50 years after its market debut in China, Sheraton has reached a major milestone as it opens its 100th hotel in Greater China. The newest hotel, Sheraton Lanzhou Anning, is located in the heart of Lanzhou’s Anning District and was designed to serve as a “gathering place for both locals and guests”.
This is part of Sheraton’s recent brand transformation as they look to “creating a signature community experience for the next generation of travelers and locals alike at properties across the globe.” While I’m not really sure that I understand the brand positioning, and I haven’t understood it in a long time, this is the most concrete definition I’ve seen from Sheraton. Marriott states that the “new vision for Sheraton features intuitive design, tech-forward experiences, and upgrades to everything from public space and F&B to flexible meeting space.”
In announcing the opening of the new hotel Betty Tian, Vice President, Marketing, Communications, Premium & Select Brands, Greater China, had this to say:
“We are delighted to welcome the 100th hotel for Sheraton brand in China in Lanzhou of Gansu province. Over the past 50 years of development with China’s tourism industry, Sheraton has become a symbol of premium hotel brand in the country.”
Betty Tian, Vice President, Marketing, Communications, Premium & Select Brands, Greater China
About Sheraton Lanzhou Anning
Sheraton Lanzhou Anning is the first Sheraton in Lanzhou of Gansu province. The property is located on the banks of the Yellow River near Lanzhou’s bustling industrial and educational center, the Anning District.
While the press release touts its “prime location with convenient transportation access” it also notes that the Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport (LHW) is 55 kilometers (34 miles) away and the Lanzhou West Railway Station is 6 kilometers (4 miles) away.
The lobby is the focal point of the property, for obvious reasons, with the design inspired by the Lanzhou Silk Road Desert. Sheraton’s signature Community Table centers the lobby while The Booths and The Studios provide workspaces for guests.
Sheraton Lanzhou Anning offers plenty of food and beverage options for guests with three restaurants, a cafe, and bar.
- &More by Sheraton offers convenient and flexible food and beverage options.
- Daily Social has gourmet buffets and a la carte menus featuring international and regional favorites.
- YUE, Sheraton’s signature Chinese restaurant, has Cantonese cuisine and seafood with 24 private dining spaces.
- Soo Noodles offers authentic Lanzhou noodles along with local snacks.
- Unspoken is the hotel’s intimate bar space with craft cocktails and fine wines from around the world.
The property has 354 guest rooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows to allow for plenty of natural light. Each room is equipped with a desk, integrated chargers, and intelligent lighting. The bathrooms have modern, walk in showers and Sheraton signature toiletries from Gilchrist and Soames.
Marriott Bonvoy Elite members and guests on the Executive Floor will have access to the Sheraton Club. Unlike clubs in the United States, overseas properties have an elevated experience with expanded food and complimentary beverage options. On a recent stay at the Sheraton Stockholm we found the hotel to be underwhelming but the Sheraton Club was better than most you’ll find stateside.
In addition to the amenities listed above, the hotel features 1,900 square meters (over 20,000 sq. ft.) of meeting space, a fitness center, and an indoor, heated swimming pool. Peng Sun, General Manager of the hotel, had this to say about the hotel’s opening:
“We are very proud of this milestone opening and feel that Sheraton Lanzhou Anning is perfectly primed to represent Sheraton Hotels’ existing legacy and bright future as the 100th property in Greater China. The hotel will provide an ideal gathering place for guests from around the world in Lanzhou with the features and experiences of Sheraton’s transformation, diverse dining options, and signature services.”
Peng Sun, General Manager, Sheraton Lanzhou Anning
For more information about Sheraton Lanzhou Anning Hotel, visit www.marriott.com/LHWAS.
Summary
The Sheraton brand has hit a major milestone in Greater China with the opening of its 100th hotel, Sheraton Lanzhou Anning. The hotel is the first Sheraton in in Lanzhou of Gansu province and is situated on the banks of the Yellow River. If the real thing is anything close to the photos, it should be a beautiful property.
Lanzhou was a neat city; after all, it’s the purported home of ramen (err, lamian). Plus, there’s HSR (high-speed rail) from the airport.
At least in that part of the country, humidity doesn’t bite.
Good to know on the high speed rail because that airport is way outside of town. Fun fact on the ramen as well!