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New kids on the block

The South City Mall, Kolkata

Located on Prince Anwar Shah Road, the South City Mall is a part of the 31.14 acres South City mixed used development project. The Mall has 134 retail outlets spread over five levels has been created and designed by Bentel Associates, city architect Dulal Mukherjee & Associate and constructed by Larsen & Toubro. Shoppers Stop, Pantaloons, Fame Cinema, Starmark, Timezone and Spencer's Hypermart will share the retail space.

South City Mall will also house a blend of 13 national and international kitchens providing a food court and dining area hosted by Blue Foods named Foodtalk. Apart from this, restaurant outlets like Mainland China, Sigree, Benjarong - Truly and Zara - The Spanish Tavern, Kookie Jar, Cookieman and Café Coffee Day will also set up there.

The mall also has taken measures for an improve security strength with of over 200 outsourced personnel backed by technology through 167 close circuit camera televisions. The mall has nine exit staircases during emergencies providing easy access and exit to all. Ramps for special people have been provided for easy access to all areas.

Lotus Backwater Resort, Aronda

Kamat Hotels (KHIL), has announced the opening of Lotus Backwater Resort at Aronda, near Goa. Located on the backwaters of Satarda river on Kiranpani Aronda the resort is set amidst the mangroves.

Lotus Backwater Resorts, Aronda is set on an island where a contemporary tropical house incorporates European and Goan style elements. The cottages are made of matured local wood and old Hubli teakwood, while the heritage room with its open bathroom adds an exotic touch. The rooms are spacious and equipped with all modern amenities like mini-bar, coffee and tea maker, telephone and cable connection.The Coconut Creek Coffee Shop serves the choicest coastal, Chinese, Indian and Continental food. For connoisseurs of seafood, the coastal specialty section is a reason to rejoice. To host events or get-togethers, the captivating resort provides vast lawns that can accommodate 100-200 guests.

White - the modern Italian Café, Mumbai

White - The modern Italian Café, a restaurant initiative started by Aditya Mhatre of SD Hospitality has Executive Chef Rodney Cabral leading in the kitchen. White offers fine dining tables draped in white linen with soft candlelight, bottles of Chianti and plush leather sofas. The café also offers delightful Indian cuisines available alfresco.

INTERNATIONAL

Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers, Ho Chi Minh City

The 25-storey Grand Tower of the Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers opened recently. The Grand Tower will add 112 spacious studios and suites and a luxurious Grand Tower Lounge to the hotel's existing 371-room inventory. Located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City's vibrant business and entertainment district, the Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers now offers 483 spacious hotel rooms, studios, and suites.

Apart from the state-of-the-art technology and the stylish and contemporary design, the hotel also offers eight stylish restaurants and bars. For meetings the hotel's StarMeeting concierge can help host an event in any of the 16 meeting rooms. A total of 2,100 square meters, the convention facilities can cater up to 1,200 guests. The Grand Ballroom is one of the largest pillar less hotel function rooms in Ho Chi Minh City, reaching 739 square meters in size, with a five-meter high ceiling. There is also the pool, fitness centre, and the Aqua Day Spa to relax.

Four Points by Sheraton expands in Asia Pacific with Six New Hotels

Starwood's Four Points by Sheraton is ready to open six new hotels in the Asia Pacific this year. The new hotels, including four in China, the brand's first hotel in Malaysia - Four Points by Sheraton Kuching, and the first in Vietnam - Four Points by Sheraton Halong Bay.

With a flair for fun and an eye for clean, appealing design, Four Points by Sheraton covers all the basics including a comfortable bed, quality shower, state-of-the-art meeting facilities, restaurant service and extras guests love like the brand's signature Best Brews program or Feel Good Treats.

The brand's new hotels opening in Asia Pacific this year include:

• Four Points by Sheraton Changshu - opened March 2008
• Four Points by Sheraton Hangzhou, Binjiang - opened January 2008
• Four Points by Sheraton Beijing, Haidian - scheduled to open July 2008
• Four Points by Sheraton Guangzhou, Dongpu - scheduled to open September 2008
• Four Points by Sheraton Kuching, Malaysia - scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2008
• Four Points by Sheraton Halong Bay, Vietnam - scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2008

Amara Singapore to launch Newly Designed Executive Club Floors

The Amara Singapore with its art deco-inspired interior is both classy and warm aiming to provide a new meaning to the term 'business class'. The Amara Singapore is located within the heart of the business district and away from Singapore Chinatown, Orchard Road and Suntec City. The 380-room hotel showcases special touches like a lobby with minimalist theme, a Balinese-style resort pool and spa and a list of chic restaurants.

The hotel is outfitted with a business lounge attached to the three club floors, a cozy lounge area. A personal butler is at the lounge to attend to the every need of the club-floor guests: from check-in and check-out services to booking of spa packages or golfing sessions.