Thursday, July 21, 2011

ASTOR HOTEL IN TIANJIN, CHINA

kee@fswmag.com
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The glamorous Astor Tianjin hotel is the best place to call home when in Tianjin, China.


I love Beijing and there is always heaps to do and see there. After all, Beijing is China's capital so it is very glamorous and sophisticated to live up to China's image as the ALREADY NEXT BIG THING!

But Tianjin is only a quick train ride away and a limousine is even faster so if you have time, drop in and stay at the historic Astor hotel which takes you back to the good old days when life was so leisurely and chic, especially when you have the money. Then again, nothing's changed! Cash and gold are king!
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The stately Astor by the river Hai
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Makes you feel like you are back in the Roaring Twenties, doesn't it?

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Afternoon tea is guaranteed to taste better in such salubrious surroundings


Historic Astor Hotel – China’s First Starwood Luxury Collection Hotel -

Attracts Travellers to Tianjin with its Inclusive Weekend Breaks

Tianjin Emerging as a Weekend Destination

Offering a Rich History and Culture, Fine Dining and Luxury Indulgence

Located just 27 minutes from Beijing by high-speed train, Tianjin is emerging as a popular weekend destination for anyone looking for a weekend break from the capital Beijing. Tianjin is so near it is almost a suburb as it normally takes me 40 minutes from my London pad to anywhere in London! Even Port Dickson, supposedly KL's backyard beach, takes over an hour!

The regeneration of Tianjin’s historic centre, spearheaded by a multi-million dollar makeover of The Astor Hotel - the first Starwood Luxury Collection Hotel in China - makes the picturesque coastal city an even more alluring destination for a luxury escape. Today, Tianjin offers an inspiring mix of culture, history, fine dining and indulgent relaxation.

For guests staying at The Astor Hotel which was originally built in 1863, the Tianjin heritage experience begins right at the doorstep. From now until September 30th 2011, The Astor Hotel is offering two superb weekend packages designed to introduce visitors to the many alluring attractions of this historic coastal city that has long been a centre of economic, historical and cultural significance in northern China.

The Luxury Heritage Weekend Break includes one night in a Grand Deluxe room in the authentically renovated Astor Historical Wing. The experience begins with complimentary limousine pick-up from Tianjin Railway Station (reserve three days in advance) and a welcome drink for two in the charming Victorian Lounge, Tianjin’s most popular venue for traditional English afternoon tea and its social hub.

During their stay, guests can explore the extraordinary history of The Astor Hotel on a personal guided tour of the storied buildings and Astor Museum with the Astor Hotel Curator. Daily breakfast for two, complimentary in-room high-speed Internet access and a relaxed 3pm late check-out (subject to availability) are also included. The Luxury Heritage package is priced at RM 650 net per room, per night or somewhere there based on exchange rates.

Meanwhile, The Glamorous Tianjin Break package offers travellers the same exclusive benefits but with a stay in a Grand Deluxe room in the contemporary-style Hai River Wing, with bay windows overlooking the city’s scenic river views. The Glamorous Tianjin package is priced at RM 600 net per room, per night. I recommend the first package as it is in the historic wing or you might as well stay in Best Western!

The Astor Hotel has been Tianjin’s leading venue for business and social gatherings for almost 150 years and is the only luxury hotel in China classified by the National Important Historical Relics Protection Unit. As the debut property for Starwood’s Luxury Collection brand in China, this heritage hotel has undergone a sensitive restoration and renovation by award-winning New York designer Alexandra Champalimaud. The Astor Hotel now truly combines the romance of a bygone era with all the contemporary luxuries of a world-class hotel. Centrally located on the city’s Hai River, The Astor Hotel makes a great base for exploring Tianjin’s rich blend of European architecture, antique markets, ancient Chinese temples and futuristic new developments.

The Astor Hotel features 152 elegant and luxurious rooms and suites in both classic Victorian-style and contemporary designs. While five outstanding restaurants and bars offer a range of Chinese and international cuisines to suit most tastes. They include the contemporary, Zen-style Chinese restaurant Shui An, signature Anglo-French fine dining and wine at 1863 The Astor Bistro & Terrace, the Café Majestic for all-day international dining, authentic British pub O’Hara’s and the palm-court style Victorian Lounge for light dining, afternoon tea and live entertainment.

The hotel also features 1,000 square meters of conference and meeting space, a business centre, fitness centre and an indoor swimming pool. Over 700 square meters of space is dedicated to the hotel’s own museum, a testament to The Astor Hotel’s storied history and pivotal role in Tianjin’s cultural and economic development.

As a Luxury Collection Hotel, The Astor Hotel provides a range of unique signature services, including ‘Luggage Liaison’, a suite of travel services including luggage storage and unpacking/packing services upon request, and ‘News Paper Direct’, a print-on-demand service for over 520 newspapers.

Booking hotline at +86 (0)22 2331 1688 ext 8887.

The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts

The Luxury Collection® is an ensemble of hotels and resorts offering unique, authentic experiences that evoke lasting, treasured memories. For the global explorer, The Luxury Collection offers a gateway to the world’s most exciting and desirable destinations. Each hotel and resort is a unique and cherished expression of its location; a portal to the destination’s indigenous charms and treasures. Magnificent décor, spectacular settings, impeccable service and the latest modern conveniences combine to provide a uniquely enriching experience. Originated in 1906 as a collection of Europe’s most celebrated and iconic properties, today The Luxury Collection brand is a glittering ensemble of more than 75 of the world’s finest hotels and resorts in more than 30 countries in bustling cities and spectacular destinations around the world. The Luxury Collection includes award-winning properties that continuously exceed guest expectations by offering unparalleled service, style and class while celebrating each hotel’s distinctive heritage and unique character. All of these hotels, many of them centuries old, are internationally recognized as being among the world’s finest. For more information, please visit www.luxurycollection.com.

About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 1051 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 Méridien®, 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.









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