Beijing (October 2003) -- The five-star China
World Hotel, Beijing, one of China's most highly regarded luxury properties,
has completed a US$30 million renovation of its public areas and 716 guest
rooms. Dubbed the most expensive "facelift" in local hotel history, the
renovation program has transformed the landmark into Beijing's most stylish
property with its vibrant mix of Chinese and Western design.
Of the renovation, the hotel's general manager
Stefan Bollhalder said:
"China World Hotel, Beijing has earned a reputation
for providing world-class facilities and services, complemented by Shangri-La
hospitality, since it opened in 1990. The scale of this renovation shows
our commitment to maintaining the hotel's reputation for providing excellent
services and to being at the forefront of hospitality in China's capital."
New Lobby
Evoking the grandeur of Imperial China, China
World's new lobby is welcoming and memorable. The lobby's trademark monumental
red lacquered pillars continue to stand sentinel but in a more regal style.
Each pillar now has a sculpted marble base and a capital emblazoned in
gold leaf and crystals. They stand in vivid contrast to the expanded lobby's
light marble floors and two new skylights. The lobby's decorative gold-leaf
theme continues on the latticed ceiling, which is also bejewelled with
clusters of shimmering crystal chandeliers.
The lobby was designed by Wilson & Associates,
an interior architechtural design firm well-known for its work with
ultra-luxury hotels such as the Venetian Resort and Hotel in Las Vegas,
the St. Andrews Old Course Hotel in Scotland, Las Centanas al Paraiso and
the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island, Bahamas.
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The Lobby's Architectural Design Highlights Include:
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Three large art pieces created by a team of Chinese
artisans from "Dragon Pace" in Beijing. The center wall mural depicts
bamboo, which traditionally represents prosperity, achievement, progress
and respect in Chinese society. The East wall mural depicts lifestyles
of the Chinese imperial court. Both of the 16 by 19 foot wall murals are
set in carved wood panels finished with a black crackle glaze, lacquer
and gold leaf. Hand-painted silk panels portraying birds, flowers,
horses, architecture and traditional Chinese landscapes make up the third
mural on the West wall. The West wall mural is framed with golden antique
mirror tiles and carved gold leaf panels.
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A Shangri-La signature, 10 majestic Bohemian cut-crystal
chandeliers light the lobby. Each chandelier is made up of more than 8,000
pieces of crystal and weighs in at over 400 pounds.
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The lobby's trademark monumental red lacquered pillars
continue to stand sentinel but in a more regal style. Each pillar now has
a sculpted marble base and a capital emblazoned in gold leaf and crystals.
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More than 35,500 square feet of marble covers the
lobby floors, walls and numerous columns. The marble was quarried from
Italy, Turkey, France and Greece.
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Intricate stone carving graces the edge of the marble
floors in the skirting along the walls and the marble bases of the red
lacquer pillars.
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A spectacular curved staircase of carved marble glides
up to the mezzanine. It features a balustrade with a series of bamboo
tree images on red lacquer and gold leaf panels and a handrail of traditional
panel design with crystal cut inserts.
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Gold leaf is used across the ceiling in a traditional
lattice pattern and accentuates architectural components such as the skylights
and column capitals.
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Natural light has been enhanced by the addition of
two large skylights. One of which is a glass dome that is decorated with
a spectrum of colors, gold trim and hand-painted depictions of the signs
of the Chinese zodiac.
The lobby's custom-made furniture draws inspiration
from classic Chinese furnishings. The reception and concierge areas feature
custom-designed desks with black crackle finishes inlaid with mother of
pearl and gold leaf depicting traditional Chinese scenes. Oversized armchairs
and plush sofas bring comfortable modernity to the lobby lounge. The fabric
upholstery comes from a variety of luxury textile companies including Roselle
Mont-Clair, Cetec, Jim Thompson, Jagtar and Sinclair fabrics. |
New Lobby Lounge
The new 120-seat Lobby Lounge is the rendezvous
spot in Beijing. Tranquil by day, the Lobby Lounge caters to business contacts
closing deals and footsore shoppers relaxing over tea. By evening, the
lounge transforms into a trendy venue for the enjoyment of fine cocktails
and live entertainment. The overall effect of the lobby lounge's
chic plush seating, Chinese artwork and traditional Chinese detailing is
one of refined luxury.
Scene a Café
Completely transformed during the renovation,
the hotel's former casual restaurant is now an innovative entertainment
venue. Seating 228, Scene a Café turns dining into an experience
with its choice of eight cooking theatres where chefs are the performers
and the open kitchens their stages. The new restaurant showcases
international and Beijing cuisine along with a dash of drama.
New Guestrooms
The 716 newly appointed guestrooms, including
the 126 Horizon Club rooms found on four exclusive floors, are decorated
with fabric wall panels, luxurious furnishings and upholstery and feature
a contemporary Asian art style. The rooms offer an oversized work desk
with arm's-length access to IDD facilities and complimentary broadband
Internet. All bathrooms have been redone in white marble and offer separate
bath and glass-enclosed showers. The hotel has also introduced Premier
Rooms, a new room type, which provide guests an unparalleled 590 square
feet of unsurpassed luxury with spacious living rooms, dressing areas and
bathrooms.
Further New Features
The renovation programme has also brought a rich
contemporary look to the hotel's other facilities. These include the refurbished
800-person Grand Ballroom and 18 function rooms, a business center, and
a health club featuring Beijing's only rejuvenating "Oxygen Room". Additionally,
the hotel has introduced a variety of innovative new amenities including
airport butler service, pillow menus, foot duvets and 24-hour butler service
for Horizon Club guests.
Strategically
located in the heart of Beijing's diplomatic and central business district,
China World Hotel is a major component of the China World Trade Center
complex, which includes Shangri-La's Traders Hotel, two 38-story office
towers, two international residential apartment buildings, an array of
restaurants and a highly prestigious shopping mall and exhibition hall.
China World Hotel, Beijing is a member of Shangri-La
Hotels and Resorts, which currently operates 41 hotels in Australia, mainland
China, Fiji, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore,
Taiwan, Thailand and United Arab Emirates. |