2008-06-23 10:13:11 - Shangri-La Hotel, Beijing achieved a four-star rating in Mobil Travel Guide's first-ever guide to an international destination, the highest category awarded in the city.

A Mobil four-star rating 'signifies that the hotel is one of the finest establishments in the world, offering guests a truly exceptional level of luxury and service.'

According to the guide, 'Beautiful decor; a gracious, accommodating staff; and one of Beijing's best seafood restaurants (Blu Lobster), make the Shangri-La a sybaritic escape-the Shangri-La is easily one of Beijing's top hotels-The

newly added Valley Wing features rooms that are even more spacious and elegant-'

China World Hotel, awarded three-and-a-half stars, .brings old-school Chinese glamour to a modern setting-' Of Shangri-La's Kerry Centre Hotel (three stars), the guide says, 'With its prime location in the Chaoyang district, this hotel is a great choice for business travelers.' Of Traders Hotel, Beijing (two stars), it's noted: 'Shangri-La manages this business-targeted hotel, so service is attentive and efficient.'

Mobil Travel Guide, originator of the prestigious Mobil Star ratings and certifications, has provided the most comprehensive ratings and reviews of hotels, restaurants and spas in the US and Canada since 1958. Mobil Travel Guide's team of anonymous, expert inspectors evaluates properties against rigorous and objective proprietary standards.

Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Asia Pacific's leading luxury hotel group, currently owns and/or manages 55 hotels under the deluxe Shangri-La and mid-market Traders brands, with a rooms inventory of over 28,000. The group has over 50 projects under development in Austria, Canada, mainland China, France, India, Japan, Macau, Maldives, Philippines, Qatar, Seychelles, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and the United States. For more information and reservations, please contact a travel professional or access the website at www.shangri-la.com.

For digitised pictures of the group's hotels, please go to www.shangri-la.com/imagelibrary