Hong Kong, At an official signing ceremony that took place today at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group announced that it will manage a luxury hotel in the new, landmark headquarters of China Central Television (CCTV), located in the central business district of Beijing. The 241-room Mandarin Oriental, Beijing will be a key component of the CCTV project, and is expected to open in mid-2008, in time for the Beijing Olympic Games.

“We look forward to creating the finest luxury hotel in the city, and our partners share our vision. The spectacular location, innovative architecture and design, along with Mandarin Oriental’s award-winning hospitality will ensure Mandarin Oriental, Beijing’s reputation as one of the world’s legendary hotels.” said Edouard Ettedgui, Group Chief Executive of Mandarin Oriental. “Mandarin Oriental is delighted to be expanding our collection of luxury hotels in China, particularly in Beijing, the nation’s capital city. This exciting venture is a significant step in further establishing our brand in key business and leisure locations worldwide.”

Li Xiaoming, Vice President of CCTV said “The cooperation of CCTV and Mandarin Oriental is a perfect and powerful partnership. We are delighted to welcome Mandarin Oriental into this new enterprise. We believe Mandarin Oriental’s reputation for excellence will ensure that this luxury hotel provides an exceptional addition to the overall master project.”

The interiors of the hotel will be strikingly contemporary, while offering all of Mandarin Oriental’s traditional quality. The 203 guestrooms and 38 suites are amongst the largest in the city with high ceilings, elegantly appointed materials, innovative in-room entertainment and commanding views of the surrounding district.

The hotel will feature six exceptional dining and cocktail venues. Both the Chinese and signature restaurant will be located on the top two floors of the hotel and linked by a champagne bar suspended over a dramatic staircase, thus allowing guests a birds-eye view of the stunning architecture and cityscape. A gourmet Mandarin Oriental Cake Shop will also be part of the dining experience. In addition, the hotel will be well positioned to cater to conferences and social events, with a uniquely designed circular ballroom, that will be surrounded by a ring of water.

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Beijing, with 11 treatment rooms, will offer holistic rejuvenation and relaxation treatments in a tranquil, meditative setting. Incorporating a comprehensive range of wellness, beauty and massage treatments, The Spa will feature life-enhancing signature programmes that are exclusive to Mandarin Oriental. A sophisticated fitness centre and beauty salon will also be available.

The hotel’s interior design is by Lim, Teo & Wilkes (LTW), who were responsible for the recent refurbishment of the Group’s original flagship property, Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, and the stunning design of Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo.

The design of CCTV Headquarters is led by Ole Scheeren of the Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA), founded by world-renowned Dutch architect Rem Koolhass. Located in the heart of Beijing’s Chaoyang CBD area, the new CCTV development occupies 550,000 sq metres and comprises two uniquely designed buildings and an expansive landscaped media park. The main CCTV building will house the company’s entire television production and broadcasting units. Mandarin Oriental, Beijing will be located in the Cultural Centre (TVCC), which will also contain a variety of facilities: a theatre, recording studios and digital cinemas.

Beijing continues to develop in stature as one of the world’s leading destinations. The city is currently investing US$40 billion on upgrading its infrastructure ahead of the 2008 Olympic Games. Mandarin Oriental, Beijing is ideally positioned for all of the city’s major tourist attractions.

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is the award-winning owner and operator of some of the world’s most prestigious hotels and resorts, currently operating 20 luxury hotels with a further 15 under development in Riviera Maya, Mexico and Hainan Island, China (2007), Barcelona, Boston and Beijing (2008), Dallas, Chicago, Las Vegas, Macau, Marrakech, Turks and Caicos and Grand Cayman (2009) and Guangzhou, Taipei and Paris (2010). In total, Mandarin Oriental now operates, or has under development more than 9,500 rooms in 20 countries with 16 hotels in Asia, 12 in The Americas and seven in Europe and North Africa.