Guangzhou hotels to get facelift for Asian Games

(China Daily)
Updated: 2009-03-20 09:00

GUANGZHOU: Visitors to the Asian Games in Guangzhou are set to enjoy newly renovated hotel rooms without being hit in the pocket.

Designated hotels for the 2010 Games are pouring a combined 2.4 billion yuan ($350 million) into renovation and upgrading facilities, an official of the organizing committee said yesterday.

At the same time, all hotels will be strictly barred from raising prices.

"It's being done to offer better service and accommodation during the Games," said Tang Ruping, service department director of the Games' organizing committee.

For example, the maximum double-room price for a five-star hotel will be set at $200.

"We will introduce a price-control system for hotels during the Games," Tang said.

An estimated 14,700 athletes and team officials, 6,300 technical officials, 10,000 members of the media and more than 2,000 members of the Olympic Council of Asia will take part in the Games next year.

They will stay in the Asian Games Village and designated hotels, Tang said.

Sixty-one designated hotels will offer services for participants and visitors.

Some 3 million people from home and abroad are expected to descend on Guangzhou during the Games, Tang said.

"We will try to arrange stays for the visitors at the designated hotels," Tang added.

All designated hotels are upgrading facilities and some, such as the five-star Guangdong International Hotel, have begun renovation, Tang said.

The Games' village is located at the foot of Lianhua Mountain in the city's Panyu district.

Another accommodation center will be set up in Shanwei, a four-hour bus ride from Guangzhou.

Neighboring cities of Foshan and Shanwei will co-host the 16th Asian Games, which is slated for November 12 to 27 next year.

Foshan will hold water ballet and boxing, while Shanwei will hold the sailing event of the games.

The Games will feature 42 sports events, 14 of which are non-Olympic events and five that will be making their debut in Guangzhou.