Be my guest
By Si Tingting (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-03-13 10:19
 |
Large Medium Small |
While China World Hotel is a Beijing landmark, the latest luxury hotel by Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts is about to open in the striking China World Tower. Si Tingting reports
China World Hotel, a flagship property of Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, has managed to maintain its position since the 1990s as one of Beijing's most established and iconic landmark hotels.
Ideally located in the heart of Beijing's diplomatic and central business district, the hotel is just steps away from the China World Exhibition Hall, popular for trade exhibitions and fairs. It is also near the China World office towers, home to many leading multinationals and local companies, shopping malls and restaurants.
Nearby, the newest luxury hotel by Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts is about to open in the striking 330-meter-high China World Tower, the capital's highest building. Many believe it is destined to become its newest iconic landmark, located on the northern end of the China World Trade Center complex.
Since it first opened its doors in 1990, China World Hotel has been the preferred address for distinguished business and government leaders as well as discerning travelers visiting the capital.
Throughout the years, the hotel has played host to heads of state and members of royalty, a phenomenal testament to the hotel's success in providing comfort, security and privacy for its guests.
During the opening of the Beijing Olympic Games alone, the hotel hosted 25 heads of state and 13 members of royal families.
The hotel's interior is lavishly decorated with artistic touches, including massive red columns accentuating the lobby's high ceilings and Shangri-La signatures such as gigantic hand-painted wall murals depicting idyllic Chinese scenery and glittering crystal chandeliers. A stunning gold-gilded bamboo mural, handcrafted by Chinese artisans, is a dramatic centerpiece in front of the marble staircase.
Last year, the hotel industry was hit hard by the financial crisis but prospects are now more robust.
"China is in a very fortunate position this year with the World Expo in Shanghai. I think there will be an overflow of visitors from Shanghai into some of the tourist destinations around China. And certainly Beijing, being the capital, will benefit as well," John Rice, general manager of China World Hotel, Beijing, says.
In addition to a dazzling interior design and luxurious facilities, China World Hotel sets a very standard in guest contact, requiring staff to serve guests in a natural and spontaneous way.
Although China World Hotel is a large hotel with 716 rooms, it provides guests with a high level of personalized service according to the guests' individual requirements.
"Luxury is not just all about the product, it is about creating a memorable experience - the hotel's staff are encouraged to engage with guests in a natural manner to create that memorable experience and guest loyalty," says Rice.
Importance is placed on providing guests with individual recognition by greeting, smiling, making eye contact and engaging on a personal level.
Even though half of the hotel's guests are return guests, the hotel is still constantly reassessing markets, guests' needs and emerging market trends.
The hotel not only boasts a large number of loyal customers but also a high staff loyalty ratio. A significant percentage of the staff has been at the hotel for 20 years or more.
At China World Hotel, employees have numerous opportunities to continue learning through various training programs and educational courses. They also have the opportunity to advance to senior leadership positions, not only within the hotel but also within the Shangri-La hotel group, to achieve their career goals.