Hilton signs Five New Hotels in China

China based Dalian Wanda Group, a major real estate developer, has entered into a strategic relationship with Hilton Hotels Corporation to expand its footprint in the hotel industry in China. Hilton Hotels Corporation has been appointed to manage 5 hotels on behalf of subsidiaries of Dalian Wanda Group, which will own and develop the properties.

Comprising selected upscale and luxury hotels as part of the Hilton Family of Hotels, the agreements include plans for the Conrad Sanya Haitang Bay and Doubletree by Hilton Sanya Haitang Bay on Hainan Island, the Conrad Dalian and Hilton Dalian, and the Hilton Nanjing, to all be opened by 2012.

Martin Rinck, president Asia Pacific – Hilton Hotels Corporation said, “Through this important relationship with the Dalian Wanda Group, we are making further advances with bringing the value of our Hilton Family of Brands to life in China. With domestic travel continuing to grow and increasing interest in China from international visitors, we are committed to offer best in class hotel products in key cities across the country, and aim to make the Hilton Family a household name here. Five hotels in one day is a very special occasion and we are delighted to be working together with Dalian Wanda Group as a valued owner.”

The deal, which was recently signed at a ceremony in Dalian, marks a significant expansion for Hilton Hotels Corporation in China, adding another 1484 rooms to the operator’s system. With 9 hotels in operation, and 23 hotels under development, Hilton Hotels Corporation aims to increase its presence in China to 31 hotels, by 2012.

Conrad Sanya Haitang Bay and Doubletree by Hilton Sanya Haitang Bay

The two new additions to Hainan Island will build on the success of Hilton Sanya Resort & Spa which opened in Yalong Bay in 2006, and add to the company’s recently announced plans to open Hilton hotels in Haikou and Qing Shui Bay.

Dubbed the “Hawaii of China”, Hainan Island’s tropical climate, clear blue waters and white sandy beaches attract visitors from across the country as well as Russia, Europe and Asia, for leisure as well as for Meetings Incentives Conferences and Exhibitions. Sanya, is also home to the Miss World Pageant and hosts a variety of luxury hotel developments.

The Conrad Sanya Haitang Bay will feature 101 luxury resort villas on a prime site along the 20 kilometre sandy Haitang Bay Beach, and in close proximity to an 18-hole golf course. With 3 exclusive restaurants and beach dining as well as an intimate wine cellar, the resort will cater for luxury travellers with various recreational facilities including tennis courts, a swimming pool, spa, health club and a kids club.

The 450 room Doubletree by Hilton Sanya Haitang Bay will also feature extensive food and beverage outlets and recreational facilities.

Both hotels are scheduled to open in 2011.

Conrad Dalian and Hilton Dalian

The economic centre of China’s North-Eastern regions, known as Manchuria, Dalian is among the country’s most affluent cities with a colourful past as an imperial port outpost established in the Qing Dynasty. Today, Dalian operates four special economic zones including a hi-tech, free trade and a national holiday resort zone. Its temperate climate, green planning and international history have cemented its position as a Meetings Incentives Conferences and Exhibitions – it has hosted major events as diverse as the Summer Davos Economic Forum, the International Beer Festival and the China International Garment & Textile Fair, and in 2007 attracted 24.8 million domestic visitors and 800,000 overseas visitors.

The 210-room Conrad Dalian and 360-room Hilton Dalian will be located in one 35-storey tower, with the Hilton occupying the lower floors. The tower will be located on a waterfront site in the Dalian Central Business District, featuring an international conference centre, art galleries, retail boutiques, theatre and a cruise terminal and yacht club. With panoramic sea views, the hotels are expected to become the “place for people to meet” in Dalian. Both hotels are scheduled to open in late 2012.

The Conrad Dalian will feature 210 guest rooms, a Chinese speciality restaurant, lobby lounge and bar with skyline vistas, contemporary meeting and business facilities with the latest technology, and a health club, swimming pool and spa.

The Hilton Dalian will comprise extensive food & beverage outlets and innovative meeting space including a ball room, function rooms and boardrooms. For recreation, guests will be able to choose among the hotel fitness centre and spa, tennis courts and swimming pool.

Hilton Nanjing

Located in the Yangtze River Delta, Nanjing is the economic and political powerhouse of Jiangsu Province. Established in 495 BC, Nanjing is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Imperial Tombs and was also the original port from which China’s Great Armada, the Imperial Treasure Fleet, embarked on its journey. The city has an illustrious culture and collection of heritage sites. With well preserved natural scenery, pagodas juxtapose modern architecture set against winding rivers, mountains and serene lakes. The city also boasts some of the world’s longest and tallest walls which were built to align with star constellations.

Scheduled to be part of a mixed use development, featuring a shopping mall, office space and serviced apartments, the 23 storey new build hotel will be situated at the intersection of 2 thoroughfares that serve Nanjing’s Central Business District.

Scheduled to open at the end of 2012, the 363-room Hilton hotel will enjoy 5 innovative restaurants and bars, as well as extensive meeting and banqueting space and fitness facilities including a swimming pool, health club and spa.

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