PHOTO: Meliá’s new Zhengzhou property tucks two hotels into a three-building complex. (courtesy Melia)

Meliá Continues China Growth with Zhengzhou Properties

Meliá Hotels International will open two new hotels in Zhengzhou, China.

Innside by Meliá will open in June 2015 and Meliá Zhengzhou will open its doors in January 2016. Zhengzhou, the capital and largest city in Henan province is also the political, economic, and technological hub of the province.

The hotels are part of a complex of three buildings located in the city’s new business district. Together, they will bring 933 rooms and MICE facilities including one grand ballroom for over 900 people and other multifunctional meeting rooms. The Innside brand features premium hotels in city centers, boasting professional business service, modern communication tools and tailored short- or long-stay packages.

Meliá Hotels will soon be opening more properties in China such as the Gran Meliá Xian and the Meliá Jinan in 2014, and the Meliá Tian jin and Meliá Chongqin in 2015 and 2016. The Group has more than doubled its Asian portfolio in the last two years and plans to continue focusing both on main cities and on resort destinations.

Carlson Rezidor Adds More Indian Inventory

Carlson Rezidor begins 2014 with 65 hotels in operation and 36 under development in India. With 16 new deals and five hotel openings in India in 2013, Carlson Rezidor remains the number one international hotel operator in this market by number of hotels.

"We have established our leadership in this market over the last 15 years. By focusing on building strategic partnerships with hotel owners, we have accelerated our growth to deliver a record number of hotel signings in 2013," said Simon C. Barlow, president, Asia Pacific, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group.

Carlson Rezidor expects further injections of new hotels as a result of its partnership with Bestech Hospitalities Pvt Ltd (Bestech). As part of their agreement, six hotel management agreements have already been executed in 2013. From now to 2024, the partnership will deliver an additional 43 new generation Park Inn by Radisson hotels in north and central India. Carlson Rezidor is currently also in the process of seeking a second strategic partnership to leverage multi-platform growth in India.

India is also the focal point for the roll-out of the next generation Country Inns & Suites By Carlson brand. This growth is managed through Country Development and Management Services Private Limited (CDMS); a joint venture between Carlson and Chanakya Hotels Private Limited.

Chedi Sakala Set to Open in Bali This February

In February, Bali’s Nusa Dua peninsula will see the 261-room Chedi Sakala open overlooking Tanjung Benoa Beach. The hotel’s 247 suites each offer a minimum of 58 square meters and include a kitchenette. The two-bedroom, ocean-view suites have up to 150 square meters and feature a separate living room, dining room and walk-in pantry. Infinity pools with built-in whirlpools and full kitchens highlight each of the 14, two-story pool villas.

The restaurant Sakala Bali opened on the resort’s grounds two years ago serving dishes that marry local product with French culinary sensibilities by Quebec-born Executive Chef Frederic Boulay. Another F&B outlet, The Restaurant, serves Asian and European staples. The dining area overlooks the lagoon pool, which is accessible also from the ground-floor Cabana Suites. The hotel also features an open-air lobby bar with views of the ocean and Sakala Bali’s beachfront infinity pool.

The resort’s spa is scheduled to debut this spring behind The Restaurant. Upon entry, guests will make their way underground, via spiral staircase, to a reception area surrounded by eight treatment rooms filled with the aroma of frangipani. The hotel will also feature a Kids’ Club and Club Lounge, which provides guests with club benefits the opportunity to check in and out privately. The Chedi Sakala is Bali’s third GHM Hotel, the others are the Legian in Seminyak and The Chedi Club Tanah Gajah in Ubud.

Hilton Opens a Garden Inn in Shenzhen

Hilton Worldwide is expanding its Hilton Garden Inn brand into China with the opening of the 213-room Hilton Garden Inn Shenzhen Bao'an. Located in Bao'an District in Shenzhen, the 11-story hotel surrounded by various science and technology parks, the hotel also provides easy access to the central business district, shopping malls and SOHO town.

Hilton Garden Inn Shenzhen Bao'an features complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and high–speed Internet access available in all guest rooms. The hotel’s meeting space includes one multi-functional room, three meeting rooms and a boardroom; fully equipped to handle conventions. The 24-hour business center provides full corporate facilities and services to meet guests’ business needs and a complimentary 24-hour fitness center, which features the latest cardio and weights equipment, catering to those who want to work out.

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