Raffles Dubai features the seventh addition to a global series of luxury Centurion Suites designed exclusively for American Express Centurion Members

SINGAPORE, 4 May 2008 - American Express and Raffles Hotels & Resorts officially launched the ultra luxurious Centurion Suite at Raffles Dubai today. Marking a significant milestone in the partnership between the two iconic brands, this is the seventh addition to the exclusive collection of luxury suites at Raffles hotels and resorts globally.

The Centurion Suites are designed with American Express Centurion Members in mind - globally recognised as affluent, discerning and jet-setting individuals who are accustomed to the finest things in life. Reserved exclusively for these elite individuals, Centurion Suite guests will enjoy privileges such as a complimentary night stay with every paid night, arriving in style at the hotels in luxurious limousines, a dinner for two specially prepared by the Chef in the comfort of the suite or at the Chef's table; a relaxing spa experience and 24-hour flexible check-in. The suites will also feature special Centurion-branded amenities to reflect the privileged status of American Express Centurion members.

"It is with great pleasure that we extend our partnership with American Express to Raffles Dubai. Raffles hotels and resorts around the world are distinguished by their sense of residential charm, ambience of cultured luxury, and service that is heartfelt and gracious, personalized and individualized.  The Centurion Suite is the epitome of these attributes. We look forward to welcoming American Express Centurion members from around the world to Raffles Dubai," said Diana Ee-Tan, Managing Director, Raffles Hotels & Resorts.

"Our partnership with Raffles Hotels and Resorts is a natural alliance between two iconic brands that are known throughout the world for setting the standards in personalized customer service. Our Centurion members are amongst our most valued customers worldwide and we are delighted to offer them extend the best standard in recognition and customised service with the latest addition of the Centurion Suite experience in Dubai," said Sam McGoun, Vice President, Membership Travel Services, American Express.

The American Express Centurion Card, widely regarded as the most exclusive card in the world, is specially designed to meet every need of the most demanding and highly affluent lifestyle of the upper crust. Available strictly by invitation only to a very select group of Cardmembers in major international markets, the Centurion membership is a highly sought-after lifestyle icon. The Centurion Card is renowned for delivering to its Cardmembers customised personal service around the clock, unsurpassed lifestyle benefits and the ultimate in attention and service.

In addition to the new Centurion Suite at Raffles Dubai, there are six other Centurion Suites situated in six cities across the globe in Raffles Hotel in Singapore, Raffles Beijing Hotel in China, Raffles Canouan Island in The Grenadines, Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh, Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor in Siem Reap, Cambodia and Raffles L'Ermitage Beverly Hills in the U.S.

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About American Express
The American Express Company is a diversified worldwide travel, financial services and network Services Company.  Founded in 1850, it is a world leader in charge and credit cards, Travelers Cheques, travel, business services and international banking. For more information about American Express products and services, visit the worldwide web site at www.americanexpress.com.sg.

About Raffles Hotel s& Resorts
Raffles is a collection of luxury hotels and resorts worldwide, each distinguished by its luxury, elegance and residential charm.  Each hotel is a landmark in its respective city, positioned at the top of its local market and rated among the very best in the world.

Raffles' relentless pursuit of service excellence has earned for its hotels and resorts a legion of international accolades, including Condé Nast World's Best Places to Stay and Travel & Leisure World's Best Awards.  Its flagship Raffles Hotel Singapore was voted Best Hotel in Asia by readers of Ultratravel magazine by The Daily Telegraph and Best Luxury Hotel 2007 by Travel Trade Gazette Asia, while Raffles Beijing Hotel was named Best New City Hotel by Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report.  Raffles Dubai, the latest addition to its portfolio, is recognised among the world's best new hotels by Conde Nast Traveller's Hot List.  Raffles Hotels & Resorts is consistently ranked among the world's top 10 hotel brands in the annual Condé Nast Traveler Business Travel Awards. 

Raffles Hotels & Resorts is owned by Fairmont Raffles Hotels International, a leading global hotel company with over 85 hotels worldwide under the Raffles, Fairmont and

Swissôtel brands.  The company also owns Fairmont and Raffles branded Residences, Estates and luxury private residence club properties.   For more information, please visit www.raffles.com

Media Contact:
For more information, please contact:
Rawaj International
Sandra Schneider
Account Manager 
Tel:  +971 4 391 3567
Mobile:  +971 50 5581459
Email: sandra.s@rawajinternational.com 
 
Raffles Dubai
Stephanie Khouy
Public Relations Manager
Tel: +971 4324 8888
Email: stephanie.khouy@raffles.com 

Raffles Hotels & Resorts
Vivian Koh
Manager, PR and Communications
Tel: +65 6496 1145
Email: vivian.koh@raffles.com 
 
American Express International Inc.
Loh Wei Ling
Manager
Public Affairs & Communications
Tel: +65 6880 1236
Email: Loh.WeiLing@aexp.com

Parita Mulani
Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide
Tel: +65 6213 9991
Email: parita.mulani@ogilvy.com

© Press Release 2008