Grand Mercure Urumqi Hualing Hotel, Xinjiang, has just opened, answering a pressing need in the market for international branded hotels. The Sheraton and Pullman are currently the two other foreign hospitality players in this Northwest Chinese city.
Historically, Urumqi has been a difficult location for foreign hospitality groups to operate in. Kempinski and Holiday Inn previously had a presence in the city but pulled out due to reported management and service quality issues.
The refurbishment of Grand Mercure Urumqi Hualing Hotel was itself delayed until this June due to problems with local contractors and suppliers. Patrice Larroque, general manager of the new hotel, commented: "We encountered a number of obstacles with the renovation process, but the project has turned out well, and we are getting some very positive comments from clients and local residents."
Located downtown, the 250-room property is about 30 minutes by car from Urumqi Diwopu International Airport and 10 minutes from the train station.
Facilities include three restaurants: Loulan Chinese Restaurant for Cantonese and Xinjiang cuisine, local Café Veranda for buffet and a la carte selections and Siam Thai Restaurant as well as a 512-square-metre ballroom for up to 500 guests and four function rooms, ranging from 90 sqm to 336 sqm. Free wifi access is offered in the guestooms.
The Grand Mercure Urumqi Hualing Hotel is the 13th hotel belonging to this category under the Accor group. Last year, Dongguan also received a Grand Mercure (click here).
For more information, visit www.mercure.com
Valerian Ho
