…
Surging ahead in China, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., announced its popular Westin brand will open three new hotels in the fast-growing cities of Ningbo, Xian and Xiamen over the next six months. Earlier this year, Westin opened three hotels in several dynamic markets including its first hotel in Nanjing and Wuhan and its second hotel in Guangzhou. With the addition of these six hotels, Westin will boast a portfolio of 16 hotels in China by April 2012 and is on track to double its footprint in the region by 2014.
“Westin is rapidly branching out across China, fueled by growing enthusiasm among owners and developers who are eager to introduce the popular global brand to some of the country’s fastest growing cities,” said Brian Povinelli, Global Brand Leader for Westin Hotels & Resorts. “Our emphasis on wellbeing is resonating with travelers across China and around the world. More than 90% of Westin hotels currently in development will open outside the United States.”
“The phenomenal demand for the Westin brand is helping Starwood lengthen its lead in China, where we have nearly 100 hotels in the pipeline,” said Miguel Ko, Chairman and President of Starwood’s Asia-Pacific Division, a Chinese native who began his career with Starwood in 1979. “Demand for high-caliber global lodging continues to outpace supply in China, creating ideal conditions for the rapid expansion of all of our brands. We are also well positioned to leverage our long-standing relationships with local owners, who recognize the many benefits of joining the powerful Starwood network.”
The three new Westin hotel openings come on the heels of the month-long relocation of Starwood’s global headquarters to Shanghai, China this summer. The unprecedented managerial exercise highlighted Starwood’s evolution as a global company and the development boom in China.
The Westin Ningbo
Located in the heart of one of China’s oldest seaport cities, The Westin Ningbo is close to the Fenghua River in Ningbo’s central business district and close to the renowned Tian Yi Square’s many restaurants and boutiques. The 312-room hotel will offer six restaurants and bars, a Heavenly Spa and more than 14,000 square feet of meeting space for meetings, trade exhibits, and global conferences.
The Westin Xian
The Westin Xian is located in a vibrant entertainment and commercial area, near the ancient city’s numerous cultural attractions, ruins and temples, as well as its shops, restaurants, and corporate offices. The hotel will feature 326 guest rooms, a Heavenly Spa, an indoor swimming pool, 5,705 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting facilities and an art and artifact museum below the hotel.
The Westin Xiamen
The Westin Xiamen is strategically located in the new central business district and is part of a mixed use complex offering an art centre, retail shops and entertainment outlets. The hotel will offer 304 spacious guestrooms, a variety of Chinese and international cuisine at its three restaurants, a Heavenly Spa(R), indoor pool and more than 14,000 square feet of flexible meeting space for business meetings and social functions.
At all three new Westin hotels, the sensory-rich environment will offer a respite from the rigors of travel and sets a welcoming tone. Guestrooms will feature the world-renowned Westin Heavenly Bed(R) featuring lush sheets, down cushioning and a patented pillow-top mattress, which cradles and contours to the body for complete comfort. Another industry first, the Heavenly Bath creates an invigorating spa-like experience, enhanced with the brand’s Heavenly Shower Heavenly Robe and exclusive White Tea Aloe bath amenities. In-room, high-speed Internet access and an ergonomic work space will offer travelers convenience and productivity in a tranquil setting.
Westin Hotels & Resorts, like all brands within Starwood’s robust portfolio, is proud to offer the Starwood Preferred Guest program, which made headlines when it launched in 1999 with a breakthrough policy of no blackout dates on Free Night Awards. SPG offers members the ability to redeem awards at more resorts, more luxury properties, more European hotels and more golf properties than any other hotel program.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
