Hong Kong's Newest Business Hotel Joins Summit Hotels & Resorts

Summit Hotels & Resorts™, a brand of Preferred Hotel Group™, is pleased to announce its newest member in Hong Kong – EAST – which joins a collection that includes more than 150 internationally acclaimed hotels and resorts that celebrate local luxury worldwide.

To be opened late January 2010, EAST is Swire Hotels' third property and is located on Island East in Quarry Bay, home to over 300 multinational corporations, including some of the most prestigious Fortune 500 companies. A business district in itself, complemented with a cosmopolitan atmosphere of restaurants and extensive shopping facilities, Island East has become a neighborhood for both business and pleasure. The hotel is a 5-minute walk to the MTR subway station and a 15-minute drive to the other key business and commercial districts of Central and Causeway Bay.

With 345 guestrooms and suites, EAST is created for business travelers looking for a relaxed, efficient, and contemporary environment. In an effort to be environmentally conscious and to enhance guest experience, the hotel has adopted the latest technology for the check-in and check-out procedures – a paperless arrival experience allows guests to check-in anywhere in the hotel using tablet PCs. Guestrooms feature harbor or skyline views and offer the latest in iHome/iTouch technology and complimentary wireless Internet access in-room and throughout the hotel.

EAST's food and beverage concept was created by entrepreneur chef David Laris, creator of the award-wining restaurant Laris at Three on the Bund, Shanghai. Dining is highlighted by the all-day restaurant Feast (Food by EAST), which offers Western classics as well as Eastern delicacies. Sugar (Bar.Deck.Lounge) on the 32nd floor will be the neighborhood spot to eat, meet, drink, and party after work, featuring signature and classic cocktails, tapas, and nightly DJs.

Fitness center Beast (Body by EAST) caters for worldwide travelers with a 24-hour gym and a heated outdoor swimming pool.

"EAST's lifestyle business concept, paired with its strategic location in Hong Kong, ensures its success, and it will be a significant addition to the Summit Hotels & Resorts brand," said Mark Simmons, Area Managing Director, Asia of Preferred Hotel Group. "The hotel will benefit from Preferred's global sales force and its portfolio of over 300 managed global corporate accounts."

About Summit Hotels & Resorts™

Summit Hotels & Resorts is a member of the Preferred Hotel Group family of brands which also includes: Preferred Boutique™, Preferred Hotels® & Resorts, Sterling Hotels™ and Historic Hotels of America®. For reservations and a complete description of the Summit Hotels & Resorts collection, please visit www.SummitHotels.com.

Summit Hotels & Resorts guests are eligible to enroll in the I Prefer™ Guest Benefit Program, featuring benefits such as early check-in/late check-out, space-available upgrades, and more. For more information, please visit www.iprefer.com.