Pan Pacific to Take Over Management of Sofitel Plaza Xiamen

Pan Pacific is to take over the management of the Sofitel Plaza Xiamen in August 2009. The hotel, to become the Pan Pacific Xiamen, will undergo a series of enhancements to deliver the level of service and quality synonymous with the Pan Pacific brand.

"We are very excited about the opening of the Pan Pacific Xiamen as that will allow us to bring the Pan Pacific experience to more guests in China," said Mr A. Patrick Imbardelli, President and CEO, Pan Pacific Hotels Group. "Keeping pace with the tremendous progress of the city, the newly improved Pan Pacific Xiamen will redefine service standards for the local hospitality industry."

With the new Pan Pacific Xiamen, guests can expect an enhanced overall experience, starting from the booking process, through to their arrival and stay at the hotel.

Guests will now be able to make their reservations via Pan Pacific's proprietary reservations and distribution platform, PANTHER. The reservations platform will allow travellers to book via GDS, online channels, as well as Pan Pacific's toll-free voice reservation centres globally.

Other plans for refurbishment of the hotel include:

- Arrival and Lobby: Featuring extensive landscaping, the refurbished lobby will greet guests with an enhanced arrival experience. The facelift, which includes the hotel lobby and elevators, will reveal a  new look.

- Rooms and Suites: Guests will be greeted with improved features in their rooms. These include upgrades to in-room audio-visual equipment such as new flat screen televisions, dual language controls and i-Pod docking stations. Travellers will also notice improved task lighting, ergonomically-designed desks and chairs, as well as a laptop safe.

- Pacific Club: The hotel will also feature Pan Pacific's exclusive, premier executive club, the Pacific Club, on levels 20 through 29. Pacific Club guests will enjoy more personalized service, with round-the-clock butler service and access to the new and expanded Pacific Club Lounge serving breakfast.

Additionally, guests will have access to business amenities, including fully-equipped meeting rooms and comprehensive business services.

- Restaurants and Bars: The Pan Pacific Xiamen will feature Pan Pacific's Cantonese restaurant, Hai Tien Lo, as well as a refurbished tea and coffee lounge in the hotel lobby.

- Fitness Centre: The Fitness Centre will be outfitted with new equipment for an improved workout, enhanced with new audio-visual equipment and other amenities for a holistic experience.

Renovations and upgrades to the Pan Pacific Xiamen are expected to be completed in early August.

Pan Pacific is also scheduled to open the Pan Pacific Tianjin in 2011.

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