Accor has added two distinct Sofitel hotels in different areas of China`s rising commercial capital of Nanjing, Sofitel Galaxy Nanjing…
Accor has added two distinct Sofitel hotels in different areas of China`s rising commercial capital of Nanjing, Sofitel Galaxy Nanjing in the city centre and the Sofitel Zhongshan Golf & Resort. Both hotels are scheduled to open by the end of 2005.
The latest additions are part of a comprehensive and fast growing network of 19 Sofitels in China (operating or under development) that is quickly becoming the country`s largest and most recognisable luxury hotel brand.
These two Nanjing hotels continue the largest-ever expansion of the Sofitel brand in China and the Asia Pacific region.
Over the next two years, Sofitel will increase from the current 29 hotels in eight countries in Asia Pacific to 47 hotels in 12 countries. It will establish the Sofitel brand as the largest 5-star hotel brand in the region.
Sofitel Galaxy Nanjing is poised to become a landmark property in Nanjing`s fast growing central business district, with convenient access to major commercial buildings, shoppings centres and offices. The 42-storey Sofitel will be Nanjings`s most prestigious internationally-branded deluxe hotel, offering 278 guest rooms, an 875sqm multi purpose ballroom, plus seven meeting rooms ranging from 60sqm to 160sqm respectively.
Once opened, it will feature three restaurants and lobby bar, health club with large indoor swimming pool, plus a luxurious spa featuring seven private treatment rooms.
Located in the city`s Zhongshan district, the 190-room Sofitel Zhongshan Golf & Resort Nanjing will offer guests an urban retreat just 20 minutes from the bright lights of the city.
The resort`s low-rise colonial style design creates a comfortable setting for guests to unwind and relax, making it ideal for families on a weekend getaway or meeting planners and conference organisers looking for new MICE venues.
The resorts main venue is a 1,350sqm multipurpose hall supported by a 300sqm conference room and five smaller meeting spaces. There are also two bars and three restaurants, including a flagship Chinese Restaurant with 12 private rooms. After opening, Sofitel Zhongshan will offer a spa with 10 treatment rooms, fitness centre with indoor swimming pool and an adjacent 27-hole golf course with its own clubhouse facilities.
Accor Managing Director Asia Pacific Michael Issenberg, said adding two Sofitels in one of China`s commercial centres was an exciting start to 2005.
Following Accor`s exceptional development around China in 2004, including the announcement of a Sofitel for Beijing, we are delighted to start 2005 with such an auspicious announcement as for these two Sofitels in Nanjing. This augurs well for a prosperous year in 2005.
Nanjing has developed significantly over the past decade and is now one of China`s most desirable provincial capitals for corporate and leisure travel and MICE events and we believe there is even greater potential to develop business further.
Sofitel Galaxy Nanjing will become an immediate landmark and integral part of the city`s central business district. With Nanjing`s strong industrial base it should prove popular to both domestic and regional corporate travellers seeking the quality and performance that Sofitel has attained in recent years.
Sofitel Zhongshan Golf & Resort will appeal to companies looking to arrange company meetings and retreats outside the city to offer management and staff a break. Families in Nanjing or even Shanghai can also enjoy a round of golf on weekends and holidays as it is just a short drive along excellent motorways.
Nanjing had quickly emerged as a cosmopolitan city to rival its neighbour Shanghai, attracting over 400,000 international visitors in 2000. Overseas Chinese are particularly attached to Nanjing, especially Dr Sun Yat-Sen`s Mausoleum and the Qinhuai River Scenic Belt. It has an established trade and manufacturing base from foreign multi-national companies including Motorola, Philips, Fiat, Ericsson and an Iveco joint venture.
The additions of Sofitel Galaxy Nanjing and Sofitel Zhongshan Golf & Resort gives Accor a current commitment of 35 hotels under management around China by the end of 2006 under its Sofitel (19 hotels), Novotel (12 hotels) and Ibis (two hotels) brands. Accor also manages two hotels under the Century brand.
