8 June 2001 - Luxury boutique hotel, Sir Stamford at Circular Quay, has been voted The Number One Hotel in Australia by readers of the US Condé Nast Traveler magazine, making the publication�s prestigious Gold List for 2001 � plus Number One in Australia for service by American Express� Travel and Leisure magazine in the US.

�We are delighted to have received such international accolades, especially as the judging panel were all guests of the hotel� said David McDonald, Group Head of Marketing and Public Relations for Stamford Hotels and Resorts, which owns and operates the hotel. 

Each year, Condé Nast Traveler subscribers are surveyed in what has been described as the �largest private poll of consumer attitudes in the United States�. 26,000 people responded to the 2000 Readers� Choice Poll from which the top-rated hotels and destinations were chosen for the 7th annual Gold List. (www.cntraveler.com)
 

Hotels are judged on the quality of rooms, service, restaurants, location, design and layout.  Comments on Sir Stamford at Circular Quay ranged from �posh classical hotel� to �incredible waterfront views� and �the concierge is one of the best I�ve ever met!� The Sir Stamford at Circular Quay, formerly the Ritz-Carlton, was judged the top Australian hotel - and among the leading hotels internationally. �The team at Sir Stamford at Circular Quay pride themselves on the Stamford�s unique brand of �personalised, intelligent hospitality� said Mr McDonald. �While it is fantastic to receive these accolades from the Condé Nast Traveler and Travel and Leisure subscribers, it is the feedback of our guests on a daily basis that drives us to provide an hotel experience which is exceptional in every sense.� Sir Stamford at Circular Quay is a boutique style hotel with original 19th

Stamford Hotels and Resorts was formed in 1995 by our parent company, Hai Sun Hup Group Ltd, one of Singapore's best known public companies. Stamford has grown to become the largest owner/operator of premium quality hotels in Australia and New Zealand, with plans for further expansion beyond Australasia by 2002. After just five years, the Group operates 10 hotels (2 currently under contract to purchase), with near 2500 rooms, 3000 employees, and owning other commercial office tower and retail assets.  By August 2000, Stamford will have a significant Geographic presence  accross Australia and New Zealand with hotels in Brisbane, Sydney,  Melbourne, Adelaide and a further hotel under development in Perth,  and a hotel in Auckland, New Zealand. The Stamford brand is positioned in  the 4.5 to 5 start market segments with a unique portfolio of landmark premium and luxury hotels in key geographic locations.

Just steps from the Sydney Opera House, Royal Botanical Gardens and a few minutes from the historic Rocks area, the hotel has 106 guest rooms including 11 suites, many with French doors opening onto balconies which overlook the Gardens. 

The Sir Stamford Club Lounge is a secured floor for guests requiring extra privacy with its own concierge, plus food and beverage service.  Guest bathrooms feature the bvlgari range of exclusive toiletries.

Sir Stamford�s award-winning restaurant, The Dining Room, provides fine dining in an elegant yet relaxed setting and The Bar is popular with Opera House concert-goers and performers.