Opening Marks the Debut of Two Distinct Brands, The Westin Changbaishan Resort and Sheraton Changbaishan Resort, in the Resort Destination of Changbaishan, Jilin Province
BAISHAN, China, July 30, 2012 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) today announced the opening of its first dual-branded ski resort complex in Changbaishan, China. Owned by Dalian Wanda Group, The Westin Changbaishan and Sheraton Changbaishan Resort are adjacent to the slopes of the Changbai Mountains, one of China's leading ski areas and famed resort destinations. The opening marks Starwood's first ski resorts in Asia Pacific, and further lengthens the company's footprint as the largest international luxury and upper upscale hotel operator in China where the company recently celebrated its 103 hotels in operation, with another 100 hotel in the pipeline.
"We are pleased to introduce our first dual-branded ski resort complex and Starwood's first resorts in Asia Pacific to Changbai Mountains. The Westin Changbaishan Resort and Sheraton Changbaishan Resort are testaments of our commitment to grow our brands and offerings for our Chinese guests," said Stephen Ho, President, Asia Pacific, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. "China is both our fastest growing global market and our richest source of loyal travelers, and we expect that this dual-branded Starwood resort will resonate with Chinese travelers who stick with the brands they know and love."
Bordering Russia and North Korea in Jilin Province, Changbaishan houses a UNESCO-designated nature reserve that covers an area of over 494,000 acres. A unique highlight includes Tianchi (or "Heavenly Lake"), a vast elevated crater lake that forms the source of three rivers. The Westin and Sheraton resort complex is close to such pristine natural surroundings; it is also located near Yingfu Expressway, Changbaishan Airport (NBS), and the biggest ski field in Asia. The latter features 43 ski lanes and cable cover of up to 7.1 kilometers, accommodating 8,000 skiers. The area is also known for its powdery snow, trails surrounded by unspoiled pine forests, and hot springs.
"We provide a ski retreat and all-year vacation destination in the heart of Changbaishan. I truly look forward to working with the teams at The Westin Changbaishan Resort and Sheraton Changbaishan Resort to deliver on our brands' promise, creating value-added products and services, and memorable guest experiences," said Johnny Mathis, Managing Director of The Westin Changbaishan Resort and Sheraton Changbaishan Resort. "The two resorts are joined by a bridge, and guests staying at any of the two resorts enjoy access to the public areas of the other. They also have use of both resorts' facilities, such as lobby lounges and swimming pool. The complex provides a very unique and convenient way to enjoy both brands, which is certain to impress even the most discerning travelers."
The resort complex also offers more than 37,000 square feet of state-of-the-art function and meeting space, including a 13,362 square feet ballroom, nine smaller meeting rooms, and a spacious pre-function area. Six innovative food and beverage venues, along with a professional catering and meeting team, are capable of organizing functions for all types of occasions.
The Westin Changbaishan Resort
The Westin Changbaishan Resort inspires well being with expansive mountain views, world class dining, a Westin Kids Club, the signature Heavenly® Spa, and an indoor swimming pool. All 262 guestrooms are equipped with the world renowned Westin Heavenly® Bed, featuring lush sheets, down cushioning, and a patented pillow-top mattress, providing complete comfort. Another industry first, the Heavenly® Bath creates an invigorating spa-like experience, enhanced with the brand's Heavenly® Shower, Heavenly® Robe, and exclusive White Tea Aloe bath amenities. In-room, high speed Internet and an ergonomic work space offers convenience and productivity in a tranquil setting. Ski-in/ski-out access also allows guests to ski straight into the hotel lobby.
With an interactive cooking show on display, Seasonal Tastes is the hotel's signature restaurant. Its international fare is inspired by color, freshness, and flair. Maru, the first Korean restaurant in Starwood branded hotels, spices things up with hearty, tantalizing cuisine.
Sheraton Changbaishan Resort
Sheraton Changbaishan Resort offers 297 guest rooms and suites with mountain or ski views, as well as a Sheraton Club lounge and Sheraton Club rooms with upgraded amenities. The heart of the lobby features the Link@Sheraton® experienced with Microsoft®– a social hub where connections seamlessly take place. All guest rooms are equipped with an oversized work desk, custom-designed ergonomic chair, high speed Internet, LCD flat panel television, iPhone/iPad docking station, and the Sheraton Sweet Sleeper® bed. Additional amenities include full service restaurants and lounge, and fully equipped fitness facilities featuring the brand's revolutionary new health and fitness program, Sheraton Fitness programmed by Core Performance™.
With a burst of freshness, color and variety, Sheraton's signature restaurant Feast provides an irresistible visual and culinary spread. The open kitchens serve up the freshest a la carte food, while the buffet displays encourage an interactive dining experience for the whole family to enjoy. Yue offers traditional Chinese favorites, with an emphasis on Cantonese cuisine. And 13 private dining rooms are available.
About Dalian Wanda Group
Dalian Wanda Group was founded in 1988 and operates in five major industries, including Commercial Properties, Luxury Hotels, Tourism Investment, Cultural Industry, and Department Store Chain. The company has assets of 31 billion dollars and an annual income of 17 billion dollars, and pays 2.6 billion dollars in taxes. The company has already opened 49 Wanda Plazas, 28 five-star hotels, 730 cinema screens, 40 department stores and 45 all inclusive karaoke centers throughout the country. By 2015, the company aims to increase its assets to 48 billion dollars and income to 32 billion dollars, and pays 4.8 billion dollars in taxes, becoming a world-class enterprise.
About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 1,112 properties in nearly 100 countries and 154,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Meridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, Aloft®, and ElementSM. The Company boasts one of the industry's leading loyalty programs, Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG), allowing members to earn and redeem points for room stays, room upgrades and flights, with no blackout dates. Starwood also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., a premier provider of world-class vacation experiences through villa-style resorts and privileged access to Starwood brands. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.
