INTERNATIONAL boutique hotel chain, Grace Hotels, has opened a 30-key property in the Chinese capital city, marking its entry into Asia-Pacific.
Grace Beijing, located in Beijing’s 798 Art District, occupies the former Yi House Hotel. The property houses modern art and contemporary furniture, and features decor inspired by the Ming Dynasty.
Facilities at the luxury hotel include Yi House restaurant, which serves Mediterranean and Asian cuisine, and Bar 798.
Philippe Requin, Grace Hotels CEO, told TTG Asia e-Daily in an interview that the hotel’s target traveller segment reflected the nature of the 798 Art District.
“We see a mix of local and international clientele with strong representation from the fashion, arts, film, photography and design communities that are attracted to the art district or have business there,” he said.
“There are also some discerning vacation guests who seek an alternative to the established city centre locations.”
Grace Beijing employs multiple channels to move rooms, including direct booking, tour operators and travel agents.
“There is a global trend towards more use of the Internet to research or book travel and accommodation, so we are constantly working to improve our web experience,” said Requin.
To advance Grace Hotels’ expansion into the rest of Asia-Pacific, the group has hired renowned hotelier Roberto Pelliccia to oversee opportunities in the region.
Although no firm plans have been laid as to Grace Hotels’ next opening in Asia, Requin said mainland China was “definitely among the countries in which we are hoping to develop”.
Grace Hotels’ other existing properties are in Mykonos, Santorini and Rhode Island.
