned by Summit Property Development Co. and will be managed by Carlson Hotels Asia Pacific.  It will be the first of Carlson's luxury Regent- branded hotels to open in China when it begins welcoming guests in late spring 2005. 

President and managing director of Carlson Hotels Asia Pacific, Paul Kirwin, said:  “As a major regional gateway city and the economic capital of China, Shanghai is a strategic location for Carlson Hotels Asia Pacific and in particular for the Regent hotel brand. The Regent Shanghai will complement the proposed Regent hotels in Ningbo and Beijing scheduled to open in October 2005 and September 2006 respectively.

“We are very privileged to be working with Summit Property Development Co. for the opening of our first Regent hotel in China. The Regent Shanghai, with its spectacular architecture and superb design, will be a landmark in this city, which epitomises modern, urban China,” Mr Kirwin said. “This hotel will be a flagship for the company in the region and will mark the first of many outstanding developments to be managed by Carlson Hotels Asia Pacific in the China market.”
 
Construction of the 53-storey development is well underway in Shanghai's Changning District, a location offering easy access to the central business district, the city transport system and Carlson Hotels Asia Pacific's Radisson Plaza Xing Guo Hotel.

With an overall contemporary yet classic design, The Regent Shanghai features luxurious rooms and suites, functional work areas, large plasma TV screens and spacious bathrooms with oversize freestanding baths. All guest rooms have stunning views over the city.

The prestigious hotel will feature an all-day-dining restaurant, a Chinese restaurant and a speciality restaurant, multiple bars, a grand ballroom, several meeting and conference rooms, an indoor swimming pool, and fitness centre. An exclusive Cigar Lounge will also be a fixture of the new establishment. A high level of service and luxury amenities synonymous with the Regent brand will complete the exceptional guest experience.

Based in Shanghai, Summit Property Development Co. is headed by successful businessman Mr. Tong Jinquan. Over the past 11 years, the company has developed a wide range of outstanding real estate projects.

“We are honoured to be working with Carlson Hotels Asia Pacific in opening the first Regent hotel in China. This luxury brand will be warmly welcomed to the city of Shanghai and will be an excellent addition to Summit Property Development Co.'s portfolio,” Mr Tong Jinquan said.

Established in 1992, Summit Property Development Co. was one of the first private real estate development companies in China. It has developed projects with a total value of USD$1.2 billion with more than 2 million square metres of commercial space.

World-renowned architectural firm Arquitectonica, recognised globally for its excellence and innovation, is designing The Regent Shanghai and the internationally acclaimed firm Wilson and Associates is creating the hotels' interior.