THE Azure Qiantang started welcoming guests this week in Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang province, as a member of Starwood Hotels & Resorts’ The Luxury Collection.
Designed by renowned architect Pierre-Yves Rochon, the property boasts a blue glass structure with design elements paying tribute to the Qiantang River, along the bank of which The Azure Qiantang is located. It takes its name from Memories of the South, written by Tang Dynasty poet Bai Juyi.
The hotel offers 205 guestrooms and suites, all coming with river views. Notable amenities include the hotel’s swimming pool, spa with seven treatment rooms and three massage rooms, and the 24-hour fitness centre.
Culinary offerings at The Azure Qiantang include: Lan Ting Chinese Restaurant and its 14 private dining suites and main dining hall, serving Hangzhou cuisine; Panorama Restaurant & Fare dishing up favourite local snacks; the Riverview Terrace on the 22nd floor for cocktails; and the Lobby Bar where guests can have local afternoon tea.
In terms of meeting spaces, the hotel provides a 650m2 Grand Ballroom with a 312m2 foyer and six other rooms. All venues are fitted with floor-to-ceiling glass windows to allow natural light in.
The Azure Qiantang has introduced an opening package valid from now until December 31. Deluxe rooms are priced at RMB1,300 (US$212) a night. Guests who book consecutive nights will receive free breakfast for two. Prices are subject to a 15 per cent service charge.
Its opening brings Luxury Collection’s portfolio to six hotels in China, including the Astor Hotel in Tianjin, Twelve at Hengshan, The Hongta Hotel in Shanghai, The Royal Begonia in Sanya, and the recently opened The Castle Hotel in Dalian.
