by Polly Evans, Editor

Top tips for holiday planners

For those traveling to China who are fed up with staying in hotels which don't quite meet the mark, a new luxury tour company, Imperial Tours , has researched all the major hotels in China's most-visited locations, with the aim of offering guests the ultimate in luxury and elegance. These are the spots it recommends: Starting in Beijing, the newest and most stylish hotel in town is the Kerry Centre Hotel (Behind the China World Trade Centre at 1 Guanghua Lu, 86-10-6561-8833). By the end of this year, the Kerry Centre will also house Beijing's best and largest gym. In Shanghai, there's no competition for the Grand Hyatt (Jinmao Tower, 2 Century Boulevard, Pudong, 86-21-5047-1234). Taking up the 54th to 88th floors, this is one of hte world's most spectacular hotels: Each room-including the bathroom-has floor-to-ceiling glass windows which give sensational views across Shanghai. If you're heading off to see the terracotta warriors in Xi'an, the best night's rest can be had from the Shangri-La Golden Flower (8 Changle West Rd., 86-29-323-2981), whose rooms are larger and more tastefully decorated than those at either the Hyatt or the Sheraton. The hotel is situated on the west side of the city, and so is convenient for the terracotta army. Meanwhile in Suzhou, the Sheraton (388 Xinshi Lu, 86-512-510-3388) opened its doors earlier this year. It is elegantly designed with traditional Chinese architecture, but the best time to see it is after dark, when you can appreciate the full effect of its illuminated facades and reflective pools. The Shangri-La takes the prize again in Hangzhou (78 Beishan Lu, 86-571-797-7951) with its fantastic location on the northern shore of hte West Lake and set deep wihin its own extensive gardens. Renovations are due to be completed in December, after which this will be the place to stay in Hangzhou. For more information from Imperial Tours, email, web_inquiry@imperialtours.net.

HK Magazine Friday NOV 5 1999