Ritz-Carlton Hotel opens in Beijing

Ritz-Carlton has opened its third property in China, in Beijing's central business district. To celebrate, the 305-room Ritz-Carlton, Beijing is offering introductory rates from US$200 through February 29, 2008.

"We are very pleased to open our third China hotel in Beijing, a city which has undergone an impressive transformation as both a major commercial center and a world-class tourism attraction," said Simon F. Cooper, president and chief operating officer, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. The company currently manages hotels on Beijing's Financial Street and in Shanghai. Future expansion plans include locations in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Sanya, Pudong (Shanghai), Macau and Hong Kong.

Centrally situated in one of Beijing's most fashionable areas, and adjacent to the exclusive Shin Kong Place shopping center, The Ritz-Carlton, Beijing offers both business and leisure travelers the advantage of a prime location in the city, convenient to all the many attractions Beijing has to offer.

The English-country manor inspired interior of The Ritz-Carlton, Beijing was created by the renowned design consultants, Hirsch Bedner Associates of Atlanta, Ga. Reminiscent of the 1700s when Chippendale furnishings and a gracious lifestyle welcomed guests, the hotel's decor is unique in Beijing. Beveled glass entry doors lead to the entry reception, whose chandeliers, fine area rugs, and classic furnishings are complemented by white marble floors, accented by stone accents in shades of rose and yellow. Warm, medium stained wood paneling is accented by insets of light-toned damask upholstery.

The guestroom wing rooms and suites also follow the English country manor theme, with color palettes of buttery yellow and apple green. The classic furnishings blend seamlessly with the latest in-room technology from flat screen televisions to iPod docking stations and wireless internet access. Art in the rooms is inspired by both western and eastern elements and influences. The hotel also offers Club accommodations, which gives private elevator access and a furnished, comfortable lounge providing guests with frequent food and beverage presentations from breakfast till late night cocktails.

A multi-lingual concierge can print out boarding passes, secure hard to get restaurant reservations, or answer questions about business protocol in China.

While most of The Ritz-Carlton, Beijing is classic in its decor, at the top of the building the feel is considerably more contemporary in the fitness center and spa. In addition to lavish treatment rooms, a VIP suite comes complete with Thai massage bed, pedicure station, massage tables and whirlpool. The colors of the suite are aqua blue, paired with leather in the men's salon and a warm persimmon shade for the women's salon.

For dining experiences at The Ritz-Carlton, Beijing, guests can choose from Italian cuisine of the Piedmont region at Barolo. A wide selection of signature Barolo wine is available from the wine cellar of the restaurant. Modern Cantonese cuisine is on the menu at Yu, where the decor is distinguished by an eclectic group of Buddha statues housed in niches and on pedestals throughout the warm and contemporary restaurant space, and a unique tea and wine bar focuses on the ceremony surrounding traditional tea services. In Aroma, a comfortable French bistro atmosphere prevails with design accents including zinc edged counters with insets of classic white stone, French oak walls found in typical Parisian bistros, and antique mirrors. At The Lobby Lounge, the heritage of tea in China is celebrated with both English and Chinese style service. The tea service is focused on a typical Chinese apothecary and the preparation of favorite teas.

More than 14,000 square feet of meeting and special occasion space is offered at The Ritz-Carlton, Beijing. A grand stairway connects the four main floors of the building, with the function level and wedding chapel located beneath the lobby. The floors on the meeting level are carpeted in a rich blue scroll pattern and the walls are painted millwork with inset of upholstery. A Grand Ballroom of 2,296 square feet can seat up to 400 guests. The nine meeting rooms take their name from famous Chinese teas including I Hong (red tea) and Yin Zhen (white tea).

The ornate Wedding Chapel, adjacent to the hotel's beautiful flower garden, is expected to attract many ceremonies as newly affluent Chinese citizens choose to celebrate their nuptials in style.

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