Lord Mayor Turnbull released 68 specially bred butterflies, each in the Swissôtel colours of red and black. The releasing of butterflies is quintessentially Australian, signifying a new beginning and the number of butterflies released represents 68 Market Street, the address of the hotel. The five-star Swissôtel Sydney is the latest addition to the Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts portfolio of 25 hotels worldwide. They include award-winning hotels such as Swissôtel The Stamford, Singapore; Swissôtel Métropole, Geneva; Swissôtel Chicago; and Swissôtel The Bosphorus, Istanbul. Swissôtel hotels are noted for their consistently high standards of quality in facilities and services. Through

Swissôtel Sydney (formerly Merchant Court Hotel Sydney)  68 Market St.  Sydney, Northwest 2000 Australia

Swissôtel Sydney is strategically located in the heart of Sydney, at the corner of Market and George Streets in the city's Central Business District. The 359-room hotel is uniquely positioned, atop the historic Grace Brothers Department Store, occupying the eighth to the 25th floors. It commands panoramic views of Australia's oldest city and world-famous harbour. 

The hotel lobby has been refurbished to feature a contemporary entrance with an elegantly modern design. The hotel�s Crossroads Bar on level 8 received a major makeover and emerged with a sleek new lounge and 10-metre long cocktail bar. Breathtaking floor to ceiling windows provide patrons with an eagle eye�s view of the State Theatre and surrounding cityscape. Other areas that have been refurbished include the Executive Club Lounge, Executive Club Floors, Executive Suites, meeting and business rooms. 

Mr. Cheng Wai Keung, Chairman of Raffles Holdings Limited, said, �The rebranding of Swissôtel Sydney is a strategic move that presents an excellent opportunity to further increase the recognition of the Swissôtel brand. Having a Swissôtel in Sydney will definitely raise the awareness of the brand in a major market such as Australia. Conversely, Swissôtel Sydney will benefit from the brand�s strong presence in key cities in Europe, North America, South America and Asia.�

Ms Jennie Chua, Chairman and CEO of Raffles International said, �Swissôtel is recognised worldwide as a brand that offers consistently high standards of quality in facilities and services. Swissôtel Sydney�s high-tech and modern facilities, the service efficiency for which this hotel is known and its excellent location with convenient access to business and shopping districts makes it a good hotel-brand fit. It will certainly meet and exceed the expectations of the modern business traveller.�
In celebration of the rebranding of Swissôtel Sydney, the Swissôtel group of hotels worldwide turned Australian for a day with several of the food and beverage outlets serving Australian-themed food. 

Raffles Holdings Limited is a hospitality company listed on the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited. It is headquartered in Singapore and has an approximate 12,000-room portfolio comprising hotels and resorts in 32 destinations across Asia, Australia, Europe, North America and South America. 

Raffles International Limited is the hotel management arm of Raffles Holdings Limited. Formed in 1989, Raffles International Limited is a name well respected in the industry for its standards of quality, award-winning concepts and innovative approach towards hotel management. Raffles International markets its hotels and resorts under two brands -- Raffles Hotels & Resorts and Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts. The Company manages 37 hotels in 32 destinations worldwide. 

Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts (www.swissotel.com) is a distinctive group of deluxe hotels for today�s discerning modern business and leisure traveller.