The historic Garden Hotel Suzhou, a former private residence of Kuomingtang leader Chiang Kai-shek, has earned its 5-star status from the Chinas National Tourism Administration.

This new designation follows last year's 260 million yuan makeover and re-opening of the former manor which hosted visits by over a hundred Chinese and international political leaders as a state guest house. CNTA's National Star Rating Committee approved the rating following rigorous, unannounced checks of both service and facilities.

The property features 238-rooms with 93 deluxe rooms, an executive floor of 60 executive rooms with its own executive club lounge serving coffee, tea and assorted snacks, a presidential suite and two ambassador suites.

(chinahospitalitynews.com September 1, 2008)