Suzhou increasingly recognised for MICE

Suzhou is arguably the MICE capital of China, says the Suzhou Culture and Expo Centre Company (SCECC), which overseas the Suzhou Culture and Arts Centre and the Suzhou International Expo Centre.

According to the SCECC, Suzhou successfully hosted the 53rd World Table Tennis Championships in the first half of this year, while Armani chose Suzhou's Humble Administrator's Garden as the venue for the world premiere of its Pivoine Suzhou perfume. 

Suzhou, 60 km from Shanghai, is 20 minutes from Shanghai via high-speed train and no more than a five-hour trip from large Chinese cities such as Beijing and Guangzhou, as well as cities in Japan and South Korea. The city is home to six professional exhibition venues and four professional conference centres. Suzhou ranks third in China in terms of the number of five-star hotels, and the government has supported the conference and exhibition industry with favourable policies and relevant facilities.

SCECC noted that the city's unique charm has attracted many conference and exhibition organizers. Suzhou features more than 60 well-preserved classical gardens, of which nine have been awarded World Cultural Heritage status and represent the highest level of traditional Chinese gardening and landscaping. Kunqu, the oldest opera in China, was also included on UNESCO's list of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2001. 

Upcoming events located in Suzhou include:

• Valve World Expo & Conference Asia 2015, September 2015
• 19th International Conference on Asian Language Processing 2015 (IALP 2015), October 2015
• Fastener Trade Show Suzhou, October 2015
• Stem Cells: From Basic Biology to Disease Therapies International Symposium, October 2015
• The International Bauxite, Alumina & Aluminium Society (IBAAS), China Aluminium International Engineering Corporation Limited (CHALIECO), and Suzhou Research Institute for Non-ferrous Metals Co. Ltd (SINR), China's 4th International Symposium, November 2015
• Optics for Solar Energy (SOLAR) Conference, November 2015
• ChinaBio Partnering Forum, May 2016

Hyatt Regency Suzhou offers Anniversary Meeting Package to mark successful first year

Source: Hyatt Regency Suzhou.

The Hyatt Regency Suzhou is celebrating the hotel's first birthday with a number of promotions to thank loyal patrons and valued guests for their support over the past year.

Opened on 24 August 2014 in Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP) with a subway station on its doorstep, the Hyatt Regency Suzhou hotel offers 355 rooms and suites plus a Regency Club, five restaurants and lounges, as well as more than 15,000 sq ft of event venues.

"Our first year has been overwhelming, as we have surpassed all expectations in terms of business, hotel position and service standards. It is extremely satisfying to see what we have achieved in such a short time. Credit must be given to our guests who have visited, to our business partners who have been instrumental in our success, to the owning company for investing in the property, as well as to the hotel team for doing an amazing job," said General Manager Gary Chan.

The hotel's Anniversary Meeting Package runs till 24 September 2015. For RMB824 nett per room night, the package includes accommodation, breakfast for two persons, meeting room rental, coffee break and meeting amenities. A meeting organiser is also entitled to the Hyatt Gold Passport Planner rewards programme. 

From the Hyatt Regency Suzhou it is 25 minutes by train to Shanghai, an hour by car to Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, and 10 minutes by car to Suzhou SIP Railway Station. Hyatt Regency Suzhou is part of Jinghope Plaza, a complex including a shopping mall, entertainment venues and two Grade-A office buildings. It is also near Jinji Lake, the Culture and Arts Center, the International Expo Center and the Ferris Wheel Park.

Interested?

Contact the sales team about the Anniversary Meeting Package at +86 512 6288 1234.

Starwood opens first Element hotel in Asia Pacific

Source: Element Suzhou website.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide has debuted its eco-conscious Element brand in Asia Pacific with the opening of the Element Suzhou Science and Technology Town in Suzhou, China. Owned by Suzhou Science and Technology Town Kexin Cultural Tourism Development Company, the new Element hotel is set to offer healthy, active travellers a sustainable stay.

Element Suzhou Science and Technology Town is located in the Science and Technology Town, an eco-city in the heart of Suzhou National New & Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone (SND). Known as the Venice of the East and f or its UNESCO World Heritage-listed classical gardens, Suzhou is a major city in the southeast of Jiangsu Province, half an hour by speed train from Shanghai. The hotel is 30 minutes' drive from Sunan Shuofang International Airport (WUX).

"As Starwood's eco-innovation lab, the Element brand has changed the face of extended stay with its light-filled atmosphere, eco-minded design and commitment to innovation," said Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice President of Specialty Select Brands for Starwood. "On track to triple its global portfolio by the end of 2017, Element is experiencing tremendous growth momentum and the brand's debut in Asia Pacific is set to pave the way for more growth opportunities in the region."

Element signed 19 deals in 2014 and is on track to triple its portfolio by 2017, with key China openings such as Element Chongli in Zhangjiakou, Element Sanya Haitang Bay in Sanya and Element Tianjin Beicheng in Tianjin in the pipeline. 

Said Stephen Ho, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Asia Pacific: "Recent studies have shown that consumers are becoming increasingly interested in environmentally-friendly practices and products, as well as sustainable living. We are confident that the stylish and sustainable Element brand ethos that modern design flows from nature will resonate with travellers and meet that demand."

Element Suzhou Science and Technology Town has 188 rooms and suites. Guests can work, play, or relax in the spacious, smart and modern guestrooms, all of which offer natural lighting. Each room comes with an energy-efficient kitchen; the signature Heavenly Beds, spa-inspired baths, separate rain showers and natural bath amenities. 

Each room also features a work space installed with office and entertainment equipment. There is complimentary Internet access and a one-stop connectivity solution that allows guests to hook up portable electronics to their in-room TV. SPG Keyless Check-In – a mobile, keyless entry system that allows guests to use their smartphone as a key – is available at Element Suzhou Science and Technology Town. The hotel also offers 1,200 sq m of flexible meeting space with modular fast and free Wi-Fi throughout.

Guests can eat at Salon, an all-day dining restaurant, or enjoy a variety of traditional local, Huaiyang and authentic Cantonese cuisines in private rooms. A daily Relax evening reception offers food and beverage pairings. 

Element Suzhou Science and Technology Town has an opening package starting from RMB 558 net for a one-night stay in a standard room, including breakfast for one person. SPG members will receive double Starpoints as part of the package. In addition, SPG members will enjoy a 20% discount on all food and beverage consumption at Salon.

Interested?

Make a reservation 

Hyatt Regency Suzhou is first Hyatt hotel in Jiangsu province

Hyatt Regency Suzhou has formally opened in the city of Suzhou, known for its ancient canals, stone bridges and UNESCO-listed classic gardens. 

Source: Hyatt. The 29-floor atrium is the
highest in the city.

"The opening of Hyatt Regency Suzhou is a strategic step for Hyatt as we grow our brand presence in China," said Christopher Koehler, VP of operations - China, Hyatt. "We look forward to fostering meaningful connections among business and leisure travelers around the world."

Located in the Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP), Hyatt Regency Suzhou is part of Jinghope Plaza, a new complex project that includes a luxury shopping mall, entertainment venues and two Grade-A office buildings.

Hyatt Regency Suzhou has a subway station at its doorstep, and is expected to become a key connecting point between Suzhou and Shanghai, offering easy accessibility to visiting guests. It takes just 25 minutes by train to reach Shanghai, one hour by car to reach Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, and 10 minutes by car to reach Suzhou SIP Railway Station, the transportation hub of Yangtze River Delta region. The Suzhou International Expo Center is nearby as well.

The hotel offers 355 spacious guestrooms and suites plus a Regency Club. There are five restaurants and lounges, more than 15,000 square feet of innovative meeting and event venues, and spa and wellness facilities.

"We are delighted to introduce the Hyatt Regency brand's signature world-class dining, hospitality and amenities to one of China's most historic cities," said Gary Chan, GM of Hyatt Regency Suzhou. "With an energetic team of expert planners and passionate hoteliers, we are ready to welcome our guests from the neighbourhood and around the world."

Hyatt Regency Suzhou features both international flavors and authentic local dishes with fresh seasonal ingredients. Hua Chi 88 is a Chinese dining restaurant serving authentic Suzhou and Huaiyang cuisines, Taihu Boat cuisine from nearby Tai Lake, and Peking duck roasted over fruitwood in the traditional duck oven. Live show kitchens throughout the dining room add to the theatrical atmosphere. Six private dining rooms feature large windows and private bathrooms.

The Fireplace is an international grill restaurant with a European bistro-style ambience. The open kitchen serves up Italian pizzas and grilled specialties. The Fireplace also features a mosaic and marble bar with a Manhattan vibe.

Tea House on the ground floor serves light snacks, beverages and cocktails, and provides free Wi-Fi. 

Beneath the magnificent 29-story atrium, The Atrium is ideal for informal meetings and gatherings. Market Cafe occupies a second-floor space with double-height windows where guests can eat out of the pan, off the grill and out of the wok.

Hyatt Regency Suzhou is the place for every occasion with more than 15,000 square feet of meetings and events space. The Residence is a new-concept events venue comprised of four multifunctional rooms with large French windows, hosting up to 360 guests. The rooms feature versatile sliding screens that open onto a large foyer, and a dedicated Loft Kitchen is fully equipped for creative dining experiences. The Residence is ideal for conferences, meetings and cocktail events. 

Designed in contemporary style, the 6,240-square-foot Regency Ballroom can host up to 450 people for a cocktail event and 340 for a private dining event. The ballroom can also be divided into two rooms for smaller gatherings. A large VIP/Bridal Dressing Room and lounge are available. 

All venues are appointed with advanced technology and communications systems as well as complimentary wireless Internet connectivity. A private street-front entrance provides exclusivity.