Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – 2 February 2017: YTL Hotels is pleased to announce its fifth property in United Kingdom with its latest acquisition of Threadneedles Hotel, their second Autograph Collection property in the United Kingdom. Situated in the heart of the City of London, Threadneedles Hotel is surrounded by economic and financial powerhouses, and ideally placed between the cultural attractions of the West End and the fashionable eastern districts. Formerly the head offices of City and Midland Bank from the 1880s, the Grade-II listed Victorian building was immaculately restored to a luxury hotel in 2002 retaining many of its historic features. As one of London's finest hotels, Threadneedles Hotel formed a powerful franchise affiliation with the Autograph Collection by Marriott International in 2013 and under YTL Hotels' new ownership and the group's decades long relationship with Marriott International; the hotel will continue to set the benchmark in best of class standards.

Sharing YTL Hotels' steadfast passion in respecting the cultural heritage of each hotel's locale, the thoughtfulness of its design, its inherent craft and the curation of inspired experiences, the Autograph Collection by Marriott International features a handpicked selection of the world's most unique boutique hotels that are beyond the commonplace. The acquisition of Threadneedles Hotel expands YTL Hotels' stable of luxury properties under the Autograph Collection to a total of four with The Glasshouse in Edinburgh - United Kingdom, The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur – Malaysia, and Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur – Malaysia that will make its debut next month.

Dato' Mark Yeoh, Executive Director of YTL Hotels said, “We are excited to secure yet another iconic Autograph Collection property in partnership with Marriott International to further expand our hospitality footprint within the United Kingdom. Our relationship with Marriott International has spanned over two decades through the ownership management and future development of ten properties across three major continents – Europe, Australia and Asia, and together we will continue to set new benchmarks for the hospitality industry for years to come.”

Elegant and exclusive, Threadneedles Hotel embodies a seamless marriage of past and present. This Victorian banking hall has been beautifully re-imagined as a five-star boutique hotel, retaining its impressive period features such as its original 19th century stained glass dome - a dramatic pièce de résistance that sets the stage for business lunches, cocktails and afternoon tea, corniced ceilings and ornate wrought-iron window grilles. Mere steps away from the Bank of England and the old Royal Exchange, Threadneedles Hotel is situated in close proximity to the financial and economic heart of London's Square Mile near iconic landmarks that includes The Shard, St Paul's Cathedral, Tate Modern Museum and Tower Bridge, making it an ideal place for cultural explorations.

The 74 beautifully appointed bedrooms and suites in Threadneedles Hotel combine contemporary style with the building's banking heritage, providing a haven of calm from the frenetic pace of the capital. The dining experience is one of the most revered in the City at Marco Pierre White Wheeler's of St. James's Oyster Bar and Grill Room featuring menus conceived by the enigmatic godfather of modern British cooking. Pull up a stool for freshly shucked oysters and bubbly at the old banking counter, a quintessential piece of Threadneedles' heritage that has been repurposed as a Champagne Bar.

The affiliation of Threadneedles Hotel with Marriot International's Autograph Collection synergises with YTL Hotels' steadfast commitment to respect the cultural and natural heritage inherent in each property it owns and operates, to celebrate unique individualism, to curate treasured memories through inspired experiences with exacting international standards of quality, service and operational excellence being its key drivers. This latest addition complements YTL Hotels' strengthening presence in the United Kingdom that encompasses seven bespoke assets in Bath, Edinburgh, Berkshire and Central London to offer a range of extraordinary experiences for discerning travellers.

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About YTL Hotels
YTL Hotels owns and manages a prestigious collection of award-winning resorts, hotels, boutique experiences and Spa Villages with a hospitality footprint across Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, China, Japan, Australia, France and the United Kingdom, including Pangkor Laut Resort, voted the world's best resort in 2003 by Condé Nast Traveller UK. The group also co-owns the Eastern & Oriental Express luxury train. The Gainsborough Bath Spa, the only hotel in Bath to be part of the Leading Hotels of the World's collection of legendary hotels, was named one of the Top 10 Hotel Spas in Europe. Set in the heart of Bath, a World Heritage Site, this unique heritage gem exclusively offers the only natural thermal spa within a hotel in the United Kingdom.

YTL Hotels' global expansion celebrates its decades long relationship with Marriott International through the ownership management of Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel, Brisbane Marriott Hotel, Melbourne Marriott Hotel, The Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur and JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur and recently includes The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur, The Glasshouse Hotel - Edinburgh and Threadneedles Hotel – London in affiliation with the brand's Autograph Collection. The partnership also encompasses the future development of The Ritz-Carlton Koh Samui in Thailand and the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve that will complement YTL Hotels' overall master plan for Niseko Village in Japan.

With each new experience that it presents, the company strives to embrace and highlight the natural essence of culture, character and tradition of its surroundings. YTL Hotels is the hospitality arm of YTL Corporation Berhad. Visit www.ytlhotels.com for more information and follow us on our social media platforms for #TreasuredPlaces #TreasuredMoments

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About Autograph Collection Hotels
Autograph Collection Hotels celebrates individuality by curating one-of-a-kind travel experiences at more than 100 luxury lifestyle hotels found in the world's most desirable destinations. Exactly like nothing else, each hotel has been hand selected for its distinction as an iconic landmark, for its remarkable design or for its best-in-class resort amenities. For more information please visit www.autographhotels.com, and explore our social media channels to learn more about championing the independent spirit that is #ExactlyLikeNothingElse

Facebook : www.facebook.com/AutographCollection
Twitter : www.twitter.com/Autograph
Tumblr : autographcollectionhotels.tumblr.com
Instagram : www.instagram.com/AutographHotels

FOR MEDIA ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT:
Luke Hurford
Senior Vice President - Sales & Marketing
Email: lhurford@ytlhotels.com.my

Geraldine Dreiser
Vice President - Marketing & Communications
Email: geraldine@ytlhotels.com.my