Upscale, high-up St Regis preps for spring opening

A sumptuously elegant St Regis Hotel is preparing to open in Shizimen Business District on May 1 as rooms are being furnished and staff recruited. On Jan 28 and 29 alone, more than 500 jobseekers applied locally and in Guangzhou and Shenzhen (which have their own St Regis hotels), according to builder-investor Huafa Group and management firm Marriott International.

Situate on the 41st-72nd floors of the 330-m Zhuhai Tower nearby the International Convention & Exhibition Center Complex are 251 guestrooms and suites along with other posh hotel facilities. Already, this St Regis has been given a platinum 5-star ranking by the National Tourism Administration.

There now are 10 luxury hotels in Zhuhai among which are the Chimelong, Sheraton, Pullman, and Marriott. There will be 10 more international brand hotels by 2020 in Hengqin New Area, Shizimen, Central Urban Xiangzhou, West Pingsha, and Wanshan Archipelago.

According to Juan Samso, general manager of St Regis Zhuhai, the hotel is positioned not as a competitor of other Regencies in the area; rather, it targets high-spending travelers within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and more international tourists to take the city as a leisure and tourism destination.

St Regis Zhuhai interviews jobseeker

Of note is that the elite St Regis Macao opened on the Cotai Strip just a few years ago and the first St Regis Hong Kong will be ready in Wan Chai next year.

Featured by legendary butler service, the St. Regis Zhuhai is committed to a personalized and unique experience for every guest. This pledge comes with historical backing, since founder John Jacob Astor IV himself initiated this signature offering at the original St. Regis New York more than a century ago.

The St. Regis brand is also known for its coveted cocktail, Bloody Mary, a spicy 1934 vodka-and-tomato juice concoction invented at the St. Regis New York's King Cole Bar. On the culinary front, chefs with experience at seven Michelin (rated as excellent quality) restaurants will prepare dishes for the province's highest banquet hall.

GM Juan Samso [Photos by Chen Ying / Zhuhai Daily]

Industry insiders say this crème de la crème hotel will enhance Zhuhai's high-end business and tourism hospitality capabilities and play an important role in further building status and international influence.

Shizimen Central Business District is in Hengqin New Area, which has become part of the Guangdong Pilot Free Trade Zone focusing on travel and leisure.