Inter Continental brings Sophisticated splendor to Suzhou

Location, luxury and local knowledge ensure lifetime memories, Hang Xuefei and Cang Wei report.

The InterContinental Suzhou is one of the most prestigious luxury hotels in the historic garden city of Suzhou. The stunning property occupies a coveted location on the shores of Jinji Lake, a showpiece destination in one of China's most popular tourism cities.

The 27-story crescent-shaped hotel features 427 contemporary guestrooms, five eclectic restaurants and lounges, a luxury spa and an indoor infinity pool - all boasting panoramic views of willow-fringed Jinji Lake and the Suzhou skyline.

The InterContinental Suzhou also offers extensive meetings, conference and event facilities, as well as a stunning Wedding Pavilion.

InterContinental brings to the city of Suzhou its more than 60 years of international hospitality excellence, and today counts more than 170 hotels in over 60 countries. In addition to this global expertise, the InterContinental Suzhou is proud to have an "In The Know" team that has abundant local knowledge and insights to ensure that each guest enjoys a truly authentic and enriching Suzhou experience.

The InterContinental Suzhou is an architectural landmark on the landscaped waterfront promenade of Jinji Lake, in the thriving Suzhou Industrial Park commercial, leisure and residential district. The hotel is within easy walking distance of both the Suzhou International Expo Center and the Suzhou Cultural and Arts Center. It is also just steps away from Suzhou's finest shopping and entertainment destinations, including Times Square, Jiuguang department store, Harmony City, Moon Harbor and Suzhou Ferris Wheel Park.

Access to and from the InterContinental Suzhou is easy, as the hotel is a short drive from the SIP train station, which offers high-speed rail connections to cities across China, and a short stroll from Times Square station on the new Suzhou metro network for convenient cross-city access. For air travelers, the InterContinental Suzhou is accessible from both Shanghai Pudong (120 kilometers) and Hongqiao (70 km) international airports and Wuxi Sunan International Airport (50 km).

The InterContinental Suzhou's 427 luxurious rooms include 55 suites. The stylish rooms feature bamboo screens, birdcage lanterns, ceramic art installations and traditional Suzhou-inspired design details. Spa-like open bathrooms in many of the rooms feature circular bathtubs, some with spectacular views of Jinji Lake.

Cutting edge technology and in-room conveniences include high-speed WiFi and broadband Internet, dual bedside lighting control panels, cordless phones and DVD players, plus a document printer and Nespresso machine in the suites. Premier Panoramic Rooms feature stunning 270-degree lake views through plate glass walls.

For an added level of luxury and relaxation, the penthouse Club InterContinental provides exclusive privileges, including daily breakfast, afternoon tea and evening cocktails. The double-height lounge also features a library, business facilities, VIP meeting and private dining rooms and exceptional lake and city views through floor-to-ceiling windows.

The hotel's five world-class destination restaurants and lounges serve a "World Kitchen" of innovative cuisines to suit all tastes.

XIU, the signature modern Chinese restaurant, celebrates authentic local and regional Chinese dining, adding fresh culinary presentations and a contemporary ambience. Xiu means embroidery in Mandarin, and the restaurant's interior design is inspired by colorful Suzhou silk and embroidery, which is a timeless symbol of the city. XIU's experienced chefs use local and seasonal ingredients to create a menu that combines the finest flavors of Cantonese and Suzhou cuisines.

On the second floor, Riva is Suzhou's first upscale Mediterranean Steakhouse. The rustic-chic dining room and open terrace serves generous portions of premium steaks and gourmet pizzas from a wood-fired oven, plus decadent desserts and Suzhou's most sophisticated wine list. While Carumba is the destination for hot nights in Suzhou. Carumba pours the city's best selection of rums, whiskeys and innovative cocktails, accompanied by the passionate melodies of the house band.

All-day dining room JING features multiple island kitchens where top chefs prepare an array of global cuisines. JING also has a takeaway coffee and deli counter and a delightful lakeside alfresco terrace. At the other end of the lobby beneath a grand spiral staircase, The Lounge is an inviting space to relax with Suzhou's largest selection of specialty teas and coffees, plus music in the afternoons.

Extensive MICE facilities make the InterContinental Suzhou the premier choice for high-level conferences, meetings and private events in the city. The 1,000-square-meter Grand Ballroom features a multi-theme lighting system with hundreds of themed effects for different occasions. The hotel also offers nine fully equipped, multi-purpose meeting and function rooms, ranging from 75 sq m to 140 sq m, plus outdoor areas beside the lake for cocktails and evening receptions.

The purpose-built Wedding Pavilion is a stunning setting for stylish ceremonies. In addition to these superb facilities, the InterContinental Suzhou's dedicated Events Team provides professional experience and inspired local insights to deliver truly unforgettable events.

Spa InterContinental, InterContinental's exclusive spa offering, features nine private lake-view suites, including both couple's and terrace suites. Other recreational amenities include an indoor infinity swimming pool overlooking Jinji Lake, jacuzzi, sauna and steam rooms, plus a fully equipped Fitness Center. Jogging and cycling are popular pursuits along the waterfront promenade outside the hotel.

InterContinental's "In The Know" concierges can arrange unique experiences in and around the city, such as attending a Kun Opera, tea-picking in the mountains or a Taihu Lake fishing adventure.

Contact writers at hangxuefei@chinadaily.com.cn and cangwei@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 04/11/2015 page10)