Readers of Business Traveller China have voted The Ascott Group's flagship brand - Ascott The Residence, to be the ‘Best Serviced Residence Brand' in China by for the third year running.

This is the fourth award the Group has received from Business Traveller's readers polls this year. In September, readers of Business Traveller UK chose the Group as the ‘Best Serviced Residence Company' in Europe. ‘Ascott The Residence' was also given the nod then as the ‘Best Serviced Residence Brand' in Asia Pacific, along with its China property, Ascott Shanghai Pudong, which garnered the ‘Best Serviced Residence' in Asia Pacific.

Business Traveller magazine is one of the world's leading travel publications. Launched in the United Kingdom in 1976, it now has 10 different versions including Europe, Asia Pacific and China. Each version polls its readers annually to select the best in the travel industry, covering categories like airlines, airports and hotels.

Mr Gerald Lee, Ascott's Deputy CEO (Operations), said: "Winning this award in China attests to our brand reputation which we have built over the last ten years in the country. The four accolades by Business Traveller this year also reflect Ascott's international appeal, not only in China, but across the wider Asia Pacific and Europe. We will continue to build on our brand of hospitality, which is going the extra mile to provide service from the heart, so as to ensure a memorable experience for our guests."

Mr Ee Chee Hong, Ascott's CEO (China), said: "This award could not have been more meaningful as it comes at a time when we are adding more serviced residences in China, with six new properties slated to open in Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Suzhou and Tianjin by 2009. With more properties in our portfolio, it will enable us to better serve the needs of our growing international clientele."

The Group currently maintains about 4,000 serviced apartment units over 20 properties in China. It aims to grow its China portfolio to 10,000 units by 2010.