CHINA: Hilton Openes 100th Hotel In China

Hilton has opened its 100th hotel in China and its second location in Xi’an, Shaanxi province in the Xi’an High-tech Zone but has indicated that the firm has big plans for expansion in China.

Hilton is committed to growing our presence in China, a key strategic market where we have a robust pipeline that is two times our current portfolio, in the right locations and with the right brands and partners, said Qian Jin, the president of Hilton for the area of Greater China and Mongolia.

Although Jin did not indicate where new Hilton locations would be opened, this newest location in Xi’an does imply that Hilton is looking to focus on more, relatively untapped markets in China.

Consumer spending in China’s lower-tier cities will be expanding exponentially in the next decades.

These are cities that have attracted relatively little interest from foreign companies looking to expand but nonetheless have large numbers of nouveau riche looking for luxury options in both shopping and hospitality.

Lower-tier cities like Xi’an, Harbin, Chongqing, and Chengdu are cities with metropolitan areas with populations in the tens of millions yet have had relatively little investment in the luxury travel, shopping, or hospitality sectors as compared to cities like Shenzhen, Beijing, and Shanghai.

Hilton’s newest location has standard features to cater to business visitors, including conference rooms and a ballroom.

However, it is also being marketed as a high-end option for tourists.

The new hotel is only 40 km from Xi’an’s Xianyang International Airport and in close proximity to Xi’an’s famed historical sites, such as the Terracotta Warriors.

One of the notable aspects of this location is a focus on catering to local tastes in a luxury setting.

The fine dining options at the new Xi’an location include The Lord’s Home for Chinese, Cantonese, and Sichuan fusion dishes as well as the Big China Noodle King, whose offerings include over 100 noodle dishes from different regions in China.

This may be a bid to cater to local tastes of Xi’an as noodles are the staple of traditional Shaanxi cuisine and could reflect a greater interest in localizing Hilton’s offerings and expansion in less cosmopolitan Chinese cities.


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MACAU: World-class Luxury Hotels Open In Macau

MARRIOTT International, Inc. announced that the grand opening of the JW Marriott Hotel Macau and The Ritz-Carlton, Macau is set for May 27, 2015. Both iconic hotels are located within the famed Galaxy Macau, renowned as one of the world's best entertainment and leisure destinations.

In celebration of its official opening, both hotels are offering special packages, but for a limited time only. Guests will be able to enjoy a night's stay, along with a selected range of exclusive activities. Embark on an urban escape at Asia's largest JW Marriott or bask in luxury and fine service at The Ritz-Carlton, Macau, the brand's first all-suite hotel.

Vice-president of operations for both hotels, Rauf Malik, said: "The opening of these two new hotels at the Galaxy Macau integrated resort will redefine the standard of luxury in Macau. Through this carefully crafted range of opening offers, we will give our first guests a holistic taste of the truly exceptional experiences that these hotels will provide. Our guests can choose to indulge in the simple elegance of the JW Marriott Hotel Macau or immerse themselves in the legendary experience that defines The Ritz-Carlton, Macau."

The JW Marriott Hotel Macau, which will serve as Asia's flagship hotel, is set to become the new benchmark for the brand, said Malik. "We provide an environment of simple elegance where our guests feel welcome, comfortable and free to be themselves. Together, we orchestrate an experience that is edited with expertise, for our guests to leave with only what is desired."

Meanwhile, The Ritz-Carlton, Macau will offer its legendary service which the brand is famous for around the world. Its Gold Standards of hospitality will enable guests to revel in the finest personal service and the best of Asian luxury. "The facilities and services at The Ritz-Carlton, Macau, are second to none," described Malik. "Whether indulging in an authentic Chinese culinary experience at our exemplary Chinese restaurant, enjoying the classic ambience of our lobby lounge, or taking some time to rejuvenate at the spa, the ladies and gentlemen of the hotel (employees) will ensure guests enjoy personalised experiences that will leave an indelible mark in our guests' memories."

The limited-time package for the first-ever stay at the JW Marriott Hotel Macau and the Ritz-Carlton, Macau starts at MOP1,888 (RM815.28) and MOP3,388 (RM1,534.53) per night, respectively. All rates include 10% service charge and 5% government tax. Terms and conditions apply. For bookings, visit www.jwmarriottmacau.com and www.ritzcarlton.com/macau

JW MARRIOTT HOTEL MACAU
Unlimited Urban Escape
Booking period: From now until May 16, 2015
Stay period: May 27 to Aug 31, 2015
Weekdays (Sun to Thurs): From MOP1,888 (approx. RM815.28)
Weekend (Fri, Sat) and Special Days: From MOP2,388 (approx. RM1,081.60)

• One-night stay for two in an Executive Room at JW Marriott Hotel Macau
• Buffet breakfast for two at Urban Kitchen
• Complimentary access to JW Kids Club for two
• Grand opening welcome souvenir
• Access to Galaxy Macau's Grand Resort Deck with the world's largest Skytop Wave Pool
• Complimentary Galaxy Express services between Galaxy Macau™ and Macau Ferry Terminal / Taipa Ferry Terminal / Macau International Airport / Border Gate/ Lotus Border

THE RITZ-CARLTON, MACAU
Unlimited Suite Experience
Booking period: From now until May 16, 2015
Stay period: May 27 to Aug 31, 2015
Weekdays (Sun to Thurs): From MOP3,388 (approx. RM1,534.53)
Weekend (Fri, Sat) and Special Days: From MOP4,388 (approx. RM1,987.47)

• One-night stay for two in a Premier Suite at The Ritz-Carlton, Macau
• Set dinner for two at The Ritz-Carlton Café (drinks are charged separately)
• Complimentary pick-up and drop-off at the ferry terminal or airport (need advance-booking)
• Personalised in-room check-in and check-out
• Access to Galaxy Macau's Grand Resort Deck with the world's largest Skytop Wave Pool

USA: Rosewood Teams Up With Nouvel And Starck For Sao Paulo Hotel

Rosewood Hotels is serious when it comes to having 50 hotels by 2020: we heard about Montecito and Puebla, we know about Bangkok, Jakarta and Bali, then there is of course Paris, and possibly Amsterdam.

Today it is the addition of its first hotel for South America, where the group is picking Brazil as its entry point. Rosewood São Paulo will open in 2018 in Cidade Matarazzo, a landmark building from the early 20th century that was once a maternity hospital. Big names that will put their name on the project are architect Jean Nouvel and designer Philippe Starck, along with Brazilian artists Beatriz Milhazes and Saint-Clare Cemin.


This is an aerial photo of Cidada Matarazzo that we found here, showing the low-rise buildings in the middle of the city, with an interesting, fiery red art piece. The hotel will have 151 rooms and 141 “owner’s suites”, which will be “situated within a vertical park by Nouvel”.


This rooftop pool will not be the only place to take a dip: a second pool is set in the landscaped grounds. There will be a spa, two restaurants, a bar, cigar lounge, music studio and screening room. Event space and retail outlets complete the facilities.

With 50 hotels by 2020 we’re sure this isn’t the last announcement from Rosewood, so stay tuned for more.