Ritz-Carlton to add hotel in Guangzhou

By Keith Andony GUANGZHOU The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, is to open its fifth China property in Guangzhou, in Guangdong Province. The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou will have 353 guestrooms and 120 serviced, private residences at a prime location in the emerging Zhujian New Town area of the city's Tianhe District. The new property will add to the city's meetings facilities and will be located close to the city's main conference and exhibition centre. Construction is expected to begin in late 2004, with an anticipated opening date of early 2007. The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou facilities will include four meeting rooms totalling 480sqm, a 700sqm ballroom and a 65sqm boardroom. Mark DeCocinis, vice -president and area general manager (China and Japan), said "Guangzhou is a key gateway city and it is important for us to be represented there as our guests are also doing business there. "It is the fourth largest contributor to China's Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and with many international trade fairs being held there, the arrivals into the city will also increase. "The new Baiyun Airport will also contribute to this growth. Our owners will provide us with an outstanding building, while we will put the heart and soul into the hotel. People create the energy, the excitement and the memorable experiences that will bring the visitors back to Guangzhou for business and leisure." Convenient to the new Guangzhou International Convention and Exhibition Center and the city's economic development zones. The guestrooms, at 47.5 square metres, will be the largest in the city, offering views of the Pearl River. The Fuli Apartments managed by The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou will be located in the same building as the hotel and offer a range of services provided by hotel staff, including 24-hour concierge, housekeeping, in-home dining, butler service, and catering.