Sleeper China

Shanghai Tower J-Hotel Mövenpick Resort & Spa - Sanya Hualuxe Hotels & Resorts Pacific Dream Plaza - Qingdao Shimao Wonderland InterContinental

Modern Ming

Mandarin Oriental make Chengdu debut near ancient monument

Robert Bilkey

Pioneering design-driven hotels in the People’s Republic

Andaz Shanghai

Hyatt introduce lifestyle brand to Xintiandi

www.sleepermagazine.com

Huan Yíng!

W

elcome to this special edition of Sleeper, the leading magazine for international hotel design, development and architecture.

Following the successful launch of Sleeper India in 2011, the second in our series of supplements focuses on China, the economic powerhouse said to be accelerating towards global domination. And as the country’s economic importance has grown, so too has its hospitality industry.

Gradually gaining momentum over the past decade, China’s status as a development hotspot was confirmed with the announcement that its hotel construction pipeline surpassed that of the USA. As a result, we have dedicated a significant proportion of this magazine to projects on the drawing board. We have also gathered the latest news from both international and domestic hotel groups, which brings many industry firsts. Starwood, for example, relocated its senior leadership team to Shanghai for one month, while IHG has launched a new brand designed specifically for the Chinese traveller. These moves go some way to illustrate the importance of the hospitality industry in China, but a closer examination reveals that development strategies go far beyond building a presence within the country: hotel groups are looking to take their Chinese-friendly brands global in a bid to capitalise on the burgeoning outbound traveller.

This means that all those involved in the creation of new hotels – whether it be as an owner in New York, a designer in Tokyo, or a supplier in London – will be affected by what is happening in the People’s Republic. Nowhere is as important as China right now. We hope you enjoy this inaugural edition of Sleeper China.

Contents 04

China: The People’s Rebublic

06

Drawing Board

20

Development News

24

Market Overview: Global Domination

28

Interview: Robert Bilkey, Bilkey Llinas

36

Hotel Review: Andaz, Shanghai

40

Hotel Review: Mission Hills, Hainan Island

44

Hotel Review: St. Regis, Tianjin

48

Feature: Brands for the Chinese Consumer

50

Feature: Design Perspectives

54

A Future China

Catherine Martin, Supplement Editor FRONT DESK Supplement Editor Catherine Martin c.martin@mondiale.co.uk

Advertising Sales Stephen Quiligotti s.quiligotti@mondiale.co.uk

Design & Production Dave Bell d.bell@mondiale.co.uk

Finance Director Amanda Giles a.giles@mondiale.co.uk

Marketing & Subscriptions Laura McLaughlin l.mclaughlin@mondiale.co.uk

Editorial Director Matt Turner m.turner@mondiale.co.uk

Becky Thomas r.thomas@mondiale.co.uk

Dan Seaton d.seaton@mondiale.co.uk

Rob Hart r.hart@mondiale.co.uk

Mel Robinson m.robinson@mondiale.co.uk

Accounts Donna Barlow d.barlow@mondiale.co.uk

Chairman Damian Walsh d.walsh@mondiale.co.uk

Publishers: Sleeper Magazine Ltd, Waterloo Place, Watson Square, Stockport, SK1 3AZ, UK • Tel: +44 (0)161 476 8390 • Fax: +44 (0)161 429 7214 • www.sleepermagazine.com • Printed By Buxton Press Sleeper China 2012

03

TOURISM |

china The People’s Republic

With a booming economy, developed infrastructure, and phenomenal tourism growth, the hospitality industry is looking East to capitalise on ‘brand China’.

GEOGRAPHY

PEOPLE

• Capital: Beijing • Major cities: Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chongqing, Tianjin • Administrative divisions: 22 provinces, 4 municipalities, 5 autonomous regions and 2 special administrative regions • Total area: 9,596,961km2

• According to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, at the end of 2011 the total population of mainland China was 1.347 billion.

• As the world’s most populous country, one in every five people (20%) on the planet is a resident of China.

• Growth has slowed with the introduction of one child policy in 1979.

ECONOMY

TRANSPORT

INBOUND & DOMESTIC TOURISM

OUTBOUND TOURISM

• The government has set the new annual GDP target at 7% over the next five years, but industry analysts expect annual growth to exceed 8%. By comparison, the 11th Five-Year Plan called for growth of 7.5%, it actually reached 11%.

• Over the next decade, China is expected to overtake the USA to become the world’s largest economy.

According to the 12th Five-Year Plan (the national development programme) China is aiming to: • Increase the number of airports from 175 to 220, including a new airport in Beijing able to handle 370,000 passengers a day.

• Extend the highway network to 83,000km.

• Extend the high-speed rail network to 45,000km.

• UNWTO predicts China will become the world’s No.1 tourist destination by 2015.

• According to China National Tourism Administration (CNTA), the number of international tourists is expected to reach 138 million in 2012.

• By comparison, the number of domestic trips is estimated at 2.9 billion, making domestic travel the main driver of growth.

• China’s growing middle class is leading the outbound travel market.

• The China Tourism Academy (CTA) recorded 70 million trips overseas in 2011, an increase of more than 20% from 2010.

• The World Tourism Organisation (WTO) has estimated that the total number of outbound tourists from China will reach 100 million by 2020.

04

Sleeper China 2012

FASTEST GROWING METROPOLITAN AREAS IN CHINA 2011

Highest economic performance index according to position in world rankings: 1. Shanghai 5. Hangzhou 8. Shenzhen 10. Shenyang 11. Wuhan 12. Nanjing 14. Tianjin 15. Foshan 21. Guangzhou 23. Hong Kong 24. Xi’an 27. Beijing Source: Global Metro Monitor 2011, The Brookings Institution

PREFERRED DOMESTIC TRAVEL DESTINATION

1. Sanya 2. Hong Kong 3. Yunnan 4. Tibet 5. Macao 6. Hangzhou 7. Beijing 8. Shanghai 9. Qingdao 10. Xinjiang Source: The Chinese Luxury Traveler White Paper 2012, Hurun Research Institute in association with International Luxury Travel Market Asia (ILTM Asia)

Sleeper China 2012

05

DRAWING BOARD |

Shanghai Tower J-Hotel Interstate Hotels & Resorts, a wholly owned subsidiary of a joint venture between Thayer Lodging Group and Shanghai Jin Jiang International Hotels, has been appointed by Shanghai Tower Group to manage the world’s highest luxury hotel – Shanghai Tower J-Hotel.

Standing at 632 metres tall, the tower is situated at the heart of the central business district of Lujiazui, Pudong, neighbouring the Shanghai World Financial Center and Jin Mao Tower. Upon completion, it will be China’s tallest building and the second tallest in the world.

The ‘vertical city’ will provide a wide range of facilities within its 121 storeys, including Class-A office space, entertainment venues, retail, a conference centre, and cultural amenity spaces.

The hotel, slated to open in 2014, will be the first property of new ultra-luxury brand, ‘J’. Its lobby will be located on the 101st floor and the hotel itself will boast 258 guestrooms within floors 84-110.

The signature of the J-Hotel brand will be emulated throughout the luxury property from world-class design appealing to the modern, discerning traveller, to technology advancements. Another footprint of the brand is a true sense of culture and authenticity, reflected throughout the interiors and embedded into its service. It will infuse both Eastern and Western culture to achieve international standards while 06

Sleeper China 2012

demonstrating the essence of the orient as a national brand.

Designed by Gensler to symbolise modern China, Shanghai Tower’s transparent, spiral form will showcase cutting-edge sustainable strategies and public spaces that set new standards for green community. The tower will be registered for a high level of building certification from the China Green Building Committee and the U.S. Green Building Council, and will be the world’s tallest LEEDcertified structure.

The landmark building is being codeveloped by Shanghai Chengtou Corporation, Shanghai Lujiazui Finance & Trade Zone Development Co. Ltd. and Shanghai Construction Group Co. Ltd. It will be managed by Interstate, the hotel management company in China formed by Jin Jiang Hotels and Thayer Lodging Group after the completion of joint acquisition of Interstate Hotels & Resorts, Inc., significant for being the first time a Chinese State Owned Enterprise acquired an overseas hospitality company.

Mr. Yu Minliang, Chairman of Jin Jiang Hotels, comments: “Shanghai Tower will play a pivotal role in Shanghai urban planning, and its integrated commercial nature will bring quality customers to Shanghai Tower J-Hotel. We hope to further establish the influence and awareness of J-Hotel and plan to develop 10 to 12 landmark hotels in key cities, so as to capture first-mover advantage in China high-end hotel market.”

PROJECT DETAILS Developers: Shanghai Chengtou Corporation, Shanghai Lujiazui Finance & Trade Zone Development Co. Ltd. and Shanghai Construction Group Co. Ltd. Operator: Interstate Hotels & Resorts Architect: Gensler

DRAWING BOARD |

Pacific Dream Plaza Qingdao Construction of the Atkins-designed Pacific Dream Plaza in Qingdao in northern China has begun. The 300,000m2 riverside mixed-use development is centred around a series of landscaped squares and paths and includes a 30-storey five-star hotel tower, 1,500 residential units, and office and retail space.

The development is enclosed on two sides by water and integrated into the surrounding neighbourhoods on its other faces. These boundary conditions presented a unique challenge for the architects as there were four ‘fronts’ to the development, meaning that façade design and building form had to be carefully modelled to integrate well in all directions.

Peter Ridley, Atkins’ Senior Design Director, comments: “This project presented 08

Sleeper China 2012

a fascinating challenge because the area was partially enclosed by a river but it also gave us a great opportunity to create a remarkable quarter in a new urban location.

Through rigorous testing of the client’s needs we have created a development that is distinctive, functional, and one with value as a new outdoor space amenity to the wider community.”

The curvaceous building forms evolved from a comprehensive set of strategic concept studies, and as they developed, the architects worked with Atkins’ sustainability team at Faithful+Gould in Shanghai to boost the project’s low carbon credentials. This meant testing the sunlight, shading and wind conditions within the quarter to ensure circulation within the retail buildings created a primary circulation loop. The idea was to connect indoor and outdoor spaces in the

three distinct elements of the retail offering: the outdoor ‘lifestyle’ village, the department store and the enclosed mall.

Steven Hill, Atkins’ Associate and project architect, adds: “The design process gave us – and the client – great confidence in the solution that we generated. We tested in excess of thirty options at different scales and levels of detail, beginning with very rough models and then refining the designs in workshops. The key to the process was that it was not scattergun; strategic solutions were allowed to evolve and cross-pollinate each other until we reached a design that everyone was happy with.”

Atkins’ Beijing studio undertook the architectural design from masterplanning through to detailed design and was assisted

by Atkins’ structural, traffic and sustainability teams in the UK, Hong Kong and Shanghai.

39

Shimao Wonderland InterContinental Songjiang, Shanghai Construction is under way on a luxury ‘groundscraper’ hotel built into an abandoned, water-filled quarry in the Songjiang District of Shanghai.

The ambitious project from Shimao Property Holdings Limited is expected to open in 2015 and tentatively named Shimao Wonderland InterContinental.

The developer signed an agreement with InterContinental Hotels Group in 2008 to open six hotels in four cities across China, including a Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza in Shaoxing, and InterContinental hotels in Beijing and Shanghai.

Located in an abandoned quarry at the foot of Tianmashan Mountain, Shimao Wonderland InterContinental is designed

by Atkins and will bury 16 floors below the surface of the earth. The resort will form part

of a theme park integrating shopping, sports facilities, and entertainment.

According to developers, the 19-storey structure will be grafted onto the side of the 100 metre pit, with the lower levels featuring an underwater restaurant, an athletic complex for water sports, and an aquarium.

The hotel will provide 380 guestrooms and suites, each with views of the ravine from curved balconies.

A 60-metre glass curtain wall adjacent to the main structure will descend down rockface mimicking a waterfall, while the surrounding cliffs will be given over to extreme sports such as rock climbing and bungee jumping.

Sustainability is integral to the design solution that includes the use of green roofing and exploits the site’s geothermal heat to generate electricity and heating.

PROJECT DETAILS Developers: Shanghai Shimao Property Group Operator: InterContinental Hotels Group Architect: Atkins Sleeper China 2012

09

DRAWING BOARD |

Anantara Xishuangbanna Resort & Spa Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas has announced that its flagship property in China is on schedule to open in Q4 2012.

Located in the idyllic mountainous region of Yunnan Province, Anantara Xishuangbanna Resort & Spa is set amongst lush gardens on the banks of the Luosuo River. It will comprise 80 deluxe guestrooms, as well as 23 pool villas with private plunge pools, state-of-the-art entertainment facilities, and exclusive butler service.

Xishuangbanna is home to the world’s largest botanical gardens and the indigenous Dai people, who are renowned for their folklore and colourful festivals. Their culture will provide the inspiration for the interior design scheme, being undertaken 10

Sleeper China 2012

by Thailand-based P49 Deesign & Associates.

According to the firm, interiors take cues from local Dai art, with natural wood and clay finishes enhanced by splashes of yellow and red.

The resort will offer a selection of Dai and Northern Thai cuisine, with the opportunity to learn to prepare Dai dishes in a cooking classes. Also on site will be an Anantara Spa, a business centre with Wi-Fi and iPads for guest use, and Yoga and Tai Chi classes overlooking the river.

Anantara Sanya Resort & Spa, on the southernmost point of Hainan Island, is also slated to open in 2012. This will be joined by the recently announced Anantara Emei Resort & Spa and Anantara Wulong Resort & Spa in 2013.

PROJECT DETAILS Operator: Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas Architect: Architectural and Engineering Design Institute of Yunnan Province Interior Designer: P49 Deesign & Associates Landscape Architect: Peridian Asia Pte Ltd.

Hualuxe Hotels & Resorts Tier 1, 2 & 3 Cities IHG has launched the first upscale, international hotel brand designed specifically for the Chinese traveller – Hualuxe Hotels & Resorts. Hualuxe translates from Hua, which means majestic China and luxe, representing luxury.

The brand has been developed in response to three core growth opportunities that IHG is tapping into – consumer demand for an upscale international hotel brand that demonstrates pride in Chinese customs and reflects local tradition; the domestic China opportunity; and the international opportunity for outbound Chinese travellers.

IHG is already the largest international hotel operator in China, with more than 160 hotels across 60 cities and sees the

opportunity for this brand to be in over 100 cities in China in the next 15-20 years.

The group has signed over 20 letters of intent which are now being converted into contracts with the first hotel expected to open in late 2013 or early 2014.

Keith Barr, CEO IHG Greater China, comments: “IHG was the first international hotel group to enter China nearly 30 years ago, which gives us a deep understanding of the market and its consumers. We have had great success over the years with the five brands we already have in this market, and we will now leverage our experience, and the strong relationships and reputation we have with customers and owners to establish and grow Hualuxe.”

Hualuxe will offer guests a traditional

experience based on four priorities that Chinese travellers want from an upscale hotel: tradition, rejuvenation, status, and familiar spaces, which will include multifunctional suites, private dining rooms, rejuvenation centre and tea houses.

Hualuxe will initially launch in tier 1, 2 and 3 cities and resort locations in China. In time, it will open in major cities elsewhere in the world so that Chinese travellers can have the same experience abroad.

With a multi-million dollar investment behind brand development, Hualuxe will follow IHG’s managed operating model, similar to its other IHG brands currently operating in China and will be supported with brand development and marketing funds in the first few years.

Sleeper China 2012

11

DRAWING BOARD |

Mövenpick Resort & Spa Phoenix Island, Sanya Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts is paving the way for success in China by announcing a Chinese name and logo, a new Shanghai executive team, a website in Mandarin, and three new hotels under development.

In China, Mövenpick will be known as Rui Xiang, meaning ‘brings you enjoyment and luck with Swiss quality’. The name and logo were created in collaboration with brand specialists Interbrand and developed following customer research in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou.

In addition, a Mandarin website has been launched to enable easy access to Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts for Chinese speaking guests, and a Vice President Development, Sunny Li, has been appointed to steer further expansion in China. The new Shanghai office for Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts has also appointed a Director 12

Sleeper China 2012

of Global Sales and a Director of Technical Systems Services.

Mövenpick currently has three projects under development in China including the 300-room Mövenpick Hotel Jiading, Shanghai, the 380-room Mövenpick Resort & Spa, Phoenix Island, Sanya, both opening next year, and the Mövenpick Hotel & State Guest House Chifeng, Inner Mongolia, opening in 2015.

The Sanya property is designed by Beijingbased MAD Architects, with structural design

by Jiang Architects & Engineers, and interiors

by Horizontal Space Design.

The expansion has been accompanied by increased interest in Swiss products, with the Swiss Center Shanghai reporting that exports to China from Switzerland rose by 19% last year. The trend is in line with the number of Chinese investors approaching Mövenpick about possible future projects.

PROJECT DETAILS Operator: Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts Architect: MAD Architects Structure Design: Jiang Architects & Engineers Interior Design: Horizontal Space Design 39

New type of elegance BETTESILHOUETTE - exclusive design for an exceptional bathroom.

Made of high-grade steel/enamel.

SleeperChina_206x281_BetteSilhouette.indd 1

bathing showering washing www.bette.de yc.leung@bette.de

14.06.2012 09:53:13

DRAWING BOARD |

Mandarin Oriental Chengdu

PROJECT DETAILS Developer: Chengdu Mind River Land Co. Ltd Operator: Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group Masterplanner & Architect: Aedas

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has announced that it will manage a luxury hotel which is under development in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province.

Mandarin Oriental, Chengdu, slated to open in 2015, will form part of a mixed-use development located on a prime riverfront site in the Jin-jiang district, close to the city’s key commercial and entertainment areas and opposite the ancient Wang-jiang Park, which dates back to the Ming dynasty. The Hong Kong-based international architectural firm, Aedas, has been appointed as masterplanner and architect.

Located on the top 33 floors of an iconic tower, the property will feature 320 spacious guestrooms including 41 expansive suites, with views of the Jin-jiang river, the city skyline, and Wang-jiang Park.

Hotel accommodation will be designed in an elegant, contemporary style, taking full advantage of the property’s outstanding vistas. Design elements will be influenced by the group’s heritage with Mandarin Oriental’s exacting attention to detail.

Guestrooms and suites will also incorporate sophisticated technology and entertainment systems.

Offering the finest dining in the city, Mandarin Oriental, Chengdu will have a wide selection of restaurants and bars, including a sky-high rooftop bar and tea lounge, a Chinese restaurant serving Sichuan cuisine, three speciality dining venues, and a signature Mandarin Oriental Cake Shop. The hotel will also offer a 1,200seat grand ballroom and a 500-seat junior ballroom plus a variety of multi-purpose function spaces.

An all-encompassing 2,740m2 Spa at Mandarin Oriental will feature ten treatment rooms, offering a range of wellness, beauty and massage treatments. Spa-goers will enjoy Mandarin Oriental’s award-winning signature programmes as well as specifically developed treatments inspired by Chinese traditions and customs. The hotel will also offer extensive fitness facilities including an indoor swimming pool.

14

Sleeper China 2012

39

w retreat & spa, maldives

w retreat & spa, maldives

ritz carlton residences, singapore

conrad resorts & residences, koh samui

the metropolitan, bangkok

the hamilton scotts, singapore

architecture . interior design . spas singapore . bangkok . guangzhou

www.ecoid.com

DRAWING BOARD |

Fairmont Chengdu Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has announced a new property scheduled to open in 2014, designed by Guangdong Architectural Design Institute and Chengdu WuHe Architecture Design Institute.

The luxury hotel will be situated within the Palm Springs International Centre in Tianfu New Town, a masterplanned new city centre which is home to the financial services district and emerging high technology and software business parks.

Palm Springs includes a grade A commercial office tower and two luxury residential towers anchored by a 42,100m2 retail mall featuring international luxury brands. The Fairmont Chengdu is adjacent to the mall and connected to the International Convention and Exhibition Centre, easily accessible via an underground passage way.

For corporate and leisure travellers, the contemporary hotel will feature 375 spacious guestrooms as well as approximately 60 Fairmont Serviced Residences. A selection of dining options will be available, including a restaurant on the 39th floor featuring panoramic city views. For meetings and events within the hotel, a total of 1,500 square meters of function space will be on offer, including a ballroom.

Amenities include an award-winning Willow Stream Spa, Fairmont’s signature spa brand, and fitness and pool facilities.

All therapies at Willow Stream in Asia are ‘energy inspired’ drawing from modern Western and traditional Chinese philosophies using prestigious international spa products.

“Chengdu is one of the fastest growing cities in China, and we are excited to expand our presence in the country to the Western region,” comments Jennifer Fox, President, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. “Its stature as an economic, transportation, and communications hub of Western China, coupled with its cosmopolitan offerings and proximity to natural attractions ensures demand from both business and leisure travellers.”

16

Sleeper China 2012

PROJECT DETAILS Developer: Chengdu Palm Springs Unielite Real Estate Dev. Co. Operator: Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Architects: Guangdong Architectural Design Institute, and Chengdu WuHe Architecture Design Institute

20120613_ProjectAd_OP.pdf 1 6/13/2012 5:50:19 PM

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

DRAWING BOARD |

Phoenix Mountain Spa Resort Guangzhou Sheppard Robson International has developed designs for the Phoenix Mountain Spa Resort, a luxury hotel development comprising a 200-bed hotel, 44 privately-owned club houses, and complementary amenities including a high-end spa, private medical services and conference and banqueting facilities.

The resort is located in the South Lake area 15km from the central business district of Guangzhou, and approximately 5km from the airport. It is being developed on a former quarry site, taking full advantage of the location, topography and views, nestling within a unique, secluded landscape setting.

The 9,520m2 King Club House will be a breathtaking retreat, offering a master suite, 18

Sleeper China 2012

four bedrooms, dining and leisure facilities including a library, spa, pool and yoga terraces, and a 2ha garden.

Each of the other club houses have been designed to celebrate one of a series of themes including ‘party/entertainment’, ‘museum/collection’, ‘business/media, ‘haute cuisine/food and beverage’, and ‘luxury leisure/hospitality’. Each has an element of entertaining, exhibition space, fine and varied dining, spa, gym, pool, meeting rooms, and editing suites, but in differing proportions.

Phoenix Mountain Spa Resort aims to become the primary hosting destination for Chinese and international business leader gatherings as well as an exclusive social venue for politicians and celebrities.

PROJECT DETAILS Developer: Zhuhai S.E.Z Zhong Xin Group Architect: Sheppard Robson International

DEVELOPMENT NEWS |

Under Development...

China’s hotel development is booming. Every day brings fresh announcements of international groups expanding, new brands being launched, and pipelines filled.

Here, we look at some of the key pieces of news to have emerged in recent months.

TOP TEN HOTEL GROUPS HAVE TOTAL INVENTORY OF 770,000 ROOMS HVS has calculated that the top ten hotel groups in Asia Pacific have a total inventory of approximately 770,000 rooms under the management, franchise and / or lease models, as at the theird quarter of 2011. The top ten include both international groups, and those originating from Asia.

147,524

Home Inns 93,520

Jin Jiang Hotels

92,804

IHG 85,870

Accor*

83,487

7 Day Inn 65,524

China Lodging Group

62,964

Starwood

61,700

Wyndham 43,128

Toyoko Inn

41,186

Marriott 0

30,000

60,000

1.* Denotes figures are as of 30 June 2011.

2. Room inventory of Jin Jiang Hotels is inclusive of subsidiary Interstate Hotels & Resorts’ Asia Pacific portfolio; figures of the Group’s budget hotels are as of 30 September 2011, whereas figures of star-rated hotels are as of 30 June 2011.

3. Room inventory of Home Inns is inclusive of Motel 168 acquisition completed on 30 September 2011.

90,000

120,000

150,000

Total No. of Rooms

Source: HVS Research

NEW BRANDS & PROGRAMMES FOR THE CHINESE CONSUMER

Ahn Luh: A new upscale resort brand from The Beijing Tourism Group and hotel management group GHM. 20

Sleeper China 2012

Mei Jue: Accor’s purposedesigned adaption of Grand Mercure that appeals to Chinese travellers.

Hualuxe Hotels & Resorts: The first upscale, international hotel brand designed specifically for the Chinese traveller.

Riu Xiang: A new name and logo, and a website in Mandarin mark Mövenpick’s China debut.

Hilton Huanying: A new ‘welcome’ program from Hilton that includes Chinese-friendly services and amenities.

SHANGRI-LA TO OPEN IN PUXI, SHANGHAI IN 2013 Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts will open a new luxury hotel in Puxi, Shanghai in 2013. The hotel will be the focal point of the Jing An Kerry Centre, a new business, retail, entertainment, dining and conference complex designed to become a city landmark in the heart of the prestigious Jing An District. The 508-key property will offer an array of dining experiences including an all-day café designed by Super Potato, a Chinese restaurant designed by Andre Fu, and an American Bistro and Bar by AvroKo.

GROUP DEVELOPMENT... AT A GLANCE The latest figures from the world’s leading hotel groups show that IHG has the largest pipeline by number of propertieds in the pipeline.

Number of hotels currently operating in Greater China across all brands

Number of hotels in the pipeline in Greater China across all brands

120

90

10

23

28

100

20

30

170

155

58

52

100

90

449

Undisclosed

HILTON SIGNS AGREEMENT TO EXPAND LUXURY PORTFOLIO Hilton Worldwide announced the signing of a management agreement with Chengdu Yincheng Property Co., for western China’s first Waldorf Astoria branded hotel in Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province.

Scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2016, the 300-room Waldorf Astoria Chengdu will be the fifth Waldorf Astoria in China, following the opening of Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund in 2011, as well as the planned openings of Waldorf Astoria Beijing in 2013 and Waldorf Astoria Baoting and Waldorf Astoria Sanya, both on Hainan Island in 2015 and 2016.

The hotel will be located right at the heart of the Chengdu Tianfu New Area, opposite Chengdu Tianfu International Financial Center. The area has been earmarked to become a second city center and is also home to the South Chengdu Hi-Tech Development Zone. Towering at a height of 220 meters, the hotel will form part of a mixed-used development occupying the top 15 floors, with service apartments in the lower part of the building.

In China, Hilton currently operates 28 hotels and has over 90 properties in the pipeline across its portfolio of brands.

It has three other hotels in the pipeline in Chengdu: Hilton Chengdu, Conrad Chengdu, and DoubleTree by Hilton Chengdu Longquanyi.

Sleeper China 2012

21

DEVELOPMENT NEWS |

ACCOR TAILORS GRAND MERCURE FOR CHINA

AMANRESORTS FOUNDER LAUNCHES AHN LUH

Accor has announced the launch of Mei Jue, a tailor-made Grand Mercure for the Chinese market. The new identity has been designed to appeal to upscale consumers, and be as recognisable to Chinese guests as the Mercure brand is to international travellers. Mei Jue’s identity retains a sense of connection to its parent brand whilst being highly influenced by Chinese design form. The brand was unveiled at the Grand Mercure Shanghai Zhongya, the first hotel adapted to this new positioning, where identifiers include an authentic welcome, Chinese cuisine such as a special 24-hour congee menu, and local art.

The Beijing Tourism Group (BTG) and international hotel management group GHM have formalised a joint venture partnership and announced plans to launch an upscale resort concept branded Ahn Luh. The partners, together with a third investor, the Great Ocean Group (GOG), said the group’s first properties will debut in Dujiangyan, Chengdu. A further eight are in “an advanced stage of negotiation”.

Created by BTG Chairman Duan Qiang, GOG founder Whitney Duan and resort visionary Adrian Zecha, who founded Amanresorts and co-founded GHM with Hans R. Jenni, the Ahn Luh brand will encapsulate the best while distilling the essence from the various brands that Adrian Zecha has successfully introduced over the years. Ahn Luh will cater to the world’s most discerning travellers, as well as the growing Chinese tourism market.

Comments Qiang: “Resorts in the new Ahn Luh brand aim to promote and practice what we have termed the ‘Chinese Hospitality’ concept. In essence, this concept marries internationally accepted standards of quality with distinct, local features. The result is the fusing of old-world Chinese hospitality with contemporary elegance to create value added products, while contributing to an eco-friendly environment.”

Located on the lakeside of Wuhan City, Radisson Blu Wuhan is a 354-room property being developed by United Development Real Estate Wuhan Co. Ltd. and designed by Aedas Interiors.

NEWS IN BRIEF ACCOR MAINTAINS EXPANSION MOMENTUM

500TH ASIA PACIFIC PROPERTY FOR WYNDHAM

LANGHAM SIGN DEAL FOR 2014 HAINAN OPENING

PENTAHOTELS STAKES CLAIM IN ASIA

Accor Greater China has signed 31 new contracts since the start of 2012. The contracts include 1 Sofitel, 9 Pullman, 5 Mei Jue (Grand Mercure), 1 Novotel, as well as 15 Ibis projects, thus adding 6,572 new rooms. In all, Accor’s development pipeline in China exceeds 90 new hotels.

Just seven years after it celebrated its 50th property opening in the region, Wyndham Hotel Group’s portfolio now includes over 70,000 rooms in Asia. It’s 500th property in Asia Pacific is the Super 8 Nanjing Shan Xi Lu in China’s Jiangsu Province.

Langham Hospitality Group has signed its first deal with Hainan Xinruidu Industry Investment Company Limited, to bring The Langham and its distinctive European-style of luxury hospitality to Haikou, the designated business and financial heart of Hainan Island.

Pioneered in Europe, Pentahotels is expanding its presence in Asia.

Hong Kong-based New World Hospitality is spearheading the movement, targeting expansion to 80 locations globally by 2020.

Projects in the pipeline include Guiyang and Shenyang, due to open in 2013 and 2014.

22

Sleeper China 2012

SURVEY NAMES SHANGRILA TOP HOTEL BRAND A study carried out by Hong Kong-based consultancy The Brand Company has named Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts as the top hotel brand in the ASEAN region and Greater China. The Asian Hospitality Brand Survey 2012: Leading Asian Brands and Drivers of Brand Success listed the top 30 brands and revealed that China is yet to produce a single world class home-grown hospitality brand. The top 10 are: 1. Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts 2. The Peninsula Hotels 3. Mandarin Oriental Hotels 4. Banyan Tree 5. Raffles 6. Aman 7. Six Senses 8. The Langham Hotels 9. Langham Place Hotels 10. Marco Polo The visionary behind the study, James Stuart, predicts that the world’s next big hospitality brand success stories will come from China: “The brands that succeed are going to have to a clear grasp of Chinese cultural drivers, but more importantly they will need a more adaptive, flexible and open-minded approach to branding.”

STARWOOD TOPS 100th HOTEL MILESTONE IN CHINA With recent hotel openings in Ningbo, Sanya, Yangzhou and Xian, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide has surpassed the opening of its 100th operating hotel in China with plans to open 15 additional hotels by the end of this year. With eight hotels already opened in the first quarter of 2012, Starwood will open a total of 23 hotels in China in 2012.

Starwood’s growth in China is being fueled by the power of its Sheraton and Westin brands and, increasingly, the momentum of the company’s mid-market brands – Aloft and Four Points by Sheraton which now boasts the company’s second largest pipeline in China behind Sheraton.

Further down the pipeline are W Hotels in Shanghai and Guangzhou.

One of Accor’s projects currently under development is the 292-key Dalang Pullman in Dongguan, due to open in 2013. Hospitality design firm Gettys is providing the full interior design service, including FF&E selection.

CARLSON REZIDOR SIGNS THREE NEW HOTELS IN CHINA

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL CELEBRATES LANDMARK 250th HOTEL IN ASIA

At a press conference held at the Radisson Blu Plaza Xing Guo Shanghai, Carlson Rezidor signed hotel management contracts for Radisson Blu Plaza Wuxi, Radisson Blu Chengdu East and Radisson Blu Wuhan ETD Zone. The addition of these three new deals to Carlson Rezidor’s portfolio is testament to the Group’s growing reach in China. Currently it has 33 hotels in operation and under development in China.

“We have steadily grown our presence in China over the past five years and we are now stepping up our momentum in this key market. We currently have a presence in the gateway cities of Beijing and Shanghai and are now venturing into highpotential secondary cities such as Wuhan, Wuxi and Chengdu. These emerging cities are integral to our expansion strategy as they are growing rapidly to become China’s top cities that attract significant foreign investments and tourism receipts,” comments Simon Barlow, President, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, Asia Pacific.

Radisson Blu Plaza Wuxi is a 300-key hotel in the prime district of Xishan, which is one of Wuxi’s fastest growing districts.

Radisson Blu Wuhan (pictured left) is a 348-key hotel being designed by Aedas Interiors and will open in 2014.

Marriott International has reached the milestone figure of 250 open and signed hotels in Asia, with the 250th hotel to be located in Bo’ao in China.

“We are delighted to have reached 250 hotels in Asia and are looking forward to continued growth in the region,” explains Simon Cooper, Marriott International’s President and Managing Director, Asia Pacific. “We are seeing growth across all countries in Asia and in the past few weeks have signed landmark hotels in key locations including Macau, Vietnam and India. We continue to see excellent growth in China where we now have more than 100 open and signed hotels, and expect to open on average one hotel a month in the country for at least the next three years.”

Marriott operates seven brands across Asia – The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, Bulgari Renaissance, Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Courtyard and Marriott Executive Apartments – and sees tremendous growth potential across all brands in the portfolio targeting different market segments from luxury to mid-scale.

While Asia continues to deliver robust growth, China remains the strongest driver with Marriott’s portfolio expected to double in the next 3-4 years, and its work force to increase to over 70,000 associates.

Sleeper China 2012

23

MARKET OVERVIEW |

Global Domination MARKET OVERVIEW

China’s hospitality industry is reaping the rewards of the current tourism boom with analysts reporting positive market performance and record construction pipelines. But is this level of growth sustainable, asks Catherine Martin?

C

hina’s rise to stardom has been phenomenal. While the rest of the world was reeling from the effects of a financial meltdown, the People’s Republic was diligently building its empire, emerging as an economic powerhouse surging towards global domination. In 2010, it replaced Japan as the world’s second-largest economy and over the next decade, is expected to overtake the USA. But this isn’t the only title China is snatching from the grip of America. In April 2012, market analysts Lodging Econometrics announced that China’s construction pipeline had surpassed that of the USA. With 1,430 projects / 411,229 rooms in planning and construction stages as of Q1 2012, China exceeds the USA pipeline by 110,100 rooms.

So what has driven this once guarded country to the forefront of the global hospitality agenda?

China’s tourism industry has in fact been gaining momentum for the past two decades. It is now ranked third in the United Nations World Tourism Organisation’s (UNWTO) classification of most popular travel destinations, attracting some 57.6 million visitors in 2011. 2012 is so far proving strong with arrivals swelling 7.3% year-on-year, the fastest growth rate since the fourth quarter of 2010 according to HVS. 24

Sleeper China 2012

While these figures are impressive by anyone’s standards, it is China’s growing middle classes and a desire to travel within their own country that offers the real opportunity. Fostered by a good education system, entrepreneurial aspirations and increased business opportunities, China’s discretionary income has seen a dramatic increase, giving rise to the so-called middle class. Add to that a sound infrastructure with robust road systems, high-speed rail network, and yet more airports under construction, tourism for the masses is booming.

According to Helen Wang, author of The Chinese Dream: The Rise of the World’s Largest Middle Class and What It Means to You, the Chinese middle class is already larger than the entire population of the United States. In fifteen years, it is expected to rise to 800 million. Wang believes that this statistic will continue to change the dynamics of the world and have a huge impact on the way we live. In tourism terms, this growth equates to a massive 2.9 billion domestic trips annually. That’s a lot of room nights.

While China has long been on the radar of international hotel groups, it is only in the last two years that development has really taken off.

Strategies have been put in place for aggressive growth, the specific needs of the Chinese traveller

The Chinese middle class is already larger than the entire population of the United States. In fifteen years, it is expected to rise to 800 million.

Helen Wang, The Chinese Dream: The Rise of the World’s Largest Middle Class and What It Means to You

are being considered, and new brands are coming to the fore. InterContinental Hotels Group, which launched the Chineseoriented Hualuxe Hotels & Resorts brand in March this year, has gone as far as to call China its “strongest market” having seen a 16% rise in profits in the first quarter of 2012, largely driven by an 11.9% increase in revenue per available room in the country.

In addition, the group’s forecasted openings of 51,742 guestrooms / 155 hotels in Greater China over the next three-to-five years, constitutes 30% of its total global pipeline.

Key performance indicators across the board are positive according to data compiled by STR Global. In year-on-year measurements, the Asia Pacific region’s occupancy increased 3.8% to 67.6%, its average daily rate increased 3.6% to US$145.01, and its revenue per available room was up 7.6% to $98.07. Beijing showed to be leading China’s performance reporting a 17.6% increase in ADR and a 20.4% increase in RevPAR to CNY561.91.

Commenting on the data, Elizabeth Randall, Managing Director of STR Global said: “Hotels across Asia Pacific sustained

their growth in occupancy and average room rate. Looking at the supply and demand results for the first four months of this year, supply grew at the lowest rate for the January to April period for the past six years (+2.8%) whilst demand achieved the second highest growth rate for the four-month period in the past six years with 5.3% improvement, only surpassed by the demand growth in the corresponding period in 2010.”

HVS also recorded positive results for key markets across mainland China. The HVS Quarterly: Hong Kong, Macau, China and Taiwan Update, compiled by Associate Cathy Luo, and Managing Director, Daniel J Voellm, names Sanya as the top performing destination for Q1 2012, although this is largely due to seasonal effects.

Occupancy in Shanghai increased by 3.6% as the city gradually recovers from a strong World Expo year in 2010, and while supply is still coming on line, it is expected to be absorbed in the long term.

Beijing, the largest hotel market in the country, “continues to improve, backed by a well-performing, developed economy”,

according to the report, with the city recording healthy average rate growth of 12.3% year-on-year.

Elsewhere, Xiamen posted a record high average rate of RMB770, and Changsha showed the strongest growth on all metrics.

Chengdu, a city featuring in many a pipeline schedule, posted 10.2% average rate growth, supported by the addition of some 1,000 businesses and upscale hotel rooms.

In the five-star hotel market, Sanya continues to excel, with average rate rising to a record RMB1,790. Much of the development, particularly in Sanya, is concentrated at the top end of the market, which seems logical given that there will soon be more millionaires in China than any other country. According to Lodging Econometrics, almost half of the construction pipeline is in the upper, upper upscale, and luxury segments.

The majority of development from the big players also lies in the mid-to-upper end of the market, leading some to believe that the biggest potential is in the budget sector. According to the HVS report, Asia Pacific: Significant Growth Opportunities Sleeper China 2012

25

TABLE 1: TOP TEN HOTEL MARKETS – Q1 2012 100%

800

80%

600

60%

400

40%

200

20%

RMB

1000

0

0 Harbin

Sanya

Xiamen

Changsha

Beijing

Average Room Rate

Shenzen RevPAR

Guangzhou

Chengdu

Nanjing

Fuzhou

Occupancy

Source: China National Tourism Administration

With 1,430 projects / 411,229 rooms in planning and construction stages as of Q1 2012, China exceeds the USA pipeline by 110,100 rooms.

Lodging Econometrics, April 2012

TABLE 2: CONSTRUCTION PIPELINE BY CHAIN SCALE % of Total Rooms

13%

26%

25% 2% 5% 7% 7%

15%

Luxury Upper Scale Upscale Upper Midscale Midscale Economy Casino Unbranded

Projects 178 293 200 97 95 221 5 341

Rooms 55,418 101,246 61,686 26,764 26,810 20,996 10,000 108,309

Total Pipeline

1,430

411,229

Source: Lodging Econometrics

26

Sleeper China 2012

for Hotel Chains (January 2012), domestic hotel chains are focusing on the economy sector as the key to their expansion. This has certainly been the case for China-based groups Home Inns, Jin Jiang Hotels, and 7 Days Inn, who are among the top five leading hotel groups in Asia Pacific by number of rooms.

Despite a slowdown in China’s economy and a decrease in performance in recent months, domestic chains are continuing their rapid growth strategies in a budget sector that is far from saturation. Already in 2012, 7 Days has added 100 hotels to its inventory and China Lodging has 336 hotels in its pipeline, double the number it had last year. Home Inns, the runaway leading hotel group in Asia Pacific with 147,524 rooms as of Q3 2011, is on track to open up to 360 hotels before the year is out.

While discussing development in China, the growth of Chinese hotel brands internationally can’t be ignored. The number of outbound Chinese travellers is expected to rocket over the next decade with the World Tourism Organisation estimating that the total number of outbound tourists

TABLE 3: FORECAST FOR NEW HOTEL OPENINGS IN CHINA Hotels

Rooms

2013 (f )

380

112,858

2012 (f )

542

112,530

2011

796

121,833

2010

966

136,812

2009

565

89,301

Source: Lodging Econometrics

TABLE 4: TOTAL CONSTRUCTION PIPELINE Q4 2011 – TOP FIVE COUNTRIES Country

Projects

Rooms

China

1,384

399,438

United States

2,753

334,712

India

388

71,270

Brazil

217

34,008

United Kingdom

193

25,726

Source: Lodging Econometrics

from China will reach 100 million by 2020.

According to Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Georg Arlt, founder and Director of the China Outbound Tourism Research Centre (COTRI), Chinese tourists have become a major target for destination marketing groups around the world. As published in Essential China Travel Trends 2012, Arlt comments: “...A new challenge awaits destinations and travel suppliers who have only just learned from experience that Chinese group tourists have their own distinct expectations, needs and behaviours and that success in this market requires careful product adaptation, new forms of marketing and differentiated means of fulfillment.”

Hotel groups, it seems, have already caught on to this, with many revealing that their new Chinese-oriented brands will eventually be developed internationally, enabling the travelling Chinese to have the same experience abroad.

While its potential and growth is evident, China is of course not without its challenges.

Labour is no longer regarded as ‘cheap’, and there are concerns over human resources with the country’s one child policy limiting the supply of new talent. And those who do make the grade, are too often poached by higher paying service industries such as

retail and airline cabin crew.

Hotel investment too, is cause for concern with Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels reporting that investment volumes into Asia Pacific from around the world fell by 45% in 2011 compared to 2010. Asia Pacific outbound investment increased by 54% in the same period. According to the firm’s report, Asia Pacific Investment Highlights, published in March 2012, transaction volumes are expected to remain steady in 2012.

The country is also experiencing a slowdown in economic growth. In the first three months of 2012, growth slowed to 8.1%, down from 8.9% in the previous quarter. And while this is a concern for analysts, put into perspective with the rest of the world these are figures that Europe can only dream of.

And fortunately, the hospitality industry is not deterred. China is expected provide significant opportunities for 10 to 20 years to come, particularly through mergers and acquisitions, and the outlook remains positive. In 2013, STR Global expects the Asia Pacific region as a whole to open 526 properties with 116,632 rooms. So as the centre of gravity continues to shift East, China will remain one of the fastest growing hotel sectors in the world.

...A new challenge awaits destinations and travel suppliers who have only just learned from experience that Chinese group tourists have their own distinct expectations, needs and behaviours...

Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Georg Arlt, China Outbound Tourism Research Centre

Sleeper China 2012

27

INTERVIEW |

China Hand

The founder of celebrated design ďŹ rm Bilkey Llinas speaks to Rebecca Lo about setting international standards in communist China, and the future of pioneering design-driven hotels in the People’s Republic.

LEFT TO RIGHT: Otto Ouyang, Mauricio Salcedo, Oscar Llinas, Robert Bilkey, Graeme Potter 28

Sleeper China 2012

Sleeper China 2012

29

R

obert Bilkey is what is known as an old ‘China Hand’. The founder of Bilkey Llinas Design may hail from American soil, but his working career has come to be defined by a profound knowledge of hospitality design on the Orient.

As a St. Louis native, Bob – as he likes to be known – is a typical Midwesterner from a state that has a long-standing reputation for producing friendly folk who never lock their doors. He is the quintessential hospitable gentleman. Little wonder then, that he chose to pursue interior architecture as a career, specialising in luxury hotels as his niche.

And it just so happens that for the past three decades, most of those hotels have been in Greater China.

30

Sleeper China 2012

Bilkey ended up in Hong Kong, where he now resides, via Las Vegas. After studying interior architecture in Colorado, he returned home and got a job with a local company that eventually relocated to San Francisco. He then interviewed with a firm that was owned by the late eccentric billionaire Howard Hughes. “I worked on the architectural systems of new Vegas hotels like Frontier, Sands and Desert Inn,” Bilkey says, recalling those heady Casino days when The Strip was virtually non-existent.

Hughes died in 1976 and Bilkey was advised to speak with Howard Hirsch, the late founder of Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA). “I started with HBA in 1978 and came to Hong Kong less than two months after getting a job there,” he explains. Here, Bilkey was faced with the daunting prospect of closing the Hong Kong office. But instead, he secured two hotel contracts in Macau and flew back to Los Angeles to explain to Hirsch that he needed to hire staff, not fire them.

Bilkey also insisted that Oscar Llinas join him in Asia. The Colombian native worked

ABOVE: Bilkey Llinas recently completed the interiors of Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake OPPOSITE: Five Zen5es at The Westin Nanjing, where innovative décor reflects the authentic Chinese fare

China has a tremendous work force that has brought about an amazing push to build new hotels throughout the country. It started in Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou, and, as time went on, spread to the secondary and tertiary cities.

32

Sleeper China 2012

with Bilkey on the renovation of screen siren Merle Oberon’s home in Acapulco for the family of Tehran’s Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, and Bilkey discovered that Llinas had a special talent for selecting FF&E. The two became part of HBA Hong Kong’s core team of designers at a time when communist China was first opening up to international hotel design experts. Through HBA, they left their mark on properties such as The White Swan Hotel in Guangzhou, one of China’s first internationally recognised five-star hotels. “There were all these prerevolutionary guys working as architects,” says Bilkey with a smile. “They had never dealt with a western international hotel designer before. Their original design for White Swan was a cave! There were stalactites and stalagmites everywhere. We re-did the whole thing and put a lagoon in the middle. We took Chinese elements and blended them with contemporary design, and used traditional screens to divide space instead of placing them against walls. It was the first real international hotel in China, and

we set international standards from scratch.

The White Swan was something very special.”

One of Bilkey’s projects as Managing Director of HBA’s Hong Kong office was Grand Hyatt Hong Kong. At the time, Hyatt only had Regencies and though owner New World Hotels wanted to work with the Chicago-based operator, a Regency just didn’t have the right cachet for the city’s new state-of-the-art convention and exhibition centre. “Oscar said that it had to be like the grand hotels in Europe,” remembers Bilkey.

“It couldn’t just be another Hyatt: it had to be grand. And we designed it that way.

We flew to Honolulu for a design meeting with Howard (Hirsch) and set the standards for Grand Hyatt.” Grand Hyatt Hong Kong remains one of the city’s best selling properties, both during convention season and for events in its ballrooms and F&B outlets.

In the mid-80s Bilkey and Llinas decided to open up their own company. Bilkey Llinas Design was founded in 1989 with its corporate office in Palm Beach, Florida.

LEFT: The lobby at Pudong Shangri-La, Shanghai ABOVE: Bilkey Llinas’ most recent project, the Yan Club in Beijing’s five-star Kunlun Hotel PREVIOUS PAGE: A standard guestroom at Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake

China today is incredible... It has happened in such a short time and given us the opportunity to develop new concepts and new ideas.

Today, the Hong Kong and US offices are equal in size, with subsidiary offices in Guangzhou and India for a total head count of 150 staff. Each office works on its own projects independent of the others, although Bilkey readily admits to “borrowing people from the States for Hong Kong and China jobs.”

“China has grown from nothing to an important industrial and economic power,” says Bilkey. “Twenty years ago it needed to have a lot of hotels and brought in expertise from abroad. China has a tremendous work force that has brought about an amazing push to build new hotels throughout the country. It started in Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou, and, as time went on, spread to the secondary and tertiary cities. Only recently have there been more resorts, in 34

Sleeper China 2012

places like Hainan and Qingdao.”

Most recently, Bilkey Llinas completed Yan Club in Beijing’s five-star Kunlun Hotel.

“The theme was a garden on steroids!” jokes Bilkey, alluding to the over-the-top decorative floral elements of the nightclub surrounded by courtyards and gardens.

“Kunlun is part of the Jin Jiang Group and it is a unique property that fits the market.

That’s what makes working in China so exciting – the international operators have already established their brands.” By contrast, local companies are in a state of flux, with Bilkey on hand to help.

Last year, the firm unveiled the 89-room Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake, a resort inspired by its natural surroundings as well as China’s Song Dynasty. “Song was one of the most romantic periods in Chinese

history,” says Bilkey. “Its architecture was like poetry, and we used the exterior architecture in the interiors. It was traditional Chinese style at a contemporary level.”

These are just a few of the projects that have contributed to Bilkey Llinas’ success in the region. A recent spate of awards has seen the firm recognised as ‘Best Hospitality Design Institution – Asia’ by China’s leading hospitality developers. The Asia Hotel Forum also singled out Bilkey as ‘Best Hotel Designer of the Year’ for his contribution to the elevation of hospitality interior design.

As for the future, the firm is continuing to create world-class destinations in China and beyond. Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, the debut InterContinental in Osaka, Kempinski Taiyuan, and Marriott Beijing Yucai are all set to open within the next 12 months. “China today is incredible,” concludes Bilkey. “It has happened in such a short time and has given us the opportunity to develop new concepts and new ideas.”

HOTEL REVIEW |

36

Sleeper China 2012

Andaz Shanghai Words: Shiraz Randeria Photography: Courtesy of Andaz Shanghai

Hyatt has introduced its vibrant lifestyle brand to Asia with a newbuild property in the Xintiandi neighbourhood, designed by Kohn Pederson Fox and Super Potato.

I

n the heart of one of Shanghai’s newest commercial districts lies this standout property – already a multiaward winner – yet somehow it feels as if it is hidden in plain sight. Perhaps because of its convoluted birth as the building changed owners and tenants, and even lay dormant for some time. Originally designed for Jumeirah (who relocated to the city’s new Himalayas Center), Hyatt has breathed new life into the former shell, retaining some of the previous occupant’s style.

The 28-storey newbuild from Kohn Pederson Fox forms part of a twin complex – the almost identical Langham is sited on an adjacent parcel of land. The development responds sensitively to the district’s architecture with a warm-grey stone cladding and low-rise podiums that engage the neighbourhood at street level. Both buildings feature the same exoskeleton – the Langham’s creates sharp oblongs possibly to denote its business-like agenda, while the leisureoriented Andaz has softer, more organic forms.

Sleeper China 2012

37

HOTEL REVIEW |

ABOVE: The main dining outlet, Hai Pai, is a four-level hub housing two restaurants, a bar, and private dining rooms TOP RIGHT: Bathrooms feature Toto baths surrounded by stone tiles and roughly hewn rock RIGHT: Éclair serves freshly baked goods OPPOSITE PAGE: In the guestrooms, hardwood imported floors are the immediate draw creating a prevalent design feature

With three landmark Hyatts already in the city, the decision was made to turn it into an Andaz. The brand avoids ‘boutique’ and ‘design hotel’ labels, rather it looks to be positioned as a more relaxed offering focusing on key neighbourhoods. Here, it is ideally suited to its Xintiandi location, one of China’s first urban regeneration projects taking the traditional brick and Shikumen architecture of the old town and turning it into a tourist-friendly district on the edge of the city’s famous French Concession.

Although the property opened last Autumn, it is still very much in a soft opening period. Interiors were – and indeed are again – being overseen by Japanese design agency Super Potato, who clearly hadn’t bargained on getting two clients out of the one property. The basement spa and 38

Sleeper China 2012

swimming pool opened this spring, however the upper floors, restaurant bar and terrace will only open next year, the spaces being redeveloped from the original Jumeirah plans. Norihiko Shinya, Super Potato’s VicePresident, is very reserved about speaking about his ongoing work. Understandably so, as what he considered as a completed work, has had to be re-evaluated. “Basically more than 80% of the hotel was designed for Jumeirah,” he acknowledges. And walking around the understated, homely lobby it is clear that it would have looked and felt very different had the Dubai-based group not moved out.

In keeping with the Andaz ethos of ‘staying at your best friend’s home’, the lobby is a casual affair with features that tap into that home-spun motto. Guests are greeted

by friendly staff and their trusty iPads at informal freestanding islands; a full height fridge is stocked with complimentary soft drinks; and the Andaz Lounge is centred by a large wooden sideboard filled with books, flowers and framed photographs of guests and staff. It’s an oddly endearing touch.

Adjacent to Andaz Lounge is Éclair, a patisserie serving freshly baked goods, while the main dining outlet is Hai Pai, named after a local phrase meaning ‘modern Shanghainese spirit’. The four-level hub houses two restaurants, a bar, and private dining rooms, which cast a beckoning light accross the street. With terrace views overlooking Xintiandi, Hai Pai aspires to be a friendly, neighbourhood eatery serving up unpretentious Shanghainese and French comfort food.

Andaz features 307 guestrooms which enjoy a variety of views through the distinctive window configurations. Since the upper floors with their larger rooms and suites are still being developed, it falls to the standard rooms to provide the current lodgings.

“We were inspired by modern China,” explains Shinya, although by choosing a Japanese design firm, a degree of pan-Asian influence is inevitable. Bathrooms feature translucent sinks and Toto baths in glowing Luminist material, surrounded by stone tiles that contrast with roughly hewn rock face in the shower, while amenities are by Florence-based Lorenzo Villoresi, who also produced a signature scent for the hotel.

The guestrooms themselves are installed with LED lighting that can be programmed

to provide mood lighting to impressive effects. Hardwood imported floors are the immediate draw creating a prevalent design feature, along with a fabric-covered extended headboard.

The organic windows also dictate much of the interior. It’s here again that the relationship between the hotel and its environment is brought to the fore. “It has been important to us, from the lobby to the rooms to be a part of Xintiandi – we need our guests to feel visually connected to the neighbourhood,” concludes Shinya. That of course cannot fully be realised until the hotel’s other facilities and rooms open up by the end of the year, but in the meantime, this Andaz presents itself as a uniquely relaxed and self-confident property.

EXPRESS CHECKOUT Andaz Shanghai 88 Songshan Road Shanghai 200021 People’s Republic of China Tel: +86 21 2310 1234 www.andaz.hyatt.com

„ ‰ Â [ +

307 guestrooms Hai Pai, Éclair The Bar at Hai Pai, Andaz Lounge 24-hour gym, The Optime Spa, pool Meeting Studios, Ballroom, Andaz Studio

Owner / Developer: Metro Land Corp Ltd Operator: Hyatt Hotels Corporation Architect: Kohn Pederson Fox Interior Designer: Super Potato

Sleeper China 2012

39

HOTEL REVIEW |

SB Architects has completed one of the world’s largest spa destinations in a style inspired by the traditional walled villages of Southern China.

Mission Hills Haikou, Hainan Island Words: Rebecca Lo Photography: Courtesy of Glodow Nead Communications

T

ulou dwellings commonly found in the southeastern part of China’s Fujian province are considered to be excellent examples of rural fortified architecture. At three- to fivestoreys high, they house up to 80 Hakka or Minnan families and are often doughnut shaped, with a thick, load bearing outer wall made from rammed earth. Their elegantly simple forms allow for naturally lit, wellventilated, earthquake-proof structures that remain cool in the summer, while retaining warmth in the winter. In 2008, they were recognised as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO for harmoniously cohabiting with their surrounding environment, and now, this traditional style has found its way into present day hospitality design.

The San Francisco head office of SB Architects has used tulou architecture as a source of inspiration for Mission Hills Volcanic Mineral Springs and Spa, one of the 40

Sleeper China 2012

world’s largest spa destinations and part of the expansive Mission Hills resort in Haikou, Hainan Island. The complex is owned by Mission Hills Group, one of China’s leading developers of hospitality and leisure real estate with aspirations of transforming Hainan into an international tourism destination. Boasting an exceptional variety of sports and leisure facilities including ten golf courses, a theme park, arts and crafts centre, shopping arcade, and 12 restaurants and lounges, the resort accommodation comprises 423 guestrooms, 98 Premiere rooms and suites, and four Presidential Suite Duplexes. The latest addition is the 21-acre Mission Hills Volcanic Mineral Springs and Spa with 29 exclusive spa villas, 61 treatment suites, and over 150 natural springs and water features surrounded by gardens designed in collaboration with landscape architect EDSA. The spa is the central defining structure

HOTEL REVIEW |

THIS PAGE & PREVIOUS PAGE: Mission Hills Volcanic Mineral Springs and Spa is inspired by traditional tulou architecture and features semi-circular bamboo rising from a lava stone base OPPOSITE PAGE: One of the 61 treatment suites

of the new development, where semicircular bamboo rises from a lava stone base, fusing western and oriental design elements while honouring the Chinese philosophies of balance and harmony.

It was Mission Hills Group Chairman and CEO Ken Chu, who requested tulou architecture be used as a inspiration, recalls SB Architects’ President, Scott Lee: “Our client wanted something that contained Chinese history and vernacular, something that was iconic.” Lee describes the structure as an “experiential building with an outdoor environment” where the site’s unique characteristics dictate the eventual outcome.

“The buildings expose the indigenous qualities of the site,” he explains. “We took advantage of the views over the golf courses to include large rocks and outcroppings, so 42

Sleeper China 2012

that you look across the grass and lava.

“All the materials were carefully chosen.

We left the lava unpolished in the interior and exterior and used unfinished materials such as natural clay tiles for the roof to age over the years. This made the design look like it has been there over a period of time, with an overgrown feeling,” Lee continues.

The circular nature of the architecture proved something of a challenge for SB Architects, as Lee explains: “It was difficult to work with walls that were not parallel. Hakka architecture dictated the round shape and led to the curved nature of the building and its walkways.” The resulting space however, has a very organic feel – natural and undulating.

Lighting includes gentle uplights along the pathways and buildings. To accentuate

the bamboo structure, light caresses individual reeds while illuminating the underside of the roof. “We specified small, low level landscape light, so that you don’t notice them and instead feel the romance of the spaces,” Lee explains.

Colours, too, reinforce the inevitability of the building and appear to be naturally occurring in a weathered palette. “The architecture’s most dramatic feature is the soaring roof of the main building,” says Lee. “A lot of natural light penetrates deep into the middle of the building, to make it feel like an outdoor environment.”

SB Architects has designed a significant part of Mission Hills, and the results exceed even their expectations. “The project just grew in scale,” concludes Lee. “Mission Hills borrows ideas and reinterprets them in its

own way. All of its golf courses are themed.

The villas use the same lava at their base while the rooms pick up on the bamboo finishes.”

The firm is currently working on Lavastone Resort Community, a villagestyle environment featuring town houses, villas and condominiums designed as an interpretation of tropical island architecture utilising natural materials and lush landscaping.

Meanwhile, Mission Hills Group continues to invest having recently announced an ambitious mixed-use masterplan entertainment-driven development, Mission Hills Centreville. Located one hour north of Shenzhen, it comprises hotels, offices, parks, shopping malls, clubs and apartments and is slated to open in 2013.

EXPRESS CHECKOUT Mission Hills Longhua, Haikou, Hainan Island 571155 People’s Republic of China Tel: +86 898 6868 3888 www.missionhillschina.com

„ 525 guestrooms and suites, 29 Spa Villas ‰ Silver Moon, Magma Café, Bake My Day, Bistro On The Rock, Lava Bar & Grill, Ukiyo, Sizzle & Simmer  Star Trophy Lounge, The Onyx [ Volcanic Mineral Springs and Spa + 10 golf courses, recreation centre, meeting and events facilities for 1,600 people Owner / Developer: Mission Hills Group Architect: SB Architects Landscape Designer: EDSA Sleeper China 2012

43

HOTEL REVIEW |

St. Regis Tianjin Words: Catherine Martin Photography: Courtesy of KCA International

A new landmark on the skyline of Tianjin is home to a 247-key St. Regis hotel, featuring interiors by KCA International.

44

Sleeper China 2012

W

ith its rich history as an international port city, Tianjin has for centuries been considered the ‘Jin Men’, or gateway, to Northern China. A prestigious new address in the Heping district, along the south bank of the Hai River, honours and contemporises that tradition with a cutting-edge iconic design that is the new landmark on the city’s skyline.

The site is home to the recently opened St. Regis, which dubs itself “Northern China’s most prestigious gateway for business leaders, society tastemakers and discerning travellers”. The 274-room hotel boasts a premium level of bespoke service, luxury and amenities: it is the first property in Tianjin to introduce the signature St. Regis Butler Service; it has the largest Presidential Suite in Tianjin; and offers a world of gastronomic experiences said to be unmatched in the city.

Given its proximity to the new 76-storey Tianjin World Financial Center Tower, Northern China’s tallest building and the hub of the city’s burgeoning business community, it is likely that St. Regis will attract the corporate client. As such, owners Financial Street Holdings Co. Ltd have incorporated facilities that will cater to this market. Over 2,700m2 of event spaces includes the St. Regis Ballroom, an 800m2 pillar-free space dripping in crystal chandeliers, a variety of meeting rooms, and the Jin Men VIP Room, which serves as a pre-meeting space or a hospitality suite. With two sofas facing each other, the Jin

Men room is configured for governmentstyle meetings in the Chinese tradition. A second ballroom, The Diamond Ballroom, is located on the top floor and offers stunning views over Tianjin through floor-to-ceiling windows. Polished wood floors, white marble accents, and gold-coloured glass pillars, as well as a graceful leaf motif on the ceiling, are to dazzling effect. A rooftop courtyard completes the offering.

Designed by East China Architectural Design & Research Institute (ECADI), the 18-floor building is constructed from steel and glass in the shape of a hollowed cube that further complements the concept of ‘Jin Men.’ Interiors are the work of London-based KCA International led by Design Principal and founder Khuan Chew, herself of Chinese descent. The design brief revolved around the historical stature of the St. Regis brand and its heritage of tradition, elegance, and

luxury dating back more than 100 years to the grand opening of St. Regis New York by the Astor family. “Our task was to ensure that we guaranteed this atmosphere in the experience for the guests,” explains Chew. “We referenced design ideas from the Art Deco and Art Nouveau eras of the 20th century, and were inspired by Grande American high society. We imagined what it would be like to have tea in our tea lounge, dinner at the French restaurant, staying at the Presidential Suite and recreating the lifestyle of Mr and Mrs Astor,” she adds.

Local elements have been incorporated into the design, however Chew points out that Tianjin is one of the most Western looking cities in China with diverse architecture thanks to European Concessions. “The spirit of the hotel was more a Western approach with touches of Chinoiserie in the decoration,” she explains.

The majority of furniture was selected

and made locally, and while the client is happy with the outcome, Chew expressed frustration with some finishes being substituted without prior knowledge.

Guestrooms continue the contemporary Western aesthetic with ancient Chinese influences, and are completed in a warm beige and burgundy palette. Ranging in size from 42 to 427m2, the 238 rooms and 36 suites are among the largest in Tianjin.

Each room offers modern conveniences including a 40-inch flatscreen LCD TV, Bang & Olufsen sound system, and iPod docking station, while Chinoserie can be seen in the detailing. A black marble bathroom with dual vanities, a bathtub, and separate glassenclosed rainforest shower, includes Reméde amenities and an LCD TV embedded in the mirror. Guests can also enjoy the services of a personal St. Regis butler trained in the English tradition of impeccable service – a first for a Tianjin hotel.

Sleeper China 2012

45

HOTEL REVIEW |

THIS PAGE: The deeply masculine St. Regis Bar offers a timeless feel with its rich leather seating and wood paneling PREVIOUS PAGE:The Cantonese restaurant, Yan Ting, is finished in a more contemporary style with dramatic lighting, embossed, carved and etched glass room dividers, and polished floors The 450m2 Presidential Suite is designed with classic Chinese elements of carp swimming by lotus in a stream, amid clean, contemporary lines. Polished wood floors and soft wool rugs can be found in the seating areas, furnished with sofas and lounge chairs, while the entertainment room houses a Wii, karaoke, and long-tail piano.

The hotel offers a range of culinary experiences, including the riverside Promenade all-day-dining restaurant, and Riviera, a Parisian bistro serving French fare. The Cantonese restaurant, Yan Ting, is finished in a more contemporary style with dramatic lighting, embossed, carved and etched glass room dividers, and polished floors. Conversely, the deeply masculine St. Regis Bar offers a timeless feel with its rich leather seating and wood paneling. Here, 46

Sleeper China 2012

the speciality is ‘Jin Mary’, the hotel’s take on a Bloody Mary made with a blend of unique Chinese flavours and seasonings.

St. Regis Tianjin also features the signature Iridium Spa, managed by Touch Spa. The 1,200m2 facility offers five private treatment rooms and two couples suites, in addition to a pair of VIP rooms furnished with double Jacuzzis and spa massage beds.

Since the opening of St. Regis Tianjin, Starwood has now opened its 125th hotel in Greater China. Driven by phenomenal demand, Starwood will open nearly 60% of its new hotels in Asia Pacific in 2012. While this is fuelled by the strength of its Sheraton and Westin brands, St. Regis is gaining momentum with plans to open in Changsha, Chengdu, Kuala Lumpur, Lijiang, Sanya Yalong Bay, Shenzhen, Tianjin and Zhuhai.

EXPRESS CHECKOUT St. Regis Tianjin 158 Zhangzizhong Road, Heping District Tianjin, Tianjin 300041 People’s Republic of China Tel: +86 22 5830 9999 www.stregis.com/tianjin 274 guestrooms and suites Yan Ting, Riviera, Promenade St. Regis Bar, Decanter Iridium Spa, exercise room, pool The Study, 15 events venues including two ballrooms, meeting rooms, and courtyard

„ ‰ Â [ +

Owner: Financial Street Holdings Co. Ltd Operator: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Architect: ECADI Interior Designer: KCA International

FEATURE |

Brands for �e Chinese Consumer

In an effort to tap into China’s travel market, hotel groups are developing strategies to become more culturally relevant, finds Jens Thraenhart.

W

© Elwynn - Fotolia.com

hile Western travellers visiting China are often taken aback by the high level of service offered in local hotels, Chinese guests visiting internationally-branded properties are experiencing the same notions in reverse. From a lack of Chinese language menus to no congee at breakfast: the difference in amenities may lie in the detail, but getting it right can make a big difference.

The majority of international hotel chains now have properties operating in mainland China, catering to Western travellers as well as to a growing number of westernoriented Chinese. Some however, are looking to push the relevance factor to a new level.

Last year, Hilton announced its Huanying programme (Chinese for welcome), in which properties outside of China are certified as being ‘Chinese friendly’ by offering amenities

48

Sleeper China 2012

deemed important for the Chinese traveller, including a front desk associate fluent in Mandarin, guestroom amenities such as Chinese tea, slippers, and Chinese TV channels, as well as breakfast items of congee, dim sum, and noodles.

With aggressive growth plans in the People’s Republic, Starwood Hotels transferred its corporate head office to Shanghai from New York for a few weeks last year to immerse senior staff in the region, while InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has launched the first China-focused hotel brand, purpose built for Chinese travellers.

Hualuxe Hotels & Resorts takes its name from the Chinese word ‘hua’ for majestic, and the English word ‘luxe’ for luxury, and is based on the elements of ‘tradition’, ‘rejuvenation’, ‘status’ and ‘familiar spaces’.

With extensive brand development and investment, the plan is to launch in 100 cities across China over the next 15-20 years, and extend the brand overseas. According to IHG Greater China CEO Keith Barr, everything from interior design, food and beverage offering, and VIP arrival will be tailored to the Chinese traveller.

Kempinski Hotels & Resorts, with its Kempinski Beijing Lufthansa Center having been one of the first international luxury hotels in China, is taking a multi-pronged approach to the market. In addition to introducing hotels in second and third tier cities, the group is looking to expand outside

of China with hip budget brand Tangram Hotels, and is in the process of launching new luxury brand Nuo, which will be developed only in China.

Accor seems to have similar ideas, but is taking a short-cut approach by repositioning its existing Grand Mercure brand for upscale Chinese consumers. It plans to open 65 hotels by 2015.

China-based Jin Jiang Hotels feels to be in the best position to cater to Chinese consumers, not just on the mainland, but also outside the region, according to its new German-born CEO Bernold Schroeder.

Ranked as the largest hotel company in China and twelfth largest globally, Jin Jiang is marketed as the authentic hotel chain from China. Currently many of its grand heritage properties are managed by foreign groups – the legendary Peace Hotel in Shanghai is managed by Fairmont Hotels & Resorts for example – but Jin Jiang is looking to strengthen its own name going forward.

A partnership with the French Louvre Hotels Group has produced the Campanile and Jin Jiang Inn co-branded initiative as a way of cashing in on the growing number of Chinese tourists visiting France.

Most recently, Beijing Tourism Group, Great Ocean Group and GHM (General Hotel Management) have announced a partnership to launch Ahn Luh, a luxury resort brand for the Chinese market. GHM has the experience in this sector having

© Oxlock - Fotolia.com

been set up by Aman Resorts founder Adrian Zecha and operating the Chedi and Setai brands. Ahn Luh aims to be a lifestyle brand epitomising contemporary China with influences of cultural tradition to relate to upwardly mobile Chinese consumers. In essence, the concept marries internationally accepted standards of quality with distinct, local features. Each resort will be unique in its design with the first due open in Chengdu. While in the long-term, the goal is to develop Ahn Luh hotels outside of China to capture the outbound market, the immediate goal is develop and grow the brand in the region.

We are also seeing a phenomenon where new hotel brands are born in China. Does this mean that companies are using China as a testing ground for new products and services? Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts, which enjoys the highest brand recognition amongst Chinese consumers and as such has become a hotel of choice for those travelling abroad, has launched its Kerry brand in Shanghai and Beijing. Kerry Hotels incorporate high-energy restaurants and oversized gyms for younger affluent Chinese.

Another example is former Hyatt Hotels CEO Bernd Chorengel, who has unveiled BC Fine Living as part of the high-end residential development, MOMA, in Beijing. A few years earlier, Hong Kong-based Swire Hotels opened its first property, The Opposite House, in Beijing’s high-end shopping area

Sanlitun (also developed by Swire). This was followed by The Upper House in Hong Kong, and a second East hotel soon to open in Beijing.

Which strategy will yield the best results in leveraging the China tourism boom?

Will Chinese consumers truly identify with brands like Hualuxe and seek it out over the countless other Chinese-owned hotel brands? Will they become brands of choice for their ability to deliver culturally relevant services? Or will developing China-focused brands make Chinese consumers feel alienated?

Keeping in mind that Chinese outbound travellers will grow to over 100 million by 2020 according to the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), for international companies to develop new brands in China before expanding them internationally might be an interesting strategy, if they are able to execute in China. Having a culturally relevant brand is great, but not being able to communicate it in a culturally relevant way might be the demise of a successful strategy.

Jens Thraenhart is the co-founder of Dragon Trail, publisher of China Travel Trends, and chair of PATA China. Dragon Trail is an award-winning travel technology and digital marketing firm to help travel and tourism organisations to reach and connect with Chinese consumers. For more information, please visit www.dragontrail.com

Top five points to consider when developing in China: 1. Get ready for Chinese consumers: Work with companies like COTRI (Chinese Outbound Tourism Research Institute) to get a China Quality Label certification.

2. Use the internet, mobile, and social media to market to Chinese consumers: Work with digital marketing agencies that understand the Chinese market, are focused on travel and hospitality, and have intimate relationships with Chinese OTAs, social media sites, search engines, as well as niche and major websites.

3. Develop partnerships: Relationships are critical in China. Hotel groups such as Fairmont, Interstate, Louvre Hotels, and NH Hoteles have formed partnerships that enable a China execution.

4. Network in China: Building relationships with people, having access to information, and being part of a bigger association such as PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) will offer great benefits.

5. Follow Chinese travel trends: Understanding the changing Chinese consumer and the growing tourism landscape in China is critical. The second edition of the Essential Guide to China Travel Trends, published by ChinaTravelTrends.com and produced in partnership with Dragon Trail, COTRI, and PATA can be downloaded at www.chinatraveltrendsbook.com.

Sleeper China 2012

49

FEATURE |

Design Perspectives Four interior designers share their experiences of working in China.

Clint Nagata

Founder and Creative Director BLINK Design Group With offices in Singapore and Bangkok, BLINK has recently completed the interiors of Conrad Sanya Haitang Bay. Current projects include Clearwater Bay Resort and Residences, Sanya, and Marriott Xiangshui Bay, Sanya.

Angela Dingle

What is your experience of working in China?

I have been working in China for over ten years, in which time hotel development has prospered alongside the Chinese consumer. Ten years ago, the hospitality market was still in its relative infancy, it has since matured into a market that continues to see and set new trends.

Founded in 2011, Hughan Design has a strong client base in the UK, USA, and Middle East. Angela Dingle is currently building the firm’s Asia portfolio with a boutique hotel in Qingdao.

You’ve worked internationally, are there any challenges in China that you don’t face elsewhere?

Having designed hotels in many other countries, I don’t think I’ve worked in a country in which projects are done at such an incredible pace. The Chinese have become the leaders in building hotels in shorter periods of time. It takes a lot of experience, coordination, and understanding on the part of both the designer and the client.

What interests you about working in China’s hotel market?

Over the past few years, the Far East – especially China – has grabbed the world’s attention and is now seen as the growth area for commerce. Its global influence means, of course, a rise in the hotel sector. Large hotel groups are entering the market but there are also the local trailblazers who are making their mark. In my opinion, this shows that the region is worth investing in and has long-term potential.

Being based in the region, what do you feel you can offer over international competition?

At BLINK we not only take pride in providing our clients with bespoke design solutions, but are also a very service-focused firm. All our directors are actively involved and communicate directly with clients almost daily. Our proximity to China allows us to do so. It is not uncommon for us to jump on a plane without any notice in order to meet our client or project needs.

From your experience so far, what challenges have you faced?

One of the real positives of the Far East is that developers and hotel owners are perfectionists and expect high standards in service and design. They like to use their own local workforce as much as possible, including suppliers.

This can, and has, thrown up specification issues.

What design trends are you seeing in China?

Not too long ago it was more popular to design hotels that were more reflective of other cities throughout the world, rather than what is in their own country. Having now travelled extensively, the Chinese have developed aspirations for design that is international in some sense of the word, but also reflects their cultural heritage.

Founder and Creative Director Hughan Design

How have you had to adapt to work in the region?

We are currently in negotiations with a Chinese investor with regards to setting up an office in Shanghai. This will give us a real presence in China and the added advantage of having translation. We are also using local marketing consultants to promote our services.

What’s the best piece of advice you have been given?

To be patient. The Chinese are not into rushing things with regards to their decision-making, they want to make sure the decision they make is right.

50

Sleeper China 2012

When specifying FF&E, do you prefer to source locally (including international suppliers with a local presence) or is it just as easy to source from abroad?

As in all of our projects, we undoubtedly prefer to source locally. This is what helps our projects to retain a sense of place without overtly trying too hard.

There are some very nice product and material coming out of China that can be sourced to help create a sense of place that is truly unique.

David Rockwell

Andre Fu

Founder and CEO Rockwell Group

Founder AFSO

Rockwell Group has recently partnered with AECOM to serve the leisure, hospitality and entertainment market in Asia. The collaboration begins with a series of villas for Yanxi Lake International Conference Complex in Beijing.

Based in Hong Kong, Andre Fu has designed The Upper House in Hong Kong and The Fullerton Bay Hotel, Singapore. He is currently working on aspects of Jing An Shangri-La, Shanghai, and Four Seasons Resort, Suzhou.

Why did you decide to set up an office in Shanghai?

As the hospitality industry continues to grow in China, we are discovering more exciting opportunities to work on innovative design projects in the hotel and entertainment industry. With a large number of our existing client brands expanding in Asia, we thought it was crucial to bring a central location to Shanghai. We hope that this presence will expose us to new materials and techniques through talented business and design collaborators, local craftsman and artists who will contribute to our designs.

What is your experience of working in China?

I have been working in China since 2002. In short, it has been an overwhelming experience – seeing how the country as a whole has evolved in merely ten years. The acceptance of design is also escalating on an exponential curve and I am most pleased to see that there is a growing appreciation of things done in a bespoke and crafted manner.

How do you feel partnering with AECOM will benefit Rockwell?

We are excited to work with such respected architects and engineers to offer strategic and creative solutions for hospitality clients in the region. AECOM’s deep understanding of the local culture has earned them great success in Asia.

What is your experience of the market so far?

The Chinese clients and potential clients require responses, information, and feedback at a more rapid pace than other regions. In business, most documentation from proposals to drawings needs to be bilingual – English and Mandarin.

How have you had to adapt to work in the region?

Local culture is always an important element in each of our designs. For example, in Nobu Beijing we sought to incorporate design elements influenced by Chinese culture and natural materials, shapes and finishes. Our choice of palette, textures and materials in each project always reflects the specific location, context and identity of the brand or project we are working with. We want to celebrate the unique cultures and identities of Asia through architecture and design.

What advice would you give other international design firms wanting to work in China?

China offers a great opportunity for architecture and design firms to expand into one of the fastest growing markets in the world. In a sea of professional architects vying for one hotel project, take creative risks. Stand out!

You’ve worked internationally, are there any challenges in China that you don’t face elsewhere?

In my view, every country or city is unique in its own ways – it boils down to whether the designer can overcome such challenges and turn them into possibilities. For example, China has a wealth of trained timber joiners, especially in Southern China. Their skills to craft might have been lost in the Western trades.

Being based in the region, what do you feel you can offer over international competition?

I believe the understanding of Chinese customs is key to creating hospitality spaces in China. To be more specific, it could be regarded as an understanding of the way the Chinese culturally behave, a factor that inevitably has a big impact on the way designers conceptualise their designs.

This understanding could trigger down to something very micro – even the way people interact and their perception of privacy. Being positioned in Hong Kong and with a team that is homegrown, I believe our forte would be in a better understanding of this.

What design trends are you seeing in China?

I believe design trends will continue to evolve in multiple layers with the creation of products that cater to different sectors of the market. I foresee growing design awareness of hospitality concepts that cater to the midrange market – what I would describe as a ‘premiere economy’ offering.

There will equally be a demand for more personalised and high-end niche hotels. Design-wise, I hope to see designs that embody a sense of ‘modern Chinese luxury’.

Sleeper China 2012

51

DIRECTORY |

Products & Services Here you will find profiles and contact details of some of the companies featured in this issue of Sleeper China. We hope this will become a useful resource when looking for products and services to assist with projects in China.

52

BETTE

BOCCI

DESIGN LSM

German manufacturer of steel/enamel bathing, showering and washing products, Bette, is renowned for its high quality, design expertise and flexibility for the bathroom designer. The company offers an extensive range of design, size and colour options – as well as bespoke products. The BETTEGLAZE® enamel surface has exceptional light reflecting qualities, is easy to clean, and is more durable than marble, plastic or iron.

Bette China Ltd: Rm 03, 21/F, Sterling Centre, 11 Cheung Yue Street, Cheung Sha Wan, Kowloon, Hong Kong.

Tel: +852 2310 0022 www.bette.de

Bocci is a contemporary design and manufacturing house based in Vancouver, Canada. Recently launched is the 28 Series designed by Creative Director Omer Arbel.

Individual pendants result from a complex glass blowing technique that produces distorted spherical shapes with a composed collection of inner shapes, one of which is made from opaque milk glass and houses a low voltage lamp. The pendants can then be clustered to form chandeliers.

Head Office: #500 1706 West 1st Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6J 0E4, Canada. Tel: +1 604 639 5184 www.bocci.ca

DesignLSM is an award-winning practice offering interior design, architectural excellence, and graphic design services for hotels, restaurants, retail and residential properties. The multi-disciplinary practice provides innovative design solutions and creative consultancy for a diverse portfolio of UK and international clients.

Recent project completions include The Waldorf Hilton in London, Leeds Marriott Hotel, and Michelin-starred restaurant Quilon in London.

Head Office: The Bath House, 58 Livingstone Road, Hove, East Sussex, BN3 3WL, UK. Tel: +44 (0)1273 820 033 www.designlsm.com

INDIGO LIVING

JONA HOAD

PANAZ

Established in Hong Kong in 1979, Indigo Living has been creating stunning homes across Hong Kong, China and the Middle East for over thirty years. Combining beauty, style and innovation, the international design team create and source beautiful, high quality furnishing and accessories from around the globe.

Head Office: Suites 1813-16 18/F, Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong. Tel: +852 2552 3500 www.indigo-living.com

Jona Hoad create illuminated room numbers with status indicators that can be designed bespoke to meet specific requirements. Working with technology, fully integrated room management systems can be created. The illuminated room number also acts as a secondary light source adding accent light to its surroundings.

Head Office: The Studio, Ashpools, Northall, Bucks, LU6 2HF, UK Tel: +44 (0) 1525 222364 www.jonahoad.com

Panaz design, manufacture and distribute interior furnishing fabrics for the global hotel, cruise ship and leisure markets. All fabrics are designed to meet the most stringent international fire codes without sacificing durability or desirability. Collections are available from Panaz regional offices or distributors worldwide.

Hong Kong Distributor: Cetec Ltd., 18/F Printing House, 6 Duddell Street Central, Hong Kong. Tel: +852 2521 1325 www.panaz.com

Sleeper China 2012

A FUTURE CHINA |

City of the future...

A new model of compact, environmentally enhanced urban design by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM) for the rapid development of satellite cities along Chinese high-speed rail corridors has won an international design competition with its Beijing Bohai Innovation City masterplan.

The winning plan leverages the economic and lifestyle assets of the BeijingTianjin corridor by centering the new environmentally-friendly district along the high-speed rail line linking the national capital to the port city of Tianjin. The city expansion will host 17.6 million square metres of mixed-use development, with a focus on providing a headquarters location for industries in the dynamically growing Bohai Rim, a region that already accounts for more than a quarter of China’s GDP.

© SOM

“Beijing Bohai Innovation City establishes a new model of transit-oriented development at an unprecedented scale,” comments project chief designer Thomas Hussey of SOM’s Chicago urban planning studio. In a written statement, the client added: “SOM has designed a human and family-oriented mixed-use urban community within an environmentally-friendly framework to attract talented people and forward-thinking Chinese and international firms that want to position themselves in the same way.”

The masterplan is designed with a central business district organised around a high speed train station and five distinct neighborhoods offering housing, education, shopping, dining, and work destinations.

While there are no hotel projects yet confirmed, development in this rising metropolis seems inevitable.

HANDWOVEN OUTDOOR FURNITURE CREATED WITH WEATHER-RESISTANT DEDON FIBER

www.dedoncontract.com DEDON Asia Pacific Limited (Office & Showroom) Unit 3203-07 · 32/F. · 248 Queen‘s Road East · Wan Chai · Hong Kong Tel. +852 / 2529 7233 · Fax +852 / 2529 7933 · contract@dedon.hk

���������������������������������

����������������