Hotel New Grand in Yokohama Joins Summit

The Hotel New Grand in Yokohama, Japan, has joined Summit Hotels & Resorts, a brand of Preferred Hotel Group.

The 251-room Hotel New Grand is an historic hotel in Yokohama, overlooking Yamashita Park with sweeping views of Yokohama Bay, and within walking distance of Japan's largest Chinatown.

In 1923, the Great Kanto Earthquake devastated Yokohama city and the first priority was to build an international standard hotel for foreign merchants and dignitaries to support the city's international trading. Just four years later, on 1 December 1927, about 3000 guests, including foreign ambassadors, were invited to the grand opening reception of the Hotel New Grand.

Currently, Hotel New Grand consists of two buildings, the 49-room main building established in 1927 and a 202-room, 18-story tower built in 1991. The landmark new tower was designed by renowned French designer Pierre-Yves Rochon. Facilities include six restaurants and bars as well as four banquet rooms for up to 400 persons.

The hotel has welcomed many dignitaries and celebrities in its long history, including Charlie Chaplain, Babe Ruth, and the Duke of Gloucester. Most significant historically is the residency of General Douglas MacArthur, the Supreme Commander of the Allied Powers who established his first office in Room 315 at the end of World War II when he was sent to supervise the occupation of Japan. Since then the room has been called as MacArthur's Suite and the writing desk is still in use in the historic room along with his portrait.

Mark Simmons, Area Managing Director, Asia of Preferred Hotel Group, said, "As the second largest city in Japan and so economically important, we recognize its importance to our global travellers. With its fascinating past, Hotel New Grand will also be of great interest to leisure travelers seeking to stay in a very historically significant hotel in Japan."

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