Ryugyong Hotel, North Korea

Construction on North Korea's Ryugyong hotel began in 1987, long

before the somewhat similar London Shard was designed.Opening: 2013 (maybe)

It was reported in November 2012 that Kempinski would be managing the 105-story Ryugyong Hotel in North Korea.

Construction of the pyramid-shaped building started in 1987. When the 330-meter-tall building is completed this year, it will hold the distinction of being the tallest hotel in the world. Bragging rights to the "highest" hotel still go to Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong on the 102nd to 118th floors of the International Commerce Center.

However, when CNN contacted Kempinski Hotels for confirmation, the company replied with the following (excerpted) statement:

"KEY International, Kempinski's joint venture partner in China with Beijing Tourism Group (BTG), is in negotiations to operate a hotel project 'Ryugyong' in Pyongyang, North Korea. No management agreement has been signed to date.

"Kempinski is committed to raising the level of tourism infrastructure, participating in trade and travel, and creating employment opportunities. If North Korea opens up, Kempinski, through KEY International, would be proud to be part of the process of opening up the country."

In other words, don't pack your bags just yet.

Date: 20 Jan 2013

Publication: Sydney Morning Herald

http://www.smh.com.au/travel/taste-of-the-suite-life-20130118-2cx93.html

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