Starwood Signs Two Hotels in China

Starwood’s The Luxury Collection brand has signed two new deals to open its first hotels in China. The Astor Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, is scheduled to open as a Luxury Collection Hotel in May 2010 after a $22 million renovation, and The Malus Sanya, a Luxury Collection Resort, a new-build resort set to open in late 2012.

As evidenced by its two new deals in China, the brand’s growth is fueled by strength in Asia Pacific and a notable increase in conversion properties. In fact, of the seven deals for new Luxury Collection hotels, the majority are in Asia Pacific markets like China, India and Malaysia. And nearly half of the recently signed hotels are conversions.

“By working with the right partners on the right properties in the right places, The Luxury Collection has enjoyed steady and strategic international growth in key markets like China even amidst challenging times,” said Simon Turner, President, Global Development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts. “In addition to new-build properties, Starwood is attracting a growing number of owners and developers who seek to rebrand existing properties as Luxury Collection hotels. By doing so, they maintain their independence while tapping into the power and breadth of the Starwood network, including our Starwood Preferred Guest program, which drives business for owners and provides guests unprecedented access to the world’s finest luxury hotels.”

The Luxury Collection marked an important milestone in October of 2009 with the opening of ITC Royal Gardenia, a Luxury Collection hotel in Bengaluru, India, which is Starwood’s 150th hotel in Asia Pacific. Building on that success in Asia, The Luxury collection continues to grow in the region including the December 2009 re-branding of the iconic The Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort in Langkawi, Malaysia, and in addition to the two recently signed Chinese hotels, The Luxury Collection will debut the Vana Belle Samui, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa on a secluded cove on the tropical Island of Koh Samui, Thailand.

Originated in 1906 as a collection of Europe’s most celebrated and iconic properties, today The Luxury Collection brand is an ensemble of more than 70 hotels and resorts in more than 30 countries across the globe including Hotel Danieli, Venice; Hotel Imperial, Vienna; Grand Bretagne, Athens; Marques de Riscal, Elciego, Spain; The Laguna Resort, Nusa Dua, Bali; Patios de Cafayate, Argentina; SLS at Beverly Hills; Royal Hawaiian, Waikiki and The Phoenician, Scottsdale.

The Astor Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Tianjin

Scheduled to debut in May 2010, following a $22 million (RMB 150 million) renovation, The Astor Hotel Tianjin features 152 guest rooms and suites, approximately 1,000 square metres of meeting space, five world class restaurants and bars, an indoor swimming pool, and state-of-the-art fitness and business centres.

With a heritage extending more than 140 years, The Astor Hotel first opened in 1863 and is one of China’s most iconic landmarks. Classified as a National Important Historical Relics Protection Unit by the Chinese Government, The Astor Hotel is renowned as a preferred destination for foreign expatriates and local dignitaries. Since its opening, the hotel has gone through several restorations and expansion programs including the building of its second tower. The Astor Hotel has played host to VIPs, Heads-of-State and International Diplomats including Dr. Sun Yat-sen and Madam Song Qingling, former United States President Herbert Hoover, the last Emperor Puyi and Empress Wan Rong.

The Astor Hotel is located in the central business district (CBD) of Tianjin at Tai'erzhuang Road, Heping District, facing the Haihe River and Green River and at the back of Victoria Park. It is also a 35 minute drive from the Tianjin International Airport.

The Malus, a Luxury Collection Resort, Sanya

Opening in the autumn of 2012, The Malus Sanya is part of the integrated Haitang Bay Beach Resort district spreading over a site area of 150 square kilometers with 40 kilometres of beachfront. Offering lush landscapes and breathtaking sea views, the resort will offer The Luxury Collection global explorers 160 luxury guest rooms and villas, approximately 300 square meters of meeting space; two signature restaurant and bars; a 24-hour business center; state-of-the-art health club and fitness center; signature spa; outdoor swimming pool; tennis courts; specialty shopping, and will share a recreational centre with the newly opened Sheraton Sanya Haitang Bay Resort.

With its tropical climate, Hainan is celebrated as the “Hawaii of China”, offering guests the ideal destination for leisure and business retreats. The Malus, Sanya is situated on the southern part of Hainan and Haitang Bay, and is ideally located on the Island’s eastern coastal area.

Due to the growing influx of leisure travelers to Hainan, the region is currently constructing its third International Airport only 127 km from Haitang Bay in Boao, Qionghai City.

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