BANYAN TREE ANNOUNCES TAKEOVER OF WESTIN BANYAN TREE BANGKOK

Westin Banyan Tree Bangkok to be renamed Banyan Tree Bangkok after undergoing a US$1 million renovation

Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts will assume the management of Westin Banyan Tree Hotel in Bangkok, taking over from Westin Hotels and Resorts by Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc, after the expiry of a five-year contract. The takeover will gain effect from 1 January 2002 and the all-suite hotel will be renamed Banyan Tree Bangkok, after an extensive refurbishment programme exceeding US$3 million.

"Over the past five years, the Banyan Tree brand has achieved dynamic growth and international fame. Indeed, our success in clinching numerous international awards is testament that we have been established as one of Asia's top hotel chains. At the same time, our global sales and marketing network has mature and grown in stature. Banyan Tree's brand leadership coupled with our international marketing network have enhanced the group's commercial potential. We believe that now is the opportune time for us to launch our first city hotel - Banyan Tree Bangkok, " says Mr Edwin Yeow, Joint Managing Director of Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts.

To cope with the expected increase in demand for spa services, Banyan Tree Spa, currently located on the 51st to 54th floors of the hotel, will have two new levels of spa facilities, setting new standards in wellness, fitness and recreational services for business travellers. Besides private treatment rooms with spectacular floor to ceiling views of Bangkok, new additions will include a well-equipped Fitness Centre. A new Banyan Tree Gallery, a lifestyle oriented boutique, will offer an impressive collection of blended and essential oils, incense sticks, home spa accessories, skin and body care products as well as a variety of fashion wear and home furnishing accessories.

Part of the 53rd level of Banyan Tree Spa will be converted into a new Executive Club Lounge. The lounge will provide hotel guests with a separate check in and check out reception, a breakfast room, a lounge, private spa facilities, a sky-deck and a pool bar for their exclusive use. Banyan Tree Bangkok will introduce a new Executive Club Floor concept that is unrivalled in other hotels.

All existing 216 suites, 12 meeting rooms, food and beverage outlets, entrance driveway and public area will also undergo a refurbishment. New colours, new furniture and furnishings will be introduced to the reception together with a new Lobby Lounge, which will serve as an excellent business venue for hotel guests. The project will introduce an upscale and trendy grill and champagne lounge on the rooftop for the first time on the 60th floor.

The panoramic sky views of the city will become the draw card for this new outlet. Saffron, a modern Thai cuisine restaurant found in all Banyan Tree Resorts, will replace the existing Compass Rose on the 59th storey. Rom Sai, the international cuisine restaurant will also undergo a facelift as part of the refurbishment programme.

Says Mr Yeow, "Banyan Tree Bangkok is expected to provide considerable marketing synergy with its sister resort, the award-winning Banyan Tree Phuket. Banyan Tree patrons can look forward to creative twinning packages featuring both properties for business and relaxation."

Renovation is scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2001 and expected to be completed by November 2001 just before the official management takeover.