Hilton Hotels Corporation is adding another luxury property to its China portfolio, according to the hospitality company's executives.

Hilton and Shanghai Li Xing Hotel Co Ltd yesterday signed an agreement for the Beverly Hills, California-based company to manage Conrad Shanghai - the southern metropolis' newest luxury hotel development.

"We expect that they will think of Conrad when people think of luxury accommodation in Shanghai," said Matthew Hart, Hilton's president and chief operating officer during the signing ceremony, calling the development a "benchmark for luxury hotels in China."

Conrad Shanghai is the third Conrad brand hotel in China, after Conrad Hong Kong and Conrad Beijing, which is scheduled to open in 2008.

"The partnership with Shanghai Li Xing Hotel demonstrates our commitment to providing exceptional hospitality experiences in key cities throughout China," said Hart.

Scheduled for completion in time for the 2008 Olympic Games, Conrad Shanghai will be located in the heart of Xintiandi district.

The hotel's ultra-contemporary design has been inspired by traditional Chinese motifs and will feature 362 guest rooms, a spa, meeting facilities and eating and recreational annexes.

The upmarket Xintiandi district is part of an urban revitalization project and is now home to boutiques, restaurants and shops in the heart of Shanghai's city centre, Puxi.

Conrad Shanghai in Xintiandi will be a timeless landmark hotel in Shanghai, said Leo Koguan, chairman of Shanghai Li Xing Hotel Co Ltd.

Hilton has nearly 2,700 hotels with 475,000 rooms in more than 80 countries operating under brands including Hilton, Conrad, Doubletree and Embassy Suites Hotels.

Conrad Hotels has 20 luxury properties worldwide, and another seven projects are under development to open in the next two years.

(China Daily April 11, 2006)