“Bringing a touch of Spain to Shanghai” is the way Alfonso Romero, general manager of the new Gran Melia Shanghai as well as Sol Melia area vice-president Asia-Pacific, describes the new property’s positioning in a highly competitive market.
Some might say that the last thing Shanghai, which boasts a staggering number of branded accommodation as well as boutique types, needs at the moment is another hotel opening.
But the chain, with roots in Palma de Mallorca, has proposition, which Romero believes is irresistible to Chinese and international customers –Spanish culture.
Says Romero, a veteran of Asia: “The Chinese love anything Spanish; they love flamenco, our food and learning how to dance salsa.
“As the first Latino hotel in China – and the flagship of Sol Melia in the country – we want to become the ‘second Spanish embassy’ and the venue for all Latino events.” Shanghai hosts the consulate generals of Spain, Chile and Cuba among other Hispanic missions.
Set to launch in July, the 685-room Gran Melia in the Lujiazui district of Pudong is targeting corporates “a hundred percent”, mainly from China, the US, Japan and Germany. According to Romero, the range of meetings facilities such as the pillarless Grand Ballroom good for 800, 17 breakout rooms and spaces that can adapt to a variety of events has been designed to attract the meetings and conference sector.
Enhancing Gran Melia’s Spanish flavour further will be La Albufera helmed by a Spanish chef concocting tasty fusion cuisine along with old favourites like tapas and paella and La Floridita a Cuban music bar with a purpose-built dance floor.
RedLevel, Sol Melia’s executive product, features the RedLevel suites, a club lounge, butler service and a host of exclusive benefits.
For more details, visit www.solmelia.com
Margie T Logarta
