Jinan, China (December 14, 2009) /ChinaNewswire.com/ — For its dynamic and outstanding performance in China during the year, Millennium Hotels and Resorts has been awarded the 2009 International Hotel Group Excellence Award by Hotel Professional Executive at the International Hotel Investment Forum 2009 held in Jinan, China.

Millennium Hotels and Resorts' China hotels are strategically located in key cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Xiamen, Wuxi and Qingdao. The group's sixth hotel, Millennium Hotel Chengdu is scheduled to open in January 2010.

"We are indeed extremely proud to receive this award and I'm honoured to accept it on behalf of the group and all our hotels in China. We remain committed to our philosophy of genuine hospitality and take pride in meeting and exceeding the needs of our guests through exceptional customer service and outstanding guest experience," says Mr Charles Lai, Vice President – Sales & Marketing Greater China, Millennium Hotels and Resorts.

During the forum, Mr Lai made a thoughtful presentation on "New Opportunities for Hotel Investment in China", and also made a brief introduction to the group's newest hotel brand, Studio M, which is scheduled to open in Singapore in April 2010. A modern refuge for a new generation of savvy business and leisure travellers, Studio M, epitomises chic and elegant living.

The 2009 International Hotel Group Excellence Award is Millennium Hotels and Resorts's first award in China.

Millennium Hotels and Resorts was established as a international hotel brand by Millennium & Copthorne Hotels plc to provide a common marketing and operating platform across its entire portfolio. One of the world's largest owned and managed hotel groups, this dynamic hospitality group operates a portfolio of more than 100 hotels worldwide, managing its network of properties through four key global brands: Grand Millennium, Millennium, Copthorne and Kingsgate.

Grand Millennium hotels epitomise the very best in elegance and luxury with outstanding décor, world class facilities and the ultimate in personalised, gracious service. Situated in landmark locations across major gateway cities around the world, Millennium hotels have been created with timeless elegance, and are famed for their conference and banqueting offerings. Now firmly established as a true global brand, the iconic Copthorne hotels are recognised worldwide as the preferred choice for business and leisure travellers alike. With a fine reputation for the warmth of its service and their premium locations, our Kingsgate range is expanding across the world.