Accommodation in Guangzhou has gone up several quality notches as it prepares for the 2010 Asian Games and constructs a new CBD, reports Margie T Logarta

Up until 2007, business travellers visiting Guangzhou gravitated to a clutch of established international-quality addresses: Garden Hotel, China Hotel, a Marriott Hotel and the venerable White Swan on Shamian Island. There were mid-scale options, of course, but the trio ruled supreme, performing astronomically well, especially during the Canton trade fair periods of April and October.

The Westin, which arrived two years ago in the Tianhe District with 448 oversized guestrooms, presented new competition that hadn’t surfaced in years and set off lively activity in the accommodation scene that has, in no way, settled down yet.

The obvious catalyst of all the excitement is the 2010 Asian Games, scheduled from November 12 to 27. But in the longer term, the historic city’s desire to challenge the tourism dominance of bigger sisters, Beijing and Shanghai, is really what has been driving the renaissance and entry of branded hotel chains.

The New Pearl River City (Zhujiang New Town), the emerging CBD of Tianhe, is currently a beehive of construction. Prominent landmarks that have sprung up in recent years include the Tianhe Sports Centre, Guangzhou Opera House, Guangzhou New Library, Guangdong Museum, second Children’s Palace, Twin Towers and TV Tower. In the nearby Haizhu district is the Guangzhou International Convention and Exhibition Center (with the Shangri-La next to it as the closest five-star hotel).

Even the diplomatic missions are relocating there, led by the US consulate-general, which announced in August it was investing US$260 million in a three-hectare compound that will open its doors in 2013. (Guangzhou is the favoured place for Americans, wanting to adopt Chinese infants, to meet and pick up their prospective children.)

“Highly reputed international hotel brands are what we developers are interested in,” says Tracy Zhu, deputy general manager, hotel management department, Guangzhou R&F Properties, owners of the Ritz-Carlton and Grand Hyatt and the future Conrad and Park Hyatt. And it’s this focus that will help raise the city’s profile, adds her colleague, Ritz-Carlton general manager, Michelle Caporicci, who says: “Sure, there will be competition but it will draw more attention to Guangzhou, and we are excited about this.”

Even Ronnie Cheng, general manager of that old reliable Garden Hotel, said he would rather dwell on the pros of having more players to contend with. “The business (for everyone) isn’t there yet, but more chains mean more exposure for Guangzhou.”

David Chan, general manager of Grand Hyatt, however, believed the lure of visiting the Pearl River Delta, combining the attractions of Hongkong, Macau, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Zhuhai, would ultimately win out, and tourism figures would rise. “Visitors will need hotels to stay in,” he says, adding that the next challenge would be to get them to pay more for upscale services. “They’ve been spoiled by lower rates.”

With 3,000 rooms soon to be pumped into the current inventory of 5,500 rooms, hoteliers in Guangzhou certainly have their work cut out for them.

WAITING IN THE WINGS

These five-star chains are rushing to pour into the Guangzhou market their signature products. Here’s what they’re planning.

Four Seasons will occupy levels 67 to 100 of what will be the tallest tower in Guangzhou at 103 storeys – International Finance Center (IFC). Behind its construction is the Yuexiu Group, which ploughed CNY7.5 billion (US$1.1 billion) into the project. IFC’s opening in 2010 is non-negotiable as it has been designated as one of the supporting venues of the Asian Games.

Jumeirah is targeting a 2011 debut of its 200-room property. When this happens, it will be the Dubai-based chain’s second foothold in the Mainland, following its first, Jumeirah Han Tang Xintiandi targeted to launch mid next year. The hotel, located on the top floors of the 50-storey GT Land Plaza, will boast a sky lobby and its signature Talise Spa among other facilities.

Mandarin Oriental of Swire Properties will form part of the 450,000sqm TaiKoo Hui mixed-use complex scheduled to launch in 2010. Directly linked to metro lines one and three, the 340-room hotel and connecting 70 serviced apartments will feature the chain’s famous seamless service culture and cutting-edge technology.

Park Hyatt will also be housed in a distinctive skyscraper and will feature 180 guestrooms and suites as well as 174 serviced residences. The building also houses offices, retail space, transportation facilities and underground parking for 700 cars. It will debut in 2010.

Sheraton is a component of Teem Plaza shopping complex, which also features retail space, cinema and a range of dining experiences. Complementing its 483 guestrooms and suites is a total of 1,420sqm of meeting space and a business centre. It’s gunning for a 2010 launch.

W Guangzhou will have 320 guestrooms and 1,500sqm of event space and studios (which is how the chain labels its function rooms).According to its website, it intends to open on December 1, 2010.