Since its inception in 1987, Shangri-La Hotel, Beijing has gained a reputation for providing world-class facilities…
Since its inception in 1987, Shangri-La Hotel, Beijing has gained a reputation for providing world-class facilities complemented by warm Asian hospitality and has been well recognised by winning numerous international awards. As part of its commitment to keep its reputation for providing excellent services as well as to stay ahead of changing market trends and needs of its guests, Shangri-La Hotel, Beijing announces a major upgrade and re-imaging program.
The upgrade program, costing a total of US$ 72 million, will span two phases. Phase One of the program, at US$22 million, is scheduled to commence in August this year and will include total refurbishment of all 657 guest rooms to a completely new look with modern facilities and luxurious amenities. All public areas, including the Reception Lobby, and guest lifts will also undergo complete renovation. The popular Lobby Lounge/Peacock Bar will become an exciting fully integrated design, which will showcase the wonderful garden views. The Hotel`s restaurants will also undergo a major facelift, and in particular, the Coffee Garden, to be renamed Cafe Cha, will adopt a new open kitchen design concept, integrating a number of exciting cooking stations (Italian, Asian with noodles, Indian Tandoor oven Seafood/Sushi and others) into a full performance buffet, with the stunning Hotel Garden as backdrop. The signature Shang Palace Chinese Restaurant will be completely redesigned and relocated to the second floor of the Hotel with full view of the Hotel`s beautiful Chinese landscaped garden, which, complete with Koi fish pond, pavilions and waterfall, will also be further enhanced and beautified in its new design.
Phase Two of the Hotel upgrade program is the construction of a new 20-storey Tower, estimated at over US$50 million, and scheduled to commence at the end of 2003 for completion in mid 2006. The exciting new Tower, connected to the main building of the Hotel, will feature the Hotel`s new Horizon Club. It will incorporate an additional 200 units of luxurious guest rooms, at a minimum size of 45 square meters and a range of deluxe specialty suites, including the Presidential Suites. Other new facilities will include a 1,600 square meter Grand Ballroom that seats up to 1,200 person for banquets; 18 elegant multi-use function rooms with the latest in audio-visual technology; a Fitness Center with the most up-to-date gym equipment and a new 25 meter indoor swimming pool; a luxurious Health Spa where one can go to relax and rejuvenate; a new Shanghainese restaurant, a new Italian restaurant, an exciting Entertainment Club, as well as exclusive luxury brand shopping facilities.
Commenting on the announcement of the re-imaging program, the Hotel`s General Manager, George Wee, said: We are very excited about the upgrade program. With the luxurious and innovative designs, and the up-to-date facilities and amenities, it will completely transform our product into one of the best that Beijing can offer, which, combined with our reputable service, will add superb value for our guests. One of our main aims is also to provide cutting edge IT facilities, including wireless internet access, to our corporate clientele, predominantly from the neighboring Zhongguancun (Beijing`s Silicon Valley) and the Financial District. There is without a doubt that Shangri-La Hotel, Beijing will, after the upgrade program, be one of the most prestigious, deluxe Hotels in the city.
Shangri-La Hotel, Beijing, most recently voted into Conde Nast Traveler`s Magazine`s 2003 Gold List and the T+L 500 the Greatest Hotels in the World – 2003 by the U.S.A. Travel + Leisure Magazine.
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