Westin Hotels Debuts in the Fast Growing City of Xian

Located in the Cradle of Chinese Civilization, The Westin Xian is the Brand’s First Hotel With its Own Museum and Marks Westin’s Debut in the Shaanxi Province of China

XIAN, April 9, 2012 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is pleased to announce the opening of The Westin Xian, marking the entry of the Westin brand into the Shaanxi province of China and one of the four major ancient civilizations in the world, along with Athens, Cairo and Rome. A haven for rest and relaxation, The Westin Xian is located just steps away from the ancient city’s myriad cultural attractions, restaurants, and shops. The Westin Xian is the first Westin in the world and the first hotel in Xian to have its own museum, paying tribute to the ancient history of China with its exceptional collection of over 2,000 artifacts. As the city’s premier international five star hotel, The Westin Xian offers refined Chinese hospitality in a storied location, allowing guests to enjoy a refreshing and renewing travel experience.

The Westin Xian

"We are delighted to introduce the Westin brand to Xian, one of the most culturally significant cities in Chinese history, and we are extremely proud to have the honor of being the first Westin in the world to feature its own museum," said Magdy Anis, General Manager of The Westin Xian. "We are confident that the entry of Westin is timely as Xian continues to see a rise in corporate and leisure travel as a result of economic progress and industrial development. Both business and leisure travelers can now enjoy the relaxing and rejuvenating services, products and amenities that are synonymous with the Westin brand."

Prime Location

Located in the Qujiang Tourism district, once the site of the Royal Summer Garden of the Tang Dynasty, The Westin Xian sits directly opposite the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, built over 1,000 years ago. The eastern terminus of the Silk Road, Xian is home to an ancient walled inner city which protects the famed Bell and Drum Towers. A short 30 kilometers east of the city sits the renowned Terracotta Army vaults which date back more than 2,000 years and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hotel is just minutes from the train station and 40km from the Xi’an Xianyang International Airport.

Heavenly Accommodations

An urban retreat dedicated to a holistic experience that revives mind, body, and spirit, The Westin Xian features 329 rooms and 32 one- to two-bedroom apartments. Upon welcome, guests to The Westin Xian are immediately invited to relax and renew with a sensory-rich experience that evokes tranquility and retreat after the rigors of travel. The spacious accommodations are tastefully designed with soothing tones, and each features a flat screen LCD television, rainforest shower, extra-large closets, personal refreshment center, and Westin’s signature Heavenly bed to ensure guests enjoy a good night’s sleep.

Harmonious Modern Design

Designed by Neri & Hu Design, The Westin Xian property covers nearly 60 acres and is comprised of a 5-star hotel, adjacent museum, and shopping centre. Harmoniously fusing the indigenous culture with modern design, Westin Xian showcases a Tang dynasty architectural style.  Measuring approximately 80,000 square meters, the main building features a covered porch and garden courtyard. Guests access cafes, restaurants, and other auxiliary facilities via this interior landscape. In alignment with the Westin’s wellness ethos, the hotel's indoor/outdoor layout instills guests with the pleasure of being close to nature.

First Westin Hotel to Feature Its Own Museum

Guests are invited to explore their cultural sides at the Xian Qujiang Museum of Fine Arts at The Westin Xian. This is the first Westin in the world and the first hotel in Xian to have its own museum, paying tribute to the ancient history of China with its exceptional collection of over 2,000 artifacts. Open to the general public and hotel guests, Xian Qujiang Museum of Fine Arts' exceptional Chinese art and antiquities spans over 7,000 square meters and boasts three special exhibition halls. Works on display for the opening include an exquisite grouping of over 80 mural paintings from 15 provinces which depicts China's history through different dynasties, as well as a loan exhibition from the Nanjing museum of Ming and Qing Dynasty porcelain. Other highlights include the world's only gold suit of armor, and a rare stone Buddha head which measures nearly one meter high and dates to the Northern Qi Dynasty

Epicurean Adventures

The Westin Xian also offers a variety of epicurean dining experiences - Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Seasonal Tastes presents nourishing and imaginative menu creations using the freshest produce and ingredients. Led by Executive Chef Birol Dincli, the restaurant features an open kitchen and four private dining rooms. Demonstrating The Westin Xian’s dedication to wellness, a SuperFoods Rx menu is offered throughout the day featuring enticing, healthy food options made from ingredients that are considered the best for fighting disease and enhancing health; Zen5es specializes in innovative and traditional Cantonese dishes which are prepared and presented with passion and flair; at Mai, guests can immerse themselves in the culture and flavors of modern and contemporary Japanese cuisine. Located at street level, Mai is a hip favorite amongst hotel guests and locals alike. The freshest possible produce will be prepared in an authentic and creative manner including a wide range of sushi and hibachi-style cooking; Daily Treatsis idealfor a quick coffee and light bites such as a gourmet sandwich; and Lobby Lounge, the place to relax and elevate your senses either day or night with a cocktail or hot Westin Jing Tea. Oversized windows provide views of the Great Wild Goose Pagoda while live music in the evenings creates a pleasant atmosphere.

Renew and revitalize

The Westin Xian invites guests to maintain their wellness routine while on the road with the WestinWORKOUT Gym and indoor swimming pool. WestinWORKOUT combines state-of-the-art equipment and high-performance workouts to create a customized solution for guests who are committed to keeping an active lifestyle during their travels.

Uplift the senses at Heavenly Spa by Westin where guests can experience modern hydrotherapy, Chinese inspired philosophy, and an extensive range of therapies and treatments which reflect the local culture and history of the region. At Heavenly Spa by Westin, guests can unwind and discover moments of beauty, happiness and peace during their travels.

With more than 3,300 square meters of meeting space and three banquet spaces, The Westin Xian provides a new and exceptional destination for events. The flexible function space can be arranged in a variety of way to accommodate everything from 1,500 person cocktails to intimate dinners. Outdoors, a 1,860 square meter sunken garden with waterfall provides the perfect ambience for weddings or cocktail gatherings. The hotel takes a holistic approach by offering wide array of thoughtful services, including clutter-free meetings and relaxing in-room massages. A state-of-the-art business center and in-room wireless high speed internet access are also designed to meet the needs of today’s business traveler.

For more information on The Westin Xian, please visit: www.westin.com/xian

About Westin Hotels & Resorts

Westin Hotels & Resorts makes the healthiest choices irresistibly appealing, so guests leave feeling better than when they arrived.  With more than 180 hotels and resorts in over 36 countries and territories, Westin is owned by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. Starwood Hotels is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 1,071 properties in 100 countries and territories with 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels 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, and the recently launched Aloft^®, and Element ^SM.  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 Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.