The Great Lounge. (Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn)
Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts unveiled its second hotel in Hangzhou, Midtown Shangri-La, Hangzhou, on 12 March. Since establishing its first China property in Hangzhou more than three decades ago, the Hong Kong-based group has returned to the heart of one of the eight ancient Chinese capital cities to open a 417-room property that fuses the best of the past with the best of the present.
The new-build hotel is located in the vibrant Kerry Central Complex -- a modern mixed-use development in downtown Xiacheng district with an office tower, apartments and a high-end shopping mall -- and is a five-minute walk to the historical West Lake and acclaimed UNESCO site. Nearby are the high-speed train station and international airport, as well as another renowned World Heritage cultural site, the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal.
Midtown Shangri-La, Hangzhou is a setting where the essence of the West Lake is present around the 13-storey hotel. Art objects, from a traditional silk painting of the lake in the lobby, to a custom designed chandelier that mimics rippling water are displayed in homage to the breathtaking landmark.
Throughout the hotel's contemporary and elegantly furnished guestrooms, ranging from 43 to 86 square metres and with views of the city or West Lake, are delicate pieces of Hangzhou's famous ice crack Ge Kiln porcelain, as well as emblems of the lotus flower that blooms in summer along the freshwater lake. In addition to spacious marble bathrooms, walk-in wardrobes and large work spaces, free Wi-Fi is also offered.
Situated on the uppermost floors of Midtown Shangri-La, Hangzhou are its Executive and Speciality Suites and the Horizon Club Lounge, where Horizon Club and suite guests can enjoy extra privileges including express check-in and check-out, complimentary breakfast buffet, all-day refreshments and evening cocktails, and full concierge service.
Just as Hangzhou is a city of contrasts, the hotel's restaurants and bar present a range of concepts for socialising and entertaining. Diners are transported to a European-style restaurant at Central Market where show kitchens brim with international choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
To celebrate the opening of the hotel, an introductory offer, priced from RMB1,100, is available until 31 May 2016 and includes daily breakfast buffet, RMB100 credit for laundry services and double GC Award Points for Shangri-La's Golden Circle members. For reservations, call (86 571) 8733 8888 or email reservations.shhz@shangri-la.com. The room rate is subject to a 15 per cent service charge.
