Shangri-La offers costal oasis

A swirl of high-level visitors including Thailand's Princess Sirindhorn and Chairman of International Olympic Committee (IOC) Coordination Commission Hein Verbruggen on April 4 put the five-star hotel Shangri-La in the limelight.

"Being one of six reception hotels for Olympic sailing competition, we feel committed and confident to accommodate guests from home and abroad," said Zhang Wei, the hotel's director of communications.

To meet the demand from an influx of well-heeled visitors, the Shangri-La Qingdao invested about $62 million in a new "Valley Wing".

With the extension put into operation in March, the hotel increased its reception capabilities and can accommodate two international meetings at the same time, Zhang said.

The hotel has provided services for more than 40 high-profile international meetings and competitions last year, including the 2007 International Sailing Regatta and a tourism ministry meeting between China, Japan and South Korea, Zhang said.

"Many important guests have stayed here before such as IOC President Jacques Rogge and the Iceland's President Olafur R. Grimsson," Zhang added.

With gourmet food and an elegant environment, Caf Yum, a restaurant designed for Olympic Games, is an attraction of the hotel.

Water ripples, bubbles, ice cubes and blue lighting create a sea-like atmosphere.

The facility also boasts an array of Chinese traditional artwork like snuffboxes, porcelain and ancient locks lined up along glass partitions.

An open cooking section enables guests to see clearly how dishes are prepared.

"The guests here can enjoy different cuisines-Western, Japanese, Korean and Chinese," said Gael Moureau, the French executive chef of the hotel.

The comfortable environments and delicate food attract crowds of diners, so much so that people stand in a line to get to the elegant buffet, according to Zhang, who adds that "80 percent of guests here are foreigners".

"I like the food here very much, especially Korean food," said an American guest unwilling to reveal his name.

The hotel also designed about 20 special dishes for the Olympics, including Jing Zi Yin Zhang - Chinese emblem and Xiang Yun Huo Ju - Olympic torch with lucky clouds.

"The dishes contain Olympic elements like five rings, torches and sailing boats. While enjoying the food, guests can strongly feel the Olympics," said Chinese executive chef Jia Zhenggui.

"In addition to Olympic dishes, we've also developed eight health dishes to help our guests adjust to jet lag and revive energy," Jia added.

"Our food is not only delicious but also safe," said Zhang Kun, manager of food safety.

"We have our own designated supplier and strict rules for food quality control to ensure food safety," Zhang said.

The hotel was awarded the prestigious Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point System (HACCP) certification in August 2007, a guarantee for food safety during the 2008 Olympic sailing competition.

About 60 hotels in the city are expected to receive crowds of tourists and participants during the Olympic event, according to the Qingdao Tourism Bureau.

(China Daily 04/09/2008 page24)