W HOTELS Worldwide recently announced the highly-anticipated opening of W Suzhou, the brand’s newest property in China. Located on the banks of Jinji Lake in Suzhou, the hotel is within walking distance of bustling parks and top attractions along the lake’s edge. The hotel embodies a modern take on the city’s architectural heritage with a design story inspired by the region’s deep connection with nature. The design narrative of W Suzhou is inspired by the historic city’s UNESCO-listed classical gardens. The hotel highlights traditional and natural elements through the brand’s lens of vibrant design. These concepts are integrated into the hotel’s aesthetic, reinterpreting lakes, rocks, pavilions and gates as levitating elements woven throughout the hotel. “China has become one of the most important markets for Marriott International,” said Stephen Ho, chief executive officer of Marriott International’s China division. “Suzhou, also known as the ‘Venice of China,’ attracts millions of business and leisure travelers annually, proving its readiness to welcome an iconic international brand like W into this key market.” With 379 guestrooms and suites, each of the hotel’s 11 room types feature elements of the city and tie back to the overarching design narrative of levitation, with bathtubs, desks and beds all having the illusion of floating in space whist overlooking stunning views of Jinji Lake. W Suzhou’s 45 suites, including two extreme wow suites (each measuring 400 square meters), raise the bar on design and innovation for the entire destination. W Suzhou also features 60 serviced residences of one, two and three-bedroom units, available to rent for long-term luxurious living or stays of 30 days or longer, and a dedicated lounge for co-working, socializing or just chilling out. Four distinct restaurants and bars provide epicurean thrills at W Suzhou, each featuring unparalleled views of Jinji Lake. An imaginative twist on Spanish classics lure guests into Suzhou’s first authentic Spanish restaurant, Toro Loco, located on the 37th and 38th floors with views of all three Suzhou lakes. Meanwhile, Su Yan, the Chinese fine dining restaurant, alludes to the local silk trade to create a dramatically colorful and immersive arrival experience. Once inside, Jiangzhe and Chaozhou cuisines are dished up daily, guaranteeing explosive flavor. Guests can also cozy up with all-day international favorites at The Kitchen Table. In attracting locals to mix and mingle, WOOBAR takes center stage at W Suzhou. Set to create a buzzing scene in Suzhou with a daytime lounge for more than 180 guests, the stylish curved design and bright natural daylight creates an ideal locale for casual business meetings and day-time socializing. By night, the space transforms into a vibrant cocktail bar, bumping to the eclectic beats from two DJ stages. Guests can enjoy a selection of specialty drinks at WOOBAR Garden, the outdoor patio, while reveling to the beat of the music in this seamless indoor-outdoor space.(Tang Li) | 