Roundup

NEW OPENINGS

The 344-room Songbei Shangri-La opened on Jan 10 in the fabled city of ice, Harbin, Heilongjiang province. It is Shangri-La's second property in the northeastern city, following 18 years after the group opened its Shangri-La Hotel, Harbin in 1999. The gleaming new property anchors the brand in the heart of Songbei's business district, in a historical city that witnessed the dawn of the Jin (1115-1234) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties, and which features cultural influences from neighboring Russia.

The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou unveiled its 1,200-square-meter, brand new, pillarless and state-of-the-art Grand Ballroom on Jan 6. A new social icon for Zhujiang New Town, the 100-million-yuan ($14.4 million) project was designed by Hong Kong AB Concept International. The 9-meter-high ceiling is inspired by an exquisite Chinese ivory ball and exudes an elegant atmosphere of contemporary glamour, boldness and refinement. A sensual touch of Rococo grace is translated into the design, blending Eastern and Western styles into a well-appointed space that represents both contrasting cultures. The new ballroom offers a flexible layout and can be divided into three separate venues for smaller events. It features advanced audiovisual facilities with electronic-controlled lighting systems, including ceiling-controlled LCD projectors, vast remote-controlled electronic screens, an 80-square-meter high-definition LED screen, and remote-controlled track ceiling lighting systems to capture the appropriate mood.

Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn recently announced the opening of the Hilton Garden Inn Guiyang Yunyan, owned by Guizhou Hantang Jiahua Hotel Management and managed by Hilton. The 251-room hotel is the first Hilton Garden Inn in Guizhou province. Located in Yunyan district, the cultural, commercial and transportation center of Guiyang, Hilton Garden Inn Guiyang Yunyan offers easy access to famous tourist attractions, as well as the International Conference Center, major shopping malls and popular entertainment districts. The hotel is also close to the Guiyang Train Station and Guiyang Long Dongbao Airport. Known as the Forest City of China, Guiyang is home to a number of tourist attractions including Wen Chang Chamber, Jia Xiu Pavilion and Qian Ling Park.

VIP ROOM OF CHINA EASTERN AIRLINES

China Eastern Airlines, one of the three major airlines in China, launched a flagship VIP room in Terminal 2 in Beijing Capital International Airport on Jan 12.

It is the airline company's second VIP flagship room in China, as a major part of its high-end airport service upgrade, after the first flagship VIP room opened in Shanghai Pudong International Airport.

The VIP room is located on the third floor in Terminal 2. With a total area of 2,742 square meters, it can serve 431 passengers at a time, making it the largest airport VIP room in the terminal.

The furnishing and d��cor in the VIP room is exquisite, with lavish use of light colored beech wood to build a bright, warm and cozy area.

The red and grey carpet in the first-class cabin area, along with the walnut veneer and curved-top surfaces highlights its high-end taste.

There are functional areas for food, coffee, surfing the internet, massages and sleeping, as well as a business area and reading corners to provide privacy and meet the diverse needs of passengers.

As for its restaurant, the VIP room provides Beijing cuisine and Western food around the clock to let passengers have a taste of the authentic flavors of Beijing. Headquartered in Shanghai, China Eastern Airlines is an official member of SkyTeam.

DELICATE FOOD

Swissotel Beijing will offer guests a romantic dinner buffet on Valentine's Day this year. The dedicated team at its Caf�� Swiss will present visitors pure gastronomic indulgence: From sophisticated Chinese and Western dishes paired with the best wines, to delicious Swiss pastries and delicacies. Swissotel offers business and leisure guests an authentic and local travel experience that is full of energy, passion and vitality. It is part of AccorHotels, a global travel and lifestyle group and digital innovator offering more than 4,000 properties worldwide.

The Waldorf Astoria Beijing under the Hilton Worldwide luxury hotel and resort brand offers world-class facilities and services to guests at home and abroad. To bring in the rooster festival season, the master chefs in the hotel's Zijin Court restaurant will cook three auspicious feasts based on Cantonese cuisines, using creative cooking techniques to promote the coexistence of healthy and delicious dishes that are both high quality and nourishing. Valid from Jan 27 to Feb 11. 010-8520-8989 Ext 6610.

The Ritz-Carlton, Beijing, will serve guests fine Cantonese dim sum during a daily afternoon tea beginning Feb 1. Guests are welcome to enjoy a special Yum Cha menu, a type of Chinese-style brunch with Chinese tea and dim sum, crafted by Cantonese Chef Pan at the Lounge. The hotel hopes to spoil guests' taste buds with crispy char siu, pea cake, a selection of dim sum delicacies and a relaxing atmosphere. Decorated with classic English manor sophistication and elegance, the Lounge provides a blissful getaway from the noise and haste of the city with a refreshing afternoon tea for business meetings or personal pleasure. Sets cost 188 yuan ($27) with a 15 percent service charge. 010-5908 8180

(China Daily 01/14/2017 page10)