Accor has won the management contract to operate the Sofitel Wanda Beijing in the new Wanda Plaza urban development project that is set to change the face of Beijing's central business district. The Sofitel is scheduled to open in 2006.
Leading China property developer, the Dalian Wanda Group, appointed Accor to manage the 453-room hotel on Jianguo Street. Accor was awarded the management contract ahead of strong competition from many of the world's other leading 5-star hotel brands.
The Wanda Plaza Beijing development is one of the largest ever integrated urban development projects undertaken in Beijing, involving the re-development of 480,000sqm of prime land in Beijing's central business district. The project involves the construction of office towers, a major retail centre, restaurants, entertainment complexes, residential apartments, and the 5-star Sofitel Wanda Beijing hotel.
Sofitel Wanda Beijing will be built to new national 'Platinum 5-star' hotel standard and will be an integral part of the Wanda Plaza development. The hotel and Plaza will be located near CCTV's Beijing bureau, Traders Centre, the Motorola Building, Hewlett Packard Building and will be home to the Time Warner office and a Walmart.
The Beijing project is part of the largest-ever expansion of the Sofitel brand in Asia Pacific.
Over the next two years, Sofitel will increase from the current 29 hotels in eight countries in Asia Pacific to 45 hotels in 12 countries, including -- Sofitels in China. It will establish the Sofitel brand as the largest 5-star hotel brand in the region. It will also increase the global network of Sofitel hotels to over 200.
Accor Asia Pacific Chairman David Baffsky said Accor had been seeking a landmark hotel to launch the Sofitel brand in Beijing, and the Wanda Plaza development was ideal, as it will undoubtedly become Beijing's most prestigious and strategic business location.
"This is a very prestigious and historic moment for Accor and will showcase Sofitel in China. The fact that Accor was selected ahead of some of the world's other well-known hotel brands reflects the renown for quality and performance that Sofitel has developed over the last decade.
"Sofitel Wanda Beijing is part of the most comprehensive expansion of the Sofitel brand in the Asia Pacific, with our China network growing at the fastest rate in the region. We will have over 40 hotels in China by 2006, reflecting the importance Accor places on China in its global network.
"The new hotel will provide important tourism infrastructure in preparation for the 2008 Olympic Games, and builds on our already strong presence in Beijing.
"We are delighted to expand our co-operation with the Dalian Wanda Group. It builds on our partnership with Wanda in the highly successful launch of Sofitel Wanda Chengdu, which opened in 2003. These outstanding hotels join Sofltel Boao on Hainan, Sofitel Jin Jiang Oriental Pudong and Sofitel Royal Lagoon Dongguan as part of what is quickly becoming China's most recognisable luxury hotel brand."
The 453-room Sofitel Wanda Beijing will also offer 50 long-stay apartments. There will also be four Sofitel Executive Floors with adjacent Sofitel Executive Lounge, a Sofitel Library and non-smoking floors, a rarity in Beijing. Since every floor offers each room category, Sofitel Executive room guests can enjoy a smoke-free stay should they choose.
The Sofitel will have five restaurants, a bar lounge, a 1,400sqm ballroom divisible into three parts and 20 meeting rooms, business centre, swimming pool, fitness centre and a Spa and Wellness centre.
Accor currently operates 24 hotels in China under the Sofitel, Novotel, Ibis and Century brands. Over the next two years the network is scheduled to increase to 40 hotels under management.
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