Le Meridien Qingdao has opened, joining the parade of branded hotel chains entering one of northern China's emerging manufacturing and IT hubs. The growing list of accommodation providers includes InterContinental, Shangri-La, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Best Western and Copthorne.
Qingdao is also known as the home of the Tsingtao Brewery, founded by German settlers in 1903.
Part of the Wanda Plaza owned by the Dalian Wanda Group, which also consists of a retail and dining component, cinema, offices and residences, Le Meridien Qingdao is close to landmarks like Beer Street, the Olympic Sailing Centre and the beachfront. It has a total of 348 guestrooms, measuring a minimum of 40sqm and equipped with the expected corporate tools of high-speed internet and spacious bathroom. Guests can expect to enjoy the chain's recently introduced enhancements such as the Le Meridien Signature Bed, the transitional portal (usually the lobby entrance featuring unique artwork, signalling the arrival into Le Meridien's world) and the Unlock Art programme among others. "Such aspects are intended to introduce the cosmopolitan lifestyle to Qingdao," remarked hotel general manager Thomas Hansen.
Three signature restaurants are found on the premises, serving Chinese and local specialties as well as Japanese, which should go down well with the sizable Japanese community – Japan and South Korea are two of the biggest investors in Qingdao. Meeting planners can create events in the pillarless ballroom that is divisible by three and seven multifunction rooms.
Le Meridien is set on expanding its footprint in China. Previous to this opening, it launched properties in Hongkong, Shanghai, She Shan (a golf resort), Shimei Bay and in December, it will be Chonqing Nan'an and next year in Xiamen and Xian.
For more details on the hotel, visit www.lemeridien.com
Margie T Logarta
