Be Wowed at the Waldorf Astora in Shanghai

You only have one life to live so make the most of it. When you visit Shanghai stay at the Waldorf Astoria. The Shanghai Waldorf was the first new purpose-built Waldorf Astoria outside the United States. The hotel exudes the elegance of the early 1900s that was the signature of the Bund. The building was once the Shanghai Club, an exclusive men’s club catering to the Shanghai elite.

At one time members would stand the 100-plus-foot mahogany bar based on their social standing, the higher the standing the closer to the Bund. Today guests can sit or stand anywhere they desire in the Long Bar enjoying their choice of libations, a wide selection of Cuban cigars, and another luxury of the olden days, the Oyster Bar.  If you want to learn how to make one of their signature cocktails then sign up for their cocktail making experience.

Elegance is everywhere throughout the hotel from the marble pillars to the glittering chandeliers to the many conversation areas.  In the Salon de Ville tearoom enjoy being pampered while taking part in high tea. The three-tiered stand offering luscious cakes and sandwiches is presented with panache while guests are seated on sumptuous sofas. 

Viewed from above, the Grand Brasserie exhibits it unique design

that is both classic and modern. While dining during their expansive breakfast or for lunch or dinner guests are afford a view of the landscaped interior courtyard.  No stay would be complete without a

Dim Sum lunch at the Wei Jing Ge Chinese restaurant.  It is the perfect way to try a variety of Chinese delicacies. The attic décor with large open rafter wood ceilings and an eclectic display of art and Chinese reproduction antique create a memorable dining experience. 

The stylish opulence doesn’t stop with the public areas. The spacious accommodations have plush beds, fine linens, walk-in closets, and a large marble bathroom with in-mirror TV and Toto washlets. Guests will appreciate the work area with complimentary WiFi, an LCD TV, and tea/coffee making facilities.  Guests may also enjoy the Library Lounge. For more information log on to www.waldorfastoriashanghai.com.

Be Wowed at the Beijing Waldorf Astoria

The newest international Waldorf Astoria opened in Beijing offering all the luxury and unequaled service one comes to expect from the Waldorf.  The Waldorf Astoria Beijing offers a timeless experience in the heart of Wangfujing. It is ideally located near shopping and not far from the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square.

Accommodations are elegant, spacious and sumptuously decorated with some featuring a courtyard view and furnished terraces. Beds are dressed with fine linens and a selection of pillows. Rooms feature an expanded work area, complimentary WiFi, an alarm clock with CD and MP3 player, a bedside tablet replaces the old-style informational book, plus there are coffee and tea facilities. All accommodations have a lavish marble bathroom with twin vanities, a soaking tub with a TV, a rainforest shower and exquisite amenities.

Experience the Waldorf’s fabulous leisure facilities including an inviting heated indoor swimming

pool, a contemporary fitness center and a tranquil, a luxury spa offering signature therapies that blend traditional Chinese philosophies with innovative techniques to deliver treatments that beautify, refine and revive. Gastronomes will be impressed with the two lavish restaurants: the stylish Brasserie 1893 and elegant Zijin Mansion. The sophisticated Peacock Alley provides a chic, welcoming space to savor signature Waldorf Astoria dishes and an extensive selection of premium beverages.

For guests seeking greater privacy and a more refined experience, Hutong Studios and a Hutong Presidential Suite are available. For more information check www3.hilton.com.

.All you will ever need is at the Hilton Colombo in Sri Lanka

The small island country of Sri Lanka is the new “gotta-do” destination ranked Number One on Lonely Planet’s Places to go in 2013. The country has a plethora of beaches, beautiful scenery, amazing wildlife and friendly people plus seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites.  The good news is the country is at peace making it a very safe place to visit. The best place to start exploring the island is at the Hilton in Colombo located an hour from the airport; however, a new highway should be completed by the 2014 which will make the trip less than 30 minutes. 

The Hilton’s comfortable accommodations offer a view of the Indian Ocean. The hotel boasts ten restaurants including the Curry Leaf, noted for its Sri Lankan cuisine presented in a traditional manner. The Echelon Pub is the perfect place to enjoy a beverage before dinner. Or, check out the amazing buffet at Spices. For a fine dining experience head to Spoons.  Truly a restaurant to suit everyone's taste.

The grounds are beautiful with fountains and plenty of greenery. Beside the excellent accommodations and dining options guests can enjoy their 90-ft outdoor swimming pool and the hotel’s squash court. After a day of sightseeing or business relax in the steam room or sauna after exercising in the fully equipped fitness room.The shopping gallery offers sundries with postcards plus an excellent selection of Sri Lanka gems and tea. Everything you need is available.

The Hilton Kuching in Malaysia is all about location

They say the three most important aspects of any property is location, location, location. The Hilton Kuching has all three! It is the only hotel in Kuching that is a member of a worldwide chain.

• Ask for a room facing the Sarawak River and view the impressive New Legislative Building on the other side of the river.
• The Hilton Kuching hotel is just 25 minutes from the airport in the city center on the island of Borneo. The waterfront promenade is just steps from the hotel.
• Guests can enjoy free internet, two pools, a business center, a spa and a choice of dining options.

Refurbishing of the property is due to be completed at the end of 2011. For more information check www.hilton.com/Kuching.

The Hilton Hotels of Branson, Missouri

- Part of the new waterfront development, the Hilton is located in the Historic Downtown of Branson on Lake Taneycomo.
- The Hilton is close to all the major Branson activities and just steps away from the Ozark Zephyr Scenic Railway and the new $7.5 million water and fire spectacular.
- Be sure to enjoy a cocktail at the Clear Bar before a memorable dinner at the hotel’s Level 2 Steakhouse.

For more information on the Hiltons of Branson check www.hilton.com and to learn about all the wonderful things to do in Branson log on to www.explorebranson.com.

Lovin’ the Conrad in Hong Kong

Stay at any Conrad Hotel and you will be singing the line from the musical “Bye Bye Birdie,” “We love you Conrad. Oh, yes we do.” This is true at the Conrad in Hong Kong. The service is excellent and the accommodations posh. The restaurants are divine. 

For an extra special stay book a room at Executive Level where the breakfast is first rate offering fresh fruit, eggs cooked to order and a wide variety of other selections. During the evening cocktail

hour the selection of treats is amazing and delightful. The daytime view from the 57th floor Executive Lounge is amazing but at night with the city lights it is magical. The hotel starts at the 40th floor of Pacific Place which is home to a multitude of high-end retail outlets.  

Enroll as a Hilton Honors member and receive extra benefits including a complimentary cocktail in their beautiful lobby lounge.  The view from the lounge makes one think they are in the country side with all the greenery. Take a walk around the outside and check out the statues and plantings. Lovely.

Don’t forget to make use of their outdoor heated swimming pool and hot tub. There is a lot to love at the Conrad Hong Kong and

you, too, will be singing, “We love you, Conrad. Oh, yes, we do!”

Check conradhotels1.hilton.com for more information the Conrad Hong Kong and other fine locations in the Conrad family of hotels worldwide.