There has been an influx of quality accommodation in China over the last 12 months. Business Traveller Asia-Pacific rounds up the rooms you need to check into – and those poised to open – in 2014…
BEIJING
Waldorf Astoria Beijing
Located in the upcoming commercial district of Dongcheng, the hotel is also close to the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. All 171 guestrooms are equipped with wifi and minibar and there are three restaurants and a bar. Meeting facilities include a 287sqm ballroom, two drawing rooms, and two basement event spaces. In addition, there is a spa, fitness centre, and heated indoor swimming pool.
www.waldorfastoria.hilton.com
Hotel éclat Beijing
The hotel is located 45 minutes by car from Beijing Capital International Airport, and is within a 3km distance from the China World Trade centre and CCTV Tower. There are 100 rooms, including 18 deluxe suites with private indoor swimming pools. Room facilities include massage chairs, 3D TV and iPod docks with Bang & Olufsen speakers. The Éclat Lounge, located on the 16th floor with city views, offers complimentary buffet breakfast and refreshments. There is also a 24-hour gym.
www.eclathotels.com
Conrad Beijing
The 289-room hotel is situated within the Chaoyang district –a short distance away from foreign embassies, and entertainment and shopping hubs, such as Sanlitun Village. All rooms offer a Nespresso coffee machines and iHome docking station. Gusts staying on the executive floor may use the executive lounge on the 29th floor, which offers personalised check-in services and complimentary refreshments. There are five dining options plus fitness centre and spa. Meeting spaces include a 522 sqm ballroom, four meeting rooms and a boardroom.
www.conradhotels.hilton.com
CHENGDU
The Ritz-Carlton Chengdu
This 41-storey, 353-room tower property is located on the site of a former imperial palace in the city centre. The 113 clubrooms and 55 suites all offer complimentary internet access and secretarial services. There is also 1,700 sqm of meeting space available, including the diamond ballroom that seats up to 900 guests. Dining outlets include the Japanese/Asian tapas lounge FLAIR and Chinese restaurant Li Xuan, and there is also a spa and fitness centre.
www.ritzcarlton.com
M Hotel Chengdu
This trendy property is conveniently located in Chengdu Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone, a 15-minute drive from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport. The smoke-free property features 196 guestrooms and suites with separate working area, flat screen TV and balcony. There are two conference rooms while facilities include a gym, indoor pool and a library with internet connectivity. A single restaurant, M-Café, serves Southeast Asian and international cuisine.
www.millenniumhotels.com
CHONGQING
Westin Chongqing Liberation Square
Located in the business district of Jiefangbei, the hotel is a short walk from the nearest metro station and features 336 guest rooms. There are 11 meeting spaces, the largest of which is sized at 700 sqm. Sample local fare at Xin Yao Xuan or go international at Cuisine. Recreational facilities include the Heavenly Spa by Westin and Westin Workout fitness studio.
www.starwoodhotels.com
DALIAN
Aloft Dalian
A 20-minute drive from the airport, this 314 room property offers complimentary internet access. Situated in Zhongshan District, it’s within walking distance from the city’s shopping hotspot and harbour terminal. There are three dining options available, including the brand’s signature re:fuel quick bite concept. Facilities include a heated indoor pool and fitness centre. In addition, there is a 500 sqm grand ballroom, and a eight other meeting spaces.
www.starwoodhotels.com/alofthotels
FOSHAN
Hilton Foshan
Housed within a new mixed-use development in the CBD of Dongping New Town, the 600-room hotel offers easy access to Hong Kong, Guangzhou and Macau. Those staying in executive rooms and suites can access the executive lounge, which offers complimentary refreshments. Business-friendly amenities include laundry service, a business centre and cellular phone rental. There are five restaurants including Yuxi for Imperial Chinese cuisine. Facilities include a 24-hour fitness centre, two swimming pools and a spa. There are also 29 multi-function rooms and a 1,300 sqm grand ballroom.
www.hilton.com
GUANGZHOU
Doubletree by Hilton Guangzhou
Featuring 301 guestrooms including king and twin executive rooms, this property is situated in the commercial centre of Yuexiu, a 40-minute drive from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. Guests staying in executive rooms can access the lounge, which offers buffet breakfast, cocktail hour and complimentary wifi (fees apply otherwise). There are six restaurants including Dong Yuan Ge for local specialties. Facilities include a fitness centre, outdoor pool, and a sauna. There is also a ballroom and six function rooms.
http://doubletree3.hilton.com
Langham Place Guangzhou
With 500 guestrooms and suites including 66 Club Place rooms, Langham Place Guangzhou is located in the new central business district on Pazhou Island next to Xingangdong metro station. All guests staying on the hotel’s executive floors have access to Club L, which offers complimentary breakfast, snacks, afternoon tea and use of the boardroom. Restaurant options include Cantonese cuisine at Ming Court and steaks at Alfresco. There is a combined meeting space of almost 5,000 sqm, including the largest ballroom in the city at 2,800 sqm. The fitness centre features an indoor swimming pool and two mini golf courses.
www.langhamplacehotels.com
W Guangzhou
Housed in a striking black glass building on the Pearl River, the hotel is located in the commercial district of Zhujiang. There are 317 rooms in the typical W categories, ranging from Wonderful and Spectacular rooms to Wow suites, all equipped with high-speed wifi. The hotel offers three restaurants and two bars, Woobar and Fei Ultralounge. There is also a spa, fitness centre, indoor pool, 24-hour business centre, and more than 2,000 sqm of meeting and event space.
www.whotels.com
HANGZHOU
Doubletree by Hilton Hangzhou East
The 308-room hotel is situated in the Hangzhou Economic & Technological Development Area next to the Metro Station interlink. Room features include wifi and a marble bathroom with separate tub and shower. Executive rooms offer access to the executive lounge. There are two restaurants serving western and Cantonese specialities, along with a deli and lounge. Recreational facilities include a 24-hour fitness centre, indoor pool, steam room, and games room. There is also 1,882 sqm of event space that can accommodate up to 1,500.
http://doubletree3.hilton.com
HONG KONG
Mira Moon
Located in Wan Chai and overlooking Victoria Harbour, this design-conscious hotel incorporates Chinese and western design elements. It has 91 guestrooms that include IPTV, in-room iPad minis, and complimentary mini bar. There are two dedicated ladies’ floors and two gentlemen’s floors, which deliver tailored services for the respective genders. Guests at the hotel can experience Chinese-Spanish tapas at the design-led Super Giant Bar & Restaurant. There is also a 24-hour gym with exclusive usage times for men and women.
www.miramoonhotel.com
Hotel Pennington by Rhombus
The 79-room boutique hotel is located in the heart of Causeway Bay. Each guestroom offers independent wifi and LAN capabilities, as well as USB charging facilities. The “R-Touch” e-recognition programme enables guests to personalise their stay according to their own preference. Using the programme, you can select newspapers and order extra pillows. The open terrace lounge, which offers views over the city, is worth a visit.
www.hotelpennington.com.hk
Ozo Wesley
Situated on Hennessy Road and within walking distance of Admiralty and Wan Chai, the 251 guestrooms offer IPTV and a multimedia connectivity panel enabling guests to play music from their iPod/iPhone from the TV. Free wifi is available and check-in is completed on an iPad. Room sizes range from 20 sqm for a Sleep or Dream room to the 34 sqm Ozo suite. There is a gym and meeting space on the second floor of the hotel with space for 80.
www.ozohotels.com
Ovolo 100 Shek Pai Wan
Featuring 85 guest rooms, this select-service hotel is located in the southern district of Aberdeen on Hong Kong Island, where the new South Island MTR line is under construction. Facilities are limited but there is a 24-hour gym and lounge, Lo Lounge, along with free self-laundry service. The hotel also offers the brand’s new citywide wifi hotspot service, which provides guests free access to more than 8,500 HKBN hotspots across Hong Kong.
www.ovolohotels.com
Pentahotel Hong Kong
Located in the up and coming district of East Kowloon, this hotel offers 695 rooms. As with its sister properties in Shanghai and Beijing, the property exudes a young, trendy vibe, with a communal lounge across the entire first floor with complimentary wifi, Wii and a billiards table. There is also a outdoor swimming pool and 24-hour gym along with five meeting rooms, the largest of which can seat 60.
www.pentahotels.com
Hotel Indigo Hong Kong Island
Intercontinental Hotel Group’s third Hotel Indigo in Asia opened in Hong Kong early last year, following debuts in Shanghai and Xiamen. Located in Wan Chai, it features 138 guestrooms, all of which offer free wifi and feature paintings from local artists. There are two food and beverage outlets, a rooftop gym and swimming pool with a glass bottom, plus a small boardroom for intimate meetings.
www.ihg.com/hotelindigo
Courtyard Marriott Shatin
Situated in the industrial district of Sha Tin, this property is a five-minute walk from Shek Mun MTR station. Currently under construction, the Sha Tin to Central Link railway project will provide a direct link between the hotel and Hong Kong Island. Internet access in the 539 rooms costs HKD$120 (US$15.5) for 24 hours. There are two dining outlets – the all day restaurant, Momo Cafe, and lobby lounge. Guests can workout at the gym and relax in the outdoor pool (open July to October). There is 549 sqm of meeting space featuring four function rooms and a grand ballroom.
www.marriott.com
NANJING
Fairmont Nanjing
The 359-room hotel is located on the upper floors of the 62-story Jin An Plaza development in Hexi New Town in southwest Nanjing. All rooms come with Fairmont’s signature bedding, 46-inch TV and internet (US$15 per day) while Fairmont Gold rooms offer access to the lounge and all-day complimentary refreshments. There are seven restaurants including Cloud 62, the only rooftop-bar in Nanjing. The hotel also contains 2,500 sqm of meeting space, the brand's signature Willow Stream Spa, a pool and fitness facilities.
www.fairmont.com/nanjing
Wanda Vista Nanjing
Located in the business district of Jiangning, the hotel is a 35-minute drive from Nanjing Lukou International Airport and 20 minutes from Nanjing CRH railway station. The 302 guestrooms are generously sized, with standard rooms measuring 43 sqm and a 220 sqm presidential suite. Sample Chinese fare at River Drunk and steaks at Spark and hold a meeting in one of the hotel’s seven function rooms, or the 1,000 sqm ballroom. Recreational facilities include a heated indoor swimming pool.
www.wandahotels.com
NINGBO
Langham Place Ningbo Culture Plaza
Set within two architecturally distinctive towers, the hotel is linked to Ningbo Culture Plaza and 18km from Ningbo Lishe International Airport. There are 143 guestrooms including 13 suites, all of them offering free wifi. The hotel also provides facilities for meetings and events – a 1,180 sqm area for conferences and ballroom with room for 900; and three function rooms. Dining options include Cantonese fare at Ming Court, which is inspired by the two-Michelin-starred restaurant at its sister property in Hong Kong.
www.langhamplacehotels.com
QINGDAO
Himalayas Qingdao
Located within mixed-use complex Zendai Thumb Plaza in Lao Shan district, this lifestyle hotel is owned by boutique Chinese hospitality brand Himalayas and is 2km from the Qingdao International Convention Center. There are 208 rooms including 16 premier rooms and 24 suites. With complimentary wifi throughout, facilities include the Z1 restaurant and Z1 lounge/bar. There is 1,000 sqm of function space including a 340 sqm ball room and 10 meeting rooms.
www.himalayashotels.com
The Westin Qingdao
The property overlooks the Yellow Sea, and is positioned within the CBD. The 321 guestrooms feature complimentary wifi. Executive room guests can also access the club lounge facility. There are five dining outlets – including Chinese restaurant Five Sen5es – plus a fitness studio, indoor pool, and spa. There are 11 meeting spaces, the largest of which measures 720 sqm.
www.starwoodhotels.com/westin
SANYA
The Westin Sanya Haitang Bay Resort
With views of the South China Sea, this 448-room property is a 30-minute drive from Sanya Phoenix International Airport and is located next to China’s biggest duty-free shopping mall. Dining outlets include Japanese restaurant Mai and Cuisine for cocktails and snacks. It may be a resort, but there are also 11 function rooms offering 2,700 sqm of meeting space. Recreational facilities include swimming pools, a gym and the brand’s signature Heavenly Spa by Westin.
www.starwoodhotels.com/westin
SHANGHAI
Pullman Shanghai South
This Accor property is a 20-minute drive from Shanghai Hongqiao airport and within easy reach of the South Xujiahui Business Circle. It offers 333 guestrooms and has a dedicated executive floor with club lounge. There are five dining options available, including an all-day-dining restaurant, lobby lounge and bar. Facilities include a swimming pool, fitness lounge and spa. There are also seven function rooms and a 1,300 sqm grand ballroom.
www.pullmanhotels.com
Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Shanghai
Located near the Shanghai IFC, the hotel offers 362 rooms, including club room and lounge offering private check-in and refreshments. Dining options include the French restaurant Fifty 8° Grill and all-day kitchen Zest. Facilities include a spa, fitness centre, and a 25m indoor swimming pool. There are also two ballrooms, eight meeting rooms, and Shanghai’s largest outdoor riverside event space at 5,000 sqm.
www.mandarinoriental.com/shanghai
Jing An Shangri-La
Located next to Shanghai Exhibition Centre on the top 28 floors of the Jing An Kerry Centre on Nanjing Road, the 508-room hotel offers direct underground access to Metro lines 2 and 7. The Horizon Club Lounge is located on the 56th floor, and dining highlights include Chinese restaurant Summer Palace and the 1515 West Chophouse & Bar. There is a a health club, heated indoor lap pool and spa, and the hotel additionally offers 4,465 sqm of meeting space.
www.shangri-la.com
Metropolo Jinjiang Hotel
Located near Jiangsu Road, the hotel is a 20-minute drive from Hongqiao International Airport and 15-minute walk from the Jiangsu Road station. The 111 rooms comprise 66 king-bed, 26 twin-bed guestrooms and 19 suites. There is a café on the first floor offering Chinese and western cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The hotel also offers free wifi and
a gym.
www.metropolohotels.com
Shanghai Marriott Hotel Parkview
The hotel is situated next to the Multimedia Valley in Zhabei district and offers 317 guestrooms and suites. An executive lounge on the 23rd floor offers business services and round-the-clock complimentary food and drinks for those staying in executive rooms. There is also 2,800 sqm of dedicated meeting space and four F&B outlets. Sporting facilities include a 24-hour fitness centre, indoor swimming pool, a golf practice green and tennis court.
www.marriott.com
SHENZHEN
Hilton Garden Inn Shenzhen Bao’an
Situated in Bao’an district, the hotel is 18km from Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport and 10km from Fuyong Pier, a popular means of access to Hong Kong and Macau. It has 213 guestrooms with free wifi while function space includes a multi-functional room, three meeting rooms and a boardroom. There is also a business centre, and a fitness centre. Dining options include the Garden Grill and Noodle Bar for local and international food.
http://hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com
Four Seasons Shenzhen
The hotel is located within walking distance of major shopping malls and Shenzhen’s city centre. All 266 rooms offer a pillow menu and 15-minute room service menu. Executive privileges include complimentary suit pressing service, and use of the executive club where refreshments, a business centre and check-in concierge services await. There is also a fitness centre, sauna, steam room, two swimming pools, and whirlpool. Events facilities include the Peony Ballroom, which seats up to 180 guests, and the larger Four Seasons Ballroom that accommodates 360.
www.fourseasons.com/shenzhen
The Oct Harbour, Shenzhen
These Marriott Executive apartments are located at the Oct Harbour retail/entertainment development, and offer 155 units encompassing studios, one-, two- and three-bedroom suites, each with a fully equipped kitchen. The property also provides foreign exchange, limousine and grocery shopping services. Facilities include a resident’s lounge, 24-hour gym, outdoor pool and valet dry-cleaning.
www.marriott.com
SHENYANG
Wanda Vista Shenyang
Located less than 1km from Yingpan Jie subway, this 298-room hotel boasts spacious rooms that start at 50 sqm, each equipped with free wifi. Recreation facilities include a spa, indoor heated swimming pool and gym room. Meeting facility highlights are a 1,400 sqm pillar-free ballroom. The hotel has three restaurants: Café Vista for all-day dining, Zhen for Chinese and He for Japanese fusion.
www.wandahotels.com
Shangri-La Shenyang
The hotel is located in Shenhe district, within walking distance of the Shenyang’s prime shopping and entertainment area. The city’s two major train stations, which connect Shenyang to key cities by express trains, are two minutes away. It offers 395 guestrooms, which have complimentary wifi. Dining outlets include Shinzhen for teppanyaki. Meeting space includes a 1,900 sqm ballroom and seven function rooms.
www.shangri-la.com/Shenyang
Grand Hyatt Shenyang
The 353-room property is located along Qingnian Street in the commercial district, close to Mix C luxury retail mall. Each room includes free high-speed broadband and wifi internet, a full-size bathtub and rainforest shower, along with June Jacobs body products. Guests staying in the Grand Club rooms or suites can access the grand club facilities on the 23rd floor, which include free breakfast and evening cocktails, along with express check-in and check-out, and use of the club meeting room. There are eight dining options including Cuan for hot pot, as well as more than 3,430 sqm of meeting and event space.
www.shenyang.grand.hyatt.com
TIANJIN
The Ritz-Carlton, Tianjin
The 10th Ritz-Carlton in China is located in the city’s central business district by the Haihe River, around 30 minutes’ from the Tianjin Binhai airport. There are 277 art deco-style guestrooms, including a club level that provides access to The Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge, a residential-style space featuring an open kitchen. There are four dining options including Tian Tai Xuan for Cantonese fare. The hotel is home to the largest ballroom in the city at 1,050 sqm, and there’s also an indoor swimming pool, fitness and spa facilities.
www.ritzcarlton.com/Tianjin
WUHAN
Hilton Wuhan Optics Valley
The first Hilton property in the Hubei province offers 520 contemporary guest rooms and suites with private balconies. Guests staying in a suite or executive rooms get access to the executive lounge, which offers complimentary refreshments. There are five restaurants and bars, including Chinachops, which features Chinese food stalls. The hotel also features more than 20 meeting rooms, tennis and basketball courts, swimming pools, and a spa.
www.3hilton.com
XIAMEN
Langham Place Xiamen
Langham Place, Xiamen is a 20-minute drive from Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport and Xiamen Conference and Exhibition Centre. The hotel offers 327 guestrooms and suites that offer a personalised pillow menu and a themed turndown service. Located on the top two floors are the Club L guestrooms, where a club lounge offers complimentary meals, and use of the boardroom. There are four dining outlets including T2 for fusion fare, nine meeting spaces, plus a spa and indoor swimming pool.
www.langhamplacehotels.com
On the horizon
Six new openings to watch out for later this year
Opening this May, the 297-room Westin Haikou overlooks Haikou Bay and has a fitness studio, outdoor pool and spa facilities plus 11 function spaces totalling 2,045 sqm. Another Starwood offering, W Beijing – Chang’an will open this June. This 340-room property has seven meeting spaces, the largest of which measures in at 900 sqm. There are three restaurants, a cocktail bar, spa and indoor heated pool.
Proving its commitment to China, Starwood will additionally open the St Regis Chengdu in July, a 279-room property with butler service. The hotel will feature nine meeting rooms and offers 1,700 sqm of meeting space, the largest being 570 sqm.
Located in the Xicheng District, Beijing Marriott Hotel Central will open in June and provides good access to the bus and metro stations. All 412 guestrooms feature high-speed internet and 24-hour room service. Dining outlets include Man Ho for Cantonese and Italian classics at Casalingo, and there are 10 meeting spaces.
The 410-room Kempinski Hotel Changsha is set at the top of a skyscraper that overlooks the downtown area. Due to open in the third quarter of 2014, it will feature four restaurants.
Due to open next January in Beijing’s Jing’an district, Sofitel Shanghai Jing’an Huamin will be housed within a 68-story building and feature 503 rooms. Clubroom guests can enjoy express check-in at the executive lounge. There are three restaurants serving Cantonese, French and international cuisine, and five meeting rooms including a 1,310 sqm grand ballroom.
Five further afield
Hotels in lesser-known locations worth investigating
Hilton Shijiazhuang
Aloft Yancheng features urban-inspired design, tech-forward touches and a vibrant social scene featuring live music performances as well as 299 guestrooms and 116 sqm of meeting space.
Doubletree by Hilton Wuhu is located in the city’s central business district and offers 442 guestrooms, including 23 suites. Guests staying at the suites can get access to the hotel’s executive lounge. There is more than 1,600 sqm of meeting space, a fitness room and swimming pool.
Sheraton Shantou has 306 guestrooms and 24 suites. Rooms are equipped with the brand’s signature amenities, including the Sheraton Sweet Sleeper bed and internet connectivity. Other facilities include a fitness centre, outdoor swimming pool, and a spa. There are three different dining venues, a club lounge for executive floor guests, and more than 1,800 sqm of event space.
Four Points by Sheraton Bijie is a 287-room hotel situated just across the street from the Qixingguan district government offices. It offers two dining outlets, 1,193 sqm of meeting space, a fitness centre, yoga room, sauna, steam room and an indoor heated swimming pool.
Hilton Shijiazhuang is a 20-minute drive from the city’s two railway stations, and 40 minutes from the airport. Set within the CBD, the hotel is near to many of the city’s banks and offices. It offers 594 guestrooms, suites and serviced apartments. The cumulative meeting space totals 2,400 sqm.
Located in the upcoming commercial district of Dongcheng, the hotel is also close to the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. All 171 guestrooms are equipped with wifi and minibar and there are three restaurants and a bar. Meeting facilities include a 287sqm ballroom, two drawing rooms, and two basement event spaces. In addition, there is a spa, fitness centre, and heated indoor swimming pool.
www.waldorfastoria.hilton.com
Hotel éclat Beijing
The hotel is located 45 minutes by car from Beijing Capital International Airport, and is within a 3km distance from the China World Trade centre and CCTV Tower. There are 100 rooms, including 18 deluxe suites with private indoor swimming pools. Room facilities include massage chairs, 3D TV and iPod docks with Bang & Olufsen speakers. The Éclat Lounge, located on the 16th floor with city views, offers complimentary buffet breakfast and refreshments. There is also a 24-hour gym.
www.eclathotels.com
Conrad Beijing
The 289-room hotel is situated within the Chaoyang district –a short distance away from foreign embassies, and entertainment and shopping hubs, such as Sanlitun Village. All rooms offer a Nespresso coffee machines and iHome docking station. Gusts staying on the executive floor may use the executive lounge on the 29th floor, which offers personalised check-in services and complimentary refreshments. There are five dining options plus fitness centre and spa. Meeting spaces include a 522 sqm ballroom, four meeting rooms and a boardroom.
www.conradhotels.hilton.com
CHENGDU
The Ritz-Carlton Chengdu
This 41-storey, 353-room tower property is located on the site of a former imperial palace in the city centre. The 113 clubrooms and 55 suites all offer complimentary internet access and secretarial services. There is also 1,700 sqm of meeting space available, including the diamond ballroom that seats up to 900 guests. Dining outlets include the Japanese/Asian tapas lounge FLAIR and Chinese restaurant Li Xuan, and there is also a spa and fitness centre.
www.ritzcarlton.com
M Hotel Chengdu
This trendy property is conveniently located in Chengdu Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone, a 15-minute drive from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport. The smoke-free property features 196 guestrooms and suites with separate working area, flat screen TV and balcony. There are two conference rooms while facilities include a gym, indoor pool and a library with internet connectivity. A single restaurant, M-Café, serves Southeast Asian and international cuisine.
www.millenniumhotels.com
CHONGQING
Westin Chongqing Liberation Square
Located in the business district of Jiefangbei, the hotel is a short walk from the nearest metro station and features 336 guest rooms. There are 11 meeting spaces, the largest of which is sized at 700 sqm. Sample local fare at Xin Yao Xuan or go international at Cuisine. Recreational facilities include the Heavenly Spa by Westin and Westin Workout fitness studio.
www.starwoodhotels.com
DALIAN
Aloft Dalian
A 20-minute drive from the airport, this 314 room property offers complimentary internet access. Situated in Zhongshan District, it’s within walking distance from the city’s shopping hotspot and harbour terminal. There are three dining options available, including the brand’s signature re:fuel quick bite concept. Facilities include a heated indoor pool and fitness centre. In addition, there is a 500 sqm grand ballroom, and a eight other meeting spaces.
www.starwoodhotels.com/alofthotels
FOSHAN
Hilton Foshan
Housed within a new mixed-use development in the CBD of Dongping New Town, the 600-room hotel offers easy access to Hong Kong, Guangzhou and Macau. Those staying in executive rooms and suites can access the executive lounge, which offers complimentary refreshments. Business-friendly amenities include laundry service, a business centre and cellular phone rental. There are five restaurants including Yuxi for Imperial Chinese cuisine. Facilities include a 24-hour fitness centre, two swimming pools and a spa. There are also 29 multi-function rooms and a 1,300 sqm grand ballroom.
www.hilton.com
GUANGZHOU
Doubletree by Hilton Guangzhou
Featuring 301 guestrooms including king and twin executive rooms, this property is situated in the commercial centre of Yuexiu, a 40-minute drive from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. Guests staying in executive rooms can access the lounge, which offers buffet breakfast, cocktail hour and complimentary wifi (fees apply otherwise). There are six restaurants including Dong Yuan Ge for local specialties. Facilities include a fitness centre, outdoor pool, and a sauna. There is also a ballroom and six function rooms.
http://doubletree3.hilton.com
Langham Place Guangzhou
With 500 guestrooms and suites including 66 Club Place rooms, Langham Place Guangzhou is located in the new central business district on Pazhou Island next to Xingangdong metro station. All guests staying on the hotel’s executive floors have access to Club L, which offers complimentary breakfast, snacks, afternoon tea and use of the boardroom. Restaurant options include Cantonese cuisine at Ming Court and steaks at Alfresco. There is a combined meeting space of almost 5,000 sqm, including the largest ballroom in the city at 2,800 sqm. The fitness centre features an indoor swimming pool and two mini golf courses.
www.langhamplacehotels.com
W Guangzhou
Housed in a striking black glass building on the Pearl River, the hotel is located in the commercial district of Zhujiang. There are 317 rooms in the typical W categories, ranging from Wonderful and Spectacular rooms to Wow suites, all equipped with high-speed wifi. The hotel offers three restaurants and two bars, Woobar and Fei Ultralounge. There is also a spa, fitness centre, indoor pool, 24-hour business centre, and more than 2,000 sqm of meeting and event space.
www.whotels.com
HANGZHOU
Doubletree by Hilton Hangzhou East
The 308-room hotel is situated in the Hangzhou Economic & Technological Development Area next to the Metro Station interlink. Room features include wifi and a marble bathroom with separate tub and shower. Executive rooms offer access to the executive lounge. There are two restaurants serving western and Cantonese specialities, along with a deli and lounge. Recreational facilities include a 24-hour fitness centre, indoor pool, steam room, and games room. There is also 1,882 sqm of event space that can accommodate up to 1,500.
http://doubletree3.hilton.com
HONG KONG
Mira Moon
Located in Wan Chai and overlooking Victoria Harbour, this design-conscious hotel incorporates Chinese and western design elements. It has 91 guestrooms that include IPTV, in-room iPad minis, and complimentary mini bar. There are two dedicated ladies’ floors and two gentlemen’s floors, which deliver tailored services for the respective genders. Guests at the hotel can experience Chinese-Spanish tapas at the design-led Super Giant Bar & Restaurant. There is also a 24-hour gym with exclusive usage times for men and women.
www.miramoonhotel.com
Hotel Pennington by Rhombus
The 79-room boutique hotel is located in the heart of Causeway Bay. Each guestroom offers independent wifi and LAN capabilities, as well as USB charging facilities. The “R-Touch” e-recognition programme enables guests to personalise their stay according to their own preference. Using the programme, you can select newspapers and order extra pillows. The open terrace lounge, which offers views over the city, is worth a visit.
www.hotelpennington.com.hk
Ozo Wesley
Situated on Hennessy Road and within walking distance of Admiralty and Wan Chai, the 251 guestrooms offer IPTV and a multimedia connectivity panel enabling guests to play music from their iPod/iPhone from the TV. Free wifi is available and check-in is completed on an iPad. Room sizes range from 20 sqm for a Sleep or Dream room to the 34 sqm Ozo suite. There is a gym and meeting space on the second floor of the hotel with space for 80.
www.ozohotels.com
Ovolo 100 Shek Pai Wan
Featuring 85 guest rooms, this select-service hotel is located in the southern district of Aberdeen on Hong Kong Island, where the new South Island MTR line is under construction. Facilities are limited but there is a 24-hour gym and lounge, Lo Lounge, along with free self-laundry service. The hotel also offers the brand’s new citywide wifi hotspot service, which provides guests free access to more than 8,500 HKBN hotspots across Hong Kong.
www.ovolohotels.com
Pentahotel Hong Kong
Located in the up and coming district of East Kowloon, this hotel offers 695 rooms. As with its sister properties in Shanghai and Beijing, the property exudes a young, trendy vibe, with a communal lounge across the entire first floor with complimentary wifi, Wii and a billiards table. There is also a outdoor swimming pool and 24-hour gym along with five meeting rooms, the largest of which can seat 60.
www.pentahotels.com
Hotel Indigo Hong Kong Island
Intercontinental Hotel Group’s third Hotel Indigo in Asia opened in Hong Kong early last year, following debuts in Shanghai and Xiamen. Located in Wan Chai, it features 138 guestrooms, all of which offer free wifi and feature paintings from local artists. There are two food and beverage outlets, a rooftop gym and swimming pool with a glass bottom, plus a small boardroom for intimate meetings.
www.ihg.com/hotelindigo
Courtyard Marriott Shatin
Situated in the industrial district of Sha Tin, this property is a five-minute walk from Shek Mun MTR station. Currently under construction, the Sha Tin to Central Link railway project will provide a direct link between the hotel and Hong Kong Island. Internet access in the 539 rooms costs HKD$120 (US$15.5) for 24 hours. There are two dining outlets – the all day restaurant, Momo Cafe, and lobby lounge. Guests can workout at the gym and relax in the outdoor pool (open July to October). There is 549 sqm of meeting space featuring four function rooms and a grand ballroom.
www.marriott.com
NANJING
Fairmont Nanjing
The 359-room hotel is located on the upper floors of the 62-story Jin An Plaza development in Hexi New Town in southwest Nanjing. All rooms come with Fairmont’s signature bedding, 46-inch TV and internet (US$15 per day) while Fairmont Gold rooms offer access to the lounge and all-day complimentary refreshments. There are seven restaurants including Cloud 62, the only rooftop-bar in Nanjing. The hotel also contains 2,500 sqm of meeting space, the brand's signature Willow Stream Spa, a pool and fitness facilities.
www.fairmont.com/nanjing
Wanda Vista Nanjing
Located in the business district of Jiangning, the hotel is a 35-minute drive from Nanjing Lukou International Airport and 20 minutes from Nanjing CRH railway station. The 302 guestrooms are generously sized, with standard rooms measuring 43 sqm and a 220 sqm presidential suite. Sample Chinese fare at River Drunk and steaks at Spark and hold a meeting in one of the hotel’s seven function rooms, or the 1,000 sqm ballroom. Recreational facilities include a heated indoor swimming pool.
www.wandahotels.com
NINGBO
Langham Place Ningbo Culture Plaza
Set within two architecturally distinctive towers, the hotel is linked to Ningbo Culture Plaza and 18km from Ningbo Lishe International Airport. There are 143 guestrooms including 13 suites, all of them offering free wifi. The hotel also provides facilities for meetings and events – a 1,180 sqm area for conferences and ballroom with room for 900; and three function rooms. Dining options include Cantonese fare at Ming Court, which is inspired by the two-Michelin-starred restaurant at its sister property in Hong Kong.
www.langhamplacehotels.com
QINGDAO
Himalayas Qingdao
Located within mixed-use complex Zendai Thumb Plaza in Lao Shan district, this lifestyle hotel is owned by boutique Chinese hospitality brand Himalayas and is 2km from the Qingdao International Convention Center. There are 208 rooms including 16 premier rooms and 24 suites. With complimentary wifi throughout, facilities include the Z1 restaurant and Z1 lounge/bar. There is 1,000 sqm of function space including a 340 sqm ball room and 10 meeting rooms.
www.himalayashotels.com
The Westin Qingdao
The property overlooks the Yellow Sea, and is positioned within the CBD. The 321 guestrooms feature complimentary wifi. Executive room guests can also access the club lounge facility. There are five dining outlets – including Chinese restaurant Five Sen5es – plus a fitness studio, indoor pool, and spa. There are 11 meeting spaces, the largest of which measures 720 sqm.
www.starwoodhotels.com/westin
SANYA
The Westin Sanya Haitang Bay Resort
With views of the South China Sea, this 448-room property is a 30-minute drive from Sanya Phoenix International Airport and is located next to China’s biggest duty-free shopping mall. Dining outlets include Japanese restaurant Mai and Cuisine for cocktails and snacks. It may be a resort, but there are also 11 function rooms offering 2,700 sqm of meeting space. Recreational facilities include swimming pools, a gym and the brand’s signature Heavenly Spa by Westin.
www.starwoodhotels.com/westin
SHANGHAI
Pullman Shanghai South
This Accor property is a 20-minute drive from Shanghai Hongqiao airport and within easy reach of the South Xujiahui Business Circle. It offers 333 guestrooms and has a dedicated executive floor with club lounge. There are five dining options available, including an all-day-dining restaurant, lobby lounge and bar. Facilities include a swimming pool, fitness lounge and spa. There are also seven function rooms and a 1,300 sqm grand ballroom.
www.pullmanhotels.com
Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Shanghai
Located near the Shanghai IFC, the hotel offers 362 rooms, including club room and lounge offering private check-in and refreshments. Dining options include the French restaurant Fifty 8° Grill and all-day kitchen Zest. Facilities include a spa, fitness centre, and a 25m indoor swimming pool. There are also two ballrooms, eight meeting rooms, and Shanghai’s largest outdoor riverside event space at 5,000 sqm.
www.mandarinoriental.com/shanghai
Jing An Shangri-La
Located next to Shanghai Exhibition Centre on the top 28 floors of the Jing An Kerry Centre on Nanjing Road, the 508-room hotel offers direct underground access to Metro lines 2 and 7. The Horizon Club Lounge is located on the 56th floor, and dining highlights include Chinese restaurant Summer Palace and the 1515 West Chophouse & Bar. There is a a health club, heated indoor lap pool and spa, and the hotel additionally offers 4,465 sqm of meeting space.
www.shangri-la.com
Metropolo Jinjiang Hotel
Located near Jiangsu Road, the hotel is a 20-minute drive from Hongqiao International Airport and 15-minute walk from the Jiangsu Road station. The 111 rooms comprise 66 king-bed, 26 twin-bed guestrooms and 19 suites. There is a café on the first floor offering Chinese and western cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The hotel also offers free wifi and
a gym.
www.metropolohotels.com
Shanghai Marriott Hotel Parkview
The hotel is situated next to the Multimedia Valley in Zhabei district and offers 317 guestrooms and suites. An executive lounge on the 23rd floor offers business services and round-the-clock complimentary food and drinks for those staying in executive rooms. There is also 2,800 sqm of dedicated meeting space and four F&B outlets. Sporting facilities include a 24-hour fitness centre, indoor swimming pool, a golf practice green and tennis court.
www.marriott.com
SHENZHEN
Hilton Garden Inn Shenzhen Bao’an
Situated in Bao’an district, the hotel is 18km from Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport and 10km from Fuyong Pier, a popular means of access to Hong Kong and Macau. It has 213 guestrooms with free wifi while function space includes a multi-functional room, three meeting rooms and a boardroom. There is also a business centre, and a fitness centre. Dining options include the Garden Grill and Noodle Bar for local and international food.
http://hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com
Four Seasons Shenzhen
The hotel is located within walking distance of major shopping malls and Shenzhen’s city centre. All 266 rooms offer a pillow menu and 15-minute room service menu. Executive privileges include complimentary suit pressing service, and use of the executive club where refreshments, a business centre and check-in concierge services await. There is also a fitness centre, sauna, steam room, two swimming pools, and whirlpool. Events facilities include the Peony Ballroom, which seats up to 180 guests, and the larger Four Seasons Ballroom that accommodates 360.
www.fourseasons.com/shenzhen
The Oct Harbour, Shenzhen
These Marriott Executive apartments are located at the Oct Harbour retail/entertainment development, and offer 155 units encompassing studios, one-, two- and three-bedroom suites, each with a fully equipped kitchen. The property also provides foreign exchange, limousine and grocery shopping services. Facilities include a resident’s lounge, 24-hour gym, outdoor pool and valet dry-cleaning.
www.marriott.com
SHENYANG
Wanda Vista Shenyang
Located less than 1km from Yingpan Jie subway, this 298-room hotel boasts spacious rooms that start at 50 sqm, each equipped with free wifi. Recreation facilities include a spa, indoor heated swimming pool and gym room. Meeting facility highlights are a 1,400 sqm pillar-free ballroom. The hotel has three restaurants: Café Vista for all-day dining, Zhen for Chinese and He for Japanese fusion.
www.wandahotels.com
Shangri-La Shenyang
The hotel is located in Shenhe district, within walking distance of the Shenyang’s prime shopping and entertainment area. The city’s two major train stations, which connect Shenyang to key cities by express trains, are two minutes away. It offers 395 guestrooms, which have complimentary wifi. Dining outlets include Shinzhen for teppanyaki. Meeting space includes a 1,900 sqm ballroom and seven function rooms.
www.shangri-la.com/Shenyang
Grand Hyatt Shenyang
The 353-room property is located along Qingnian Street in the commercial district, close to Mix C luxury retail mall. Each room includes free high-speed broadband and wifi internet, a full-size bathtub and rainforest shower, along with June Jacobs body products. Guests staying in the Grand Club rooms or suites can access the grand club facilities on the 23rd floor, which include free breakfast and evening cocktails, along with express check-in and check-out, and use of the club meeting room. There are eight dining options including Cuan for hot pot, as well as more than 3,430 sqm of meeting and event space.
www.shenyang.grand.hyatt.com
TIANJIN
The Ritz-Carlton, Tianjin
The 10th Ritz-Carlton in China is located in the city’s central business district by the Haihe River, around 30 minutes’ from the Tianjin Binhai airport. There are 277 art deco-style guestrooms, including a club level that provides access to The Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge, a residential-style space featuring an open kitchen. There are four dining options including Tian Tai Xuan for Cantonese fare. The hotel is home to the largest ballroom in the city at 1,050 sqm, and there’s also an indoor swimming pool, fitness and spa facilities.
www.ritzcarlton.com/Tianjin
WUHAN
Hilton Wuhan Optics Valley
The first Hilton property in the Hubei province offers 520 contemporary guest rooms and suites with private balconies. Guests staying in a suite or executive rooms get access to the executive lounge, which offers complimentary refreshments. There are five restaurants and bars, including Chinachops, which features Chinese food stalls. The hotel also features more than 20 meeting rooms, tennis and basketball courts, swimming pools, and a spa.
www.3hilton.com
XIAMEN
Langham Place Xiamen
Langham Place, Xiamen is a 20-minute drive from Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport and Xiamen Conference and Exhibition Centre. The hotel offers 327 guestrooms and suites that offer a personalised pillow menu and a themed turndown service. Located on the top two floors are the Club L guestrooms, where a club lounge offers complimentary meals, and use of the boardroom. There are four dining outlets including T2 for fusion fare, nine meeting spaces, plus a spa and indoor swimming pool.
www.langhamplacehotels.com
On the horizon
Six new openings to watch out for later this year
Opening this May, the 297-room Westin Haikou overlooks Haikou Bay and has a fitness studio, outdoor pool and spa facilities plus 11 function spaces totalling 2,045 sqm. Another Starwood offering, W Beijing – Chang’an will open this June. This 340-room property has seven meeting spaces, the largest of which measures in at 900 sqm. There are three restaurants, a cocktail bar, spa and indoor heated pool.
Proving its commitment to China, Starwood will additionally open the St Regis Chengdu in July, a 279-room property with butler service. The hotel will feature nine meeting rooms and offers 1,700 sqm of meeting space, the largest being 570 sqm.
Located in the Xicheng District, Beijing Marriott Hotel Central will open in June and provides good access to the bus and metro stations. All 412 guestrooms feature high-speed internet and 24-hour room service. Dining outlets include Man Ho for Cantonese and Italian classics at Casalingo, and there are 10 meeting spaces.
The 410-room Kempinski Hotel Changsha is set at the top of a skyscraper that overlooks the downtown area. Due to open in the third quarter of 2014, it will feature four restaurants.
Due to open next January in Beijing’s Jing’an district, Sofitel Shanghai Jing’an Huamin will be housed within a 68-story building and feature 503 rooms. Clubroom guests can enjoy express check-in at the executive lounge. There are three restaurants serving Cantonese, French and international cuisine, and five meeting rooms including a 1,310 sqm grand ballroom.
Five further afield
Hotels in lesser-known locations worth investigating
Hilton Shijiazhuang
Aloft Yancheng features urban-inspired design, tech-forward touches and a vibrant social scene featuring live music performances as well as 299 guestrooms and 116 sqm of meeting space.
Doubletree by Hilton Wuhu is located in the city’s central business district and offers 442 guestrooms, including 23 suites. Guests staying at the suites can get access to the hotel’s executive lounge. There is more than 1,600 sqm of meeting space, a fitness room and swimming pool.
Sheraton Shantou has 306 guestrooms and 24 suites. Rooms are equipped with the brand’s signature amenities, including the Sheraton Sweet Sleeper bed and internet connectivity. Other facilities include a fitness centre, outdoor swimming pool, and a spa. There are three different dining venues, a club lounge for executive floor guests, and more than 1,800 sqm of event space.
Four Points by Sheraton Bijie is a 287-room hotel situated just across the street from the Qixingguan district government offices. It offers two dining outlets, 1,193 sqm of meeting space, a fitness centre, yoga room, sauna, steam room and an indoor heated swimming pool.
Hilton Shijiazhuang is a 20-minute drive from the city’s two railway stations, and 40 minutes from the airport. Set within the CBD, the hotel is near to many of the city’s banks and offices. It offers 594 guestrooms, suites and serviced apartments. The cumulative meeting space totals 2,400 sqm. 
