Splendid idea The Shangri-La's China World Hotel, Beijing, is tempting business travellers with its Suite Splendour deals. Executive suites are available for US$325 a night (single occupancy) and US$360 (double). Confusingly, the promotion also extends to premier rooms, which are priced at US$275 (single) and US$310 (double). All suites and rooms come with complimentary broadband internet access (subject to availability at the time of reservation), and confer on the guest entry to the China World's exclusive Horizon Club Lounge, where complimentary breakfasts, refreshments and cocktails are served. More incentives come in the shape of dinner at Aria, the hotel's European restaurant, a traditional Chinese massage, and a 50 per cent room discount voucher for repeat visitors. But what makes the initiative stand out is the hotel's airport butler service. The butler meets guests at the door of the aircraft as they disembark at Beijing, escorts them through immigration, luggage retrieval and customs, and accompanies them to the hotel limousine. On departure, the butler takes guests through the procedures in reverse order. Inquiries: (86) 10 6505 8885, e-mail reservations.cwh@shangri-la.com or see www.shangri-la.com . The promotion lasts until February 28 and rates are subject to a 15 per cent surcharge a night. Winter warmer Ah, winter: sunshine, beaches, azure water and sea breezes. That, at least, is Star Cruises' idea of the next few months for passengers taking its fly-cruise package from Hong Kong to Hawaii. From now until March 26, and in conjunction with operators Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), Star is offering an 11-day break aboard the Pride of Aloha, with stops at the islands of Oahu, Hawaii, Kauai and Maui. Package prices start at $11,300 (excluding tax) and include round-trip, economy-class tickets from Hong Kong to Honolulu via Tokyo with Japan Airlines, and eight days/seven nights at sea. Two nights are spent at the Radisson Waikiki Prince Kuhio Hotel or equivalent. The Pride of Aloha bristles with facilities, including six restaurants, 13 bars and lounges, a fitness centre, internet cafe, spa and salon, swimming pools, video arcade, library, theatre and discotheque. Inquiries: call Star Cruises on 2317 7711, or see www.starcruises.com.hk and www.ncl.com . Not-so-simple pleasures Ryokans, quaint inns dating from medieval times, constitute a unique slice of old Japan and can be found in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Guests have traditionally stayed in simple rooms featuring tatami mats, low tables and futons - or they have until now. The Luxury Ryokan Collection (LRC) is changing the perception of this institution by gathering some of the swankiest ryokans under one umbrella. Although there are 63,000 ryokans, only 200 are considered luxurious. LRC has creamed off the top 15 for its exclusive club, and plans to add more, to offer what it hopes will be a vacation combining want-for-nothing pampering with sumptuous, stylish surroundings. And because it is customary to position ryokans close to hot springs, or onsens, guests can add a particularly hedonistic 'spa' element to their stays. See www.luxuryryokan.com . Christmas is coming The Langham hotel, Tsim Sha Tsui, has nailed its winter-savings colours to the mast early in an attempt to corner a chunk of markets festive and beyond. From Saturday to March 10, 2005, Courtyard View rooms will cost $1,450 a night, Plaza View rooms $1,550 and City View rooms $1,650. Included are buffet breakfasts, 20 per cent off laundry services and a 10 per cent discount at hotel bars and restaurants. See www.langhamhotels.com . Send news items to stephen.mccarty@scmp.com
