Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel Shanghai Shanghai – Arabstoday Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel Shanghai - Jumeirah Group\'s first hotel in Asia Pacific - has won the International Hotel of the Year in the European Hospitality Awards 2012. The European Hospitality Award celebrates excellence in the hospitality industry, with the winners selected by panel of specialist judges. The award for the International Hotel of the Year is open to all countries outside of Europe.
Opened in March 2011, the Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel is a master piece of modern luxury infused with Chinese soul and Feng Shui elements. Even before opening, the Shanghai hotel received the CCTV \"Designing for China\" Award in 2008, alongside Herzog & de Meuron\'s National Stadium in Beijing. The hotel recently launched an audio tour of the extensive Chinese art collection in display in the lobby.
The judges complimented the hotel for being \"equally adept at servicing business and leisure guests, offering both outstanding conference facilities and a wide range of personalised services and amenities.\" They added: \"the fusion of iconic architecture and successful implementation of the \"Stay Different\" philosophy has created a flagship property that sets extremely high standards ahead of a period of extensive growth in China for the Jumeirah brand.\"
Akram Touma, Regional Vice-President of Jumeirah Group and General Manager of Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel Shanghai, said: \"We value this award as recognition for the consistent delivery of our brand promise \'Stay Different\'. We would like to thank the European Hospitality Awards for this honour, which inspires us to continue our efforts to surpass the expectations of our guests.\"
Shortly after receiving the European Hospitality Award in London, the hotel was voted the 2012 Best in Design Hotel by one of China\'s most popular travel magazines, City Traveler, recognizing the unique design of the hotel and the imaginative use of its art collection. Meanwhile, the Chinese edition of the prestigious Travel + Leisure magazine listed the hotel as one of the Top 100 Hotels in China. Winning three international and national awards in close succession marks a strong close of year for the Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel, which was also appointed Best New Hotel by Condé Nast Traveler (USA), Voyage in Beijing and Time Out Shanghai.
Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel Shanghai is the first hotel run by Jumeirah Group in Asia Pacific. Designed by world-renowned architect ArataIsozaki, the hotel is part of the landmark Himalayas Center (owned by Zendai Group), a spacious new arts and cultural hub. KCA International designed the impressive interiors of Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel Shanghai. Featuring 401 contemporary Chinese styled guestrooms and suites, four eclectic restaurants and lounges, plus a 24-hour fitness centre and indoor swimming pool, the hotel also offers extensive meetings, conference and event facilities, including two grand ballrooms and a 5,000sq. metre rooftop Infinity Garden.