WORLDHOTELS, the world�s leading Europe-based global hotel group for independent hotels welcomes Grand Central Hotel Shanghai as its newest Deluxe Collection affiliate.

The Grand Central Hotel Shanghai is as its name suggests a grand new landmark for China�s most exciting and cosmopolitan city, combining Shanghai�s classical French heritage with stunning modern facilities.

Boasting an unrivalled location, the Grand Central is adjacent to the famous Nanjing Road and just a short stroll from popular attractions including The Bund, People's Square, Shanghai Museum and Shanghai Grand Theatre.

Designed by HBA, the world�s leading hotel interior design specialists, The Grand Central features 353 elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites equipped with all modern conveniences, technology and luxury amenities. Each room commands breathtaking views of downtown Shanghai.

A magnificent, �floating� ballroom shaped like a giant mythical Phoenix Egg acts as the hotels� own star attraction: the Shanghai Grand Ballroom rises a full seven meters above the lobby without central pillars for support. Architecturally impressive, the elliptical venue is set to become Shanghai�s hottest new events space,

�This will be every event organizer�s dream venue � ideal for the city�s most exciting gala parties, grand opening launches, fashion shows, wedding banquets and award ceremonies,� said by Mr. Jifu Zhang, General Manager of Grand Central.

The Grand Central is newly-opened by the Wang Bao He Group, celebrated operators of Central Hotel as well as of Shanghai�s oldest restaurant, the Wang Bao He Restaurant. The latter dates back to 1744, and it has since become internationally renowned for serving China�s most famous crab banquet

A range of exquisite international cuisine is on offer at the Grand Central�s four elegant and intimate restaurants; superb Cantonese dishes, sumptuous French fine dining, Coffee Shop and Lobby Bar all enable the hotel to cater for a worldly clientele.

Roland Jegge, WORLDHOTELS� Vice President Asia Pacific, said: �We are delighted to welcome this stunning new Shanghai landmark to our portfolio. We congratulate the owners on creating such a magnificent new hotel and we look forward to introducing it to discerning travellers worldwide through our global network.�

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Note to editors:

About WORLDHOTELS � WORLDHOTELS is an exclusive collection of the world's most unique independent hotels. Under the banner "Unique Hotels for Unique People", it now has almost 500 affiliate properties in more than 300 destinations and 70 countries worldwide. � For nearly 40 years, the company's mission has been to offer business and leisure travellers easy access to a wide range of accommodation options with a strong emphasis on hotels of character and distinction. � WORLDHOTELS' guests benefit from an extensive portfolio of partnerships, including frequent flyer programmes from 18 of the world's leading international airlines, including Air France/KLM, United Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Lufthansa. � Through state-of-the-art distribution and technology and global marketing campaigns, WORLDHOTELS gives independent hotels the collective strength of a strong, global hotel brand whilst still allowing them to retain their strong individual character and unique identity.

ASIA PACIFIC Reservation Numbers: Australia Toll free: 1-800-55 35 49 For groups: 61-2-9006 1088 China (North) Toll free: 10-800-650-8221 For groups: 10-800-6 50 00 87 China (South) Toll free: 10-800-2 65 82 21 For groups: 10-800-2 65 00 87 Hong Kong Toll free: 800-96 85 63 For groups: 800-90 85 95 India Toll free: 000-800-6 50 11 60 For groups: 65- 62 27 55 35 Japan Toll free: 0120-55 75 37 For groups: +81 3 6721 8141 Malaysia Toll free: 1-800-80 11 84 For groups: 1-800-80 15 86 New Zealand Toll free: 0-800-44 75 55 For groups: 61-2-9006 1088 Philippines Toll free: 1-800-16 51 01 67 For groups: 65 62 27 55 35 Singapore Toll free: 1-800-2 27 66 26 For groups: 65- 62 27 55 35 South Korea Toll free: 080-747-10 00 For groups: 82-2-756 90 00 Taiwan Toll free: 00801-65 10 95 For groups: 00801 651 423 Thailand Toll free: 001-800-65 66 04 For groups: 65 62 27 55 35

For further information visit worldhotels.com.

Issued on behalf of WORLDHOTELS by Grebstad Hicks Communications.

For further information, please contact: Grebstad Hicks Communications Ms. Carol Kong Tel: 852 2810 0532 E-mail: carol.kong@ghcasia.com

WORLDHOTELS Mr. Roland Jegge Tel: 65 6227 5535 E-mail: rjegge@worldhotels.com