Sofitel and Sebel open in Xining

XINING, China – Accor is delighted to announce the opening of Sofitel Xining (the city’s first international brand hotel) and The Sebel Xining (the first Sebel serviced apartment property in China).

Ideally located in the West of Xining city, close to all major municipal government offices, the Sofitel and Sebel are just 30 minutes from Xining Airport, 15 minutes from the old town, 20 minutes from the high-speed train station, 80 minutes from Lanzhou by train and one and a half hours from Xi’an by air.

Situated on the upper reaches of the Yellow River, Xining’s high speed rail link to Lhasa has boosted its interest as a destination for leisure and business travel. The world’s largest inland lake, spectacular Qinghai, is only an hour away from the city centre. Xining’s major cultural attractions include the magnificent Kumbum (Ta’er) Monastery, the 600-year-old Dongguan Mosque and the historic Taoist Temple, Beishan Si, (North Mountain Temple). Leisure travellers appreciate the cool, crisp summer air that has long made Xining one of China’s favourite summer resorts. Every July Xining stages the Qinghai Lake International Cycling Race.

Xining has had a distinguished history as a strategic link between the Central Plains and Western China. Over 2,000 years ago it was a major hub for caravans travelling to and from Tibet along the northern Silk Road. Modern Xining is served by good highways and direct rail connections to Lhasa in Tibet and Lanzhou in Gansu province. As the provincial capital, Xining is drawing increasing interest from entrepreneurs attracted by the go-ahead investment climate and rich natural resources.

“Accor is proud to play a part in making one of China’s hidden gems more accessible and enjoyable for leisure and business travellers alike,” says Paul Richardson, Chief Operating Officer, Accor Greater China. “The opening of Sofitel Xining breaks new ground as the city’s first international brand hotel. For Accor this marks another milestone as the group’s first hotel in Qinghai Province. And, at the same time, the opening of The Sebel Xining apartments, as the first Sebel in China, will add a new dimension to the city’s hospitality industry by widening the available options.”

Sofitel Xining’s elegant driveway and porte cochere are made for grand arrivals at the neo-Gothic style building. With its lofty ceilings and magnificent chandeliers the interior ambiance harks back to a more gracious era. The 492 rooms and suites incorporate the best of Chinese traditional hospitality with characteristic French art de vivre — fresh flowers, French artwork, music and, bien sûr, fine French food and wine. Essential modern touches include Sofitel’s trademark MyBedTMand exclusive French bathroom amenities by Lanvin and Hermès. Complimentary WiFi is available throughout the hotel.

The hotel’s three restaurants cater to all tastes. With its classical European, postmodernist décor, Kwee Zeen has the perfect ambiance for all-day dining. The buffet features predominantly Chinese, Southeast Asian and European food. Le Chinois serves innovative Chinese haute cuisine as well as authentic local specialities and delicious snacks. Private dining rooms are available for special occasions. Nabe is Xining’s first full-service Japanese restaurant where superb delicacies are meticulously prepared and impeccably served in an elegant setting.
Le Bar in the Lobby serves everything from the finest Champagne to gourmet coffees from around the world.

For meetings and special events the hotel’s function rooms, with a total capacity of 2,500 sqm, can accommodate everything from cocktails for 1,000 to brain-storming sessions for 12 participants. Leisure options include a beautiful indoor swimming pool, gym and Spa that specialises in traditional oriental rejuvenating treatments, all in a single 3,000-square-metre recreational hub.

The Sebel Xining is introducing China to a new concept of stylish and upscale serviced apartment living. Each of the 197 spacious apartments has a fully equipped kitchen, separate living area, and modern bathroom. A direct connection to Sofitel, provides access to the hotel’s restaurants and other services for guests who enjoy the greater flexibility of apartment style living.

“The opening of Sofitel and Sebel in Xining will be a strong addition to Accor’s luxury and upscale brand presence in Northwest China, with both brands appealing to travellers looking for excellent service and state-of-the-art leisure and business facilities,” says Michel Molliet, Senior Vice President, Operations, Luxury Upscale, Accor Greater China.

The hotel complex is part of Xining Xin Hua Lian City Complex. Xining’s first premier integrated project, which comprises an international 5-star hotel, high-end shopping centre, grade-A office buildings and residential towers.