The Opposite House, the much anticipated first hotel from newly formed Swire Hotels opens its doors in Beijing today.

With cutting edge design from world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma, groundbreaking restaurants and bars conceived by celebrated chef restaurateur David Laris as well as a fresh and innovative approach to service, the 99-room intriguing urban hotel is set to take Beijing�s hotel scene by storm.

The Opposite House is located at The Village in Sanlitun, a vibrant new open-plan shopping, dining and entertainment destination developed by Swire Properties.

The hotel�s 99 guest studios, including 9 spacious suites, are amongst the largest in Beijing. More than half of all the rooms are over 70 sqm and all are strikingly simple with natural wooden floors and subtle touches of Chinese d�cor.

Room rates start from RMB 3,220 and include an � la carte breakfast for single occupancy in a Studio 45 complete with king size bed and spa inspired bathroom.

�We are targeting sophisticated travellers who seek individuality and style. And this is possible with our innovative design, location in Sanlitun and service culture. Our partnership with Preferred Hotels� & Resorts, who share our passion for individualised experiences, anticipatory service and sophisticated style will help bring guests from around the world,� said Marcos Pires, Director of Sales & Marketing at The Opposite House.

Bookings can be made directly via the hotel�s website at www.theoppositehouse.com, by phone at +8610 6417 6688 or through www.PreferredHotels.com .

The Opposite House is introducing a wealth of culinary talent to establish itself as a hot new dining destination in Beijing with innovative restaurants and bars, many of them designed by top restaurant designers Neri and Hu, are also a key attraction.

Mediterranean restaurant, Sure�o, evokes casual yet elegant dining with a menu utilizing the freshest ingredients of Southern Europe. Bei offers contemporary north Asian cuisine with influences from Northern China, Japan and Korea.

Mesh is a contemporary lounge bar featuring a large selection of champagnes by the glass, an impressive wine list and wide range of highly original cocktails. The Opposite House also has a casual all-day caf� style venue, a �mini club� Punk, and a juice bar serving healthy fruit and vegetable drinks.

Behind closed doors are stylishly themed private dining rooms accessed via separate doors with their own service team and receptionists catering for VIP events, complete with music and entertainment on request.

Leisure facilities include a gym featuring Technogym� equipment and a sleek 22-metre stainless steel indoor swimming pool.

The name, The Opposite House, is derived from a Chinese translation which historically described the building located opposite the main house in a courtyard where esteemed guests would stay. The name also reflects the hotel�s southern location within the courtyard design of The Village at Sanlitun and highlights Sanlitun as a district of diversity and opposites � old and new; east and west; bohemian and chic.

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Issued by Grebstad Hicks Communications on behalf of The Opposite House, a Swire Hotel.

For further information please contact:

Ms. Carol Kong / Ms. Denise Ho Grebstad Hicks Communications Tel: (852) 2810 0532 Email: carol.kong@ghcasia.com / denise.ho@ghcasia.com

Swire Hotels Swire Hotels has been created to manage small luxury hotels in Hong Kong, Mainland China and the United Kingdom, providing a luxury experience for travellers who seek individuality, style and personalised service.

The Opposite House, Beijing will be followed by the opening of a 117-room luxury hotel in Pacific Place, Hong Kong, in the autumn of 2009 and a 100-room hotel at TaiKoo Hui in Guangzhou in 2010. Swire Hotels will also manage a 345-room lifestyle business hotel called EAST, to be opened in Taikoo Shing, Hong Kong, in 2009.

In the United Kingdom, Swire Hotels is developing a collection of luxury boutique hotels in regional English towns and cities to be launched in 2009.

Preferred Hotels� & Resorts Preferred Hotels� & Resorts is the ultimate luxury collection, featuring more than 175 exceptional hotels and resorts in the most desirable locations around the world. A member of the Preferred Hotel Group� family of brands, Preferred Hotels� & Resorts� legendary commitment to quality ensures an unparalleled guest experience. All Preferred Hotels� & Resorts embrace the award-winning Standards of Excellence�, an extensive 1,600-item annual quality assurance program that has been honored with the �Best Practices Champion Award� by Cornell University.