New Hilton stars in scenic Lijiang

Property offers world-class amenities at renowned Yunnan tourist site, Li Jin reports.

China's economic slowdown in recent years has not deterred Hilton Worldwide from opening new properties, with the latest the Hilton Garden Inn Lijiang inaugurated on Dec 6, the first of its properties in Southwest China's Yunnan province.

"Compared with other countries, China is still the fastest growing economy," said Paul Hutton, Hilton Worldwide regional general manager for South China.

The Hilton Garden Inn Lijiang opened on Dec 6 near the ancient town and some of the most scenic mountains in China. Photos provided to China Daily

"And among the 1.4 billion population is the expanding middle class and many of them travel at their own expense. That is the key why we still invest here," he said.

Hutton, who has 30 years of experience at Hilton Worldwide, started working in China in 2011. He has a clear understanding of the environment of Lijiang, an internationally renowned travel destination.

"Lijiang is a world heritage site," Hutton said. "About 14 million tourists visited Lijiang last year, 26 percent more than the year before. That is a good reason for investment, not only in hospitality, but for shops and other businesses."

Home to the Naxi people and other ethnic groups, the old town of Lijiang has grown up over the centuries amid some of the most scenic mountains in China. Despite several earthquakes, it retains its historic and authentic townscape.

According to local tourism statistics, the number of international visitors from around the world increases by about 30 percent each year.

Hutton said the high quality environment in Lijiang is matched by the Hilton Garden Inn, though it is a mid-range hotel.

The property features 172 contemporary guest rooms, including four suites and 10 family rooms offering the latest in technology and comfort. It is managed by Hilton Worldwide and owned by Yunnan Shili Property Development Co Ltd.

Though it is overlooking well-known Jade Dragon Mountain and is near major tourist attractions and shopping districts like Dayan Old Town and Seven Star Street, the hotel is only 30 kilometers from Lijiang Sanyi International Airport.

Hutton added that the hotel's culinary offerings add to the appeal in such a remote setting.

"Guests at the Hilton Garden Inn can indulge in delicious local and international cuisine without leaving the hotel," said the general manager.

"Chefs at the all-day dining restaurant Garden Grille offer cooked-to-order breakfasts as well as authentic Sichuan and Yunnan cuisines and international favorites.

"The Noodle Bar is the perfect venue for freshly prepared noodles for both dining in and takeaway," he added.

"Guests can also enjoy a refreshing cocktail to unwind at the Garden Bar or the Lounge Bar. In addition, the 24-hour onsite Pavilion Pantry offers an array of snacks and refreshing beverages."

Freeman Deng, general manger of the property, said the hotel also features a broad range of modern amenities including "generous work surfaces, complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, a 24-hour business center, and a state-of-the-art fitness center".

"The hotel has 230 square meters of meeting space including one multi-function room, two meeting rooms and a boardroom, which together are fully equipped to handle conventions, private weddings and banquets," he said.

According to Deng, members of Hilton HHonors, a hotel rewards program, will be able to earn and redeem points for their stay. The hotel offers 1,000 Hilton HHonors points per night from Jan 1 to March 31 next year with an additional 5,000 points for any two-night stay.

Contact the writer at mrlijin@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 12/26/2014 page18)