Carlson Hotels, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, announces the addition of the Radisson Hotel Brunei Darussalam, a 142-room hotel located in the heart of downtown Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei’s capital city. The property, which will be converted to the upscale, full-service Radisson brand on May 1, 2010, marks Carlson’s entry into Brunei, a country located on the north west coast of the island of Borneo.

The Radisson Hotel Brunei Darussalam is owned by Hotel Associates Sdn Bhd., a Bruneian investment holding company and will be managed by Carlson Hotels.

“We are continuing to grow Radisson as a vibrant and dynamic brand throughout Asia,” said Jean-Marc Busato, managing director, Asia Pacific. “The Radisson Hotel Brunei Darussalam will allow travellers to experience exceptional hospitality through a range of quality facilities from food and beverage to leisure and recreational options such as the club lounge, health club, outdoor swimming pool and spa, combined with our passion to deliver the distinctive ‘Yes I Can!’ service.”

“We are delighted to partner with Carlson Hotels,” said Stephen Ong, managing director, Hotel Associates Sdn Bhd. “The strength of the Radisson brand globally will be key in building the future success of this hotel as a contemporary, international full-service hotel offering all the upscale amenities and services desired by today’s business travellers.”

The hotel will undergo a comprehensive refurbishment that will encompass public areas and guest facilities including 130 elegantly designed standard rooms, 10 junior suites, an executive suite and a presidential suite. The enhancements will include the development of an all-day dining restaurant and a specialty restaurant. Perfect for business meetings, weddings and other events, the hotel’s meeting and banquet facilities feature a variety of venues including two banquet rooms and two board rooms with wireless high speed Internet access available throughout the facilities.

The Radisson Hotel Brunei Darussalam is within walking distance of some of the city’s famous tourist attractions such as the Jame’ Asr Mosque, Brunei’s largest mosque; Kampong Ayer, the world’s oldest over-water village; and the Ulu Ulu Resort, a national park and home to the near extinct Proboscis monkey.

The hotel is a 10-minute drive from Brunei International Airport.