China’s Hotel Industry Booms, for the Big and Smaller

Reflecting China’s growing economy, the country’s hotel industry continues to boom with an influx from larger international players such as Starwood Hotels and Resorts and new luxury offerings from smaller entrants such as Nikko Hotels International and Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts.

This summer, Starwood marked a milestone of growth in China, announcing its 100th location in the country with the Sheraton Beijing Dongcheng Hotel, set to open in December 2010.

Situated in Beijing’s Dongcheng District, the Sheraton Beijing Dongcheng Hotel is located near Third Ring Road, considered the heart of the city’s transportation network, giving it close proximity to 2008 Olympics venues; business and financial areas; and Tiananmen Square.

The hotel will offer 470 rooms and about 36,000 square feet of meetings space; a health club; spa; indoor, heated swimming pool; three restaurants; and a bar. The Sheraton Beijing Dongcheng is part of the final phase of the Global Trade Center, a mixed-use complex offering offices, retail shops, condominiums and serviced apartments.

Smaller hotel chains are also experiencing growth in China. Peninsula Hotels will open the Peninsula Shanghai in September 2009, fronting the historical Bund area.

Dubai-based Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts will manage its second China property as of 2011, when the 200-room, five-star Jumeirah Guangzhou Hotel opens in the New Pearl City Tianhe District. In early 2009, Jumeirah will open its first China hotel, the Jumeirah HanTang Xintiandi in Shanghai.