INTERCONTINENTAL Hotels & Resorts continues expanding their brand in China with the opening of InterContinental Guangzhou Exhibition Center, right in the heart of South China’s economic and cultural hub. InterContinental Guangzhou Exhibition Center is InterContinental’s first hotel in Guangzhou. The new luxury hotel opened Monday in the landmark Poly Skyline Square complex on the Pearl River in the heart of Guangzhou. The brand’s 40th property in China is adjacent to the Canton Fair-Guangzhou International Convention & Exhibition Center, one of the world’s largest exhibition centers. Inspired by the China Maritime Silk Road, the hotel’s interior design features an ocean wave-colored floor, a reef-shaped lounge chair and a wall modeled after a ship’s hull that showcases elements from the Maritime Silk Road. A customized world map symbolizes the prosperity of Guangzhou maritime commerce. Abstract paintings in each room tie-in with the maritime theme. From the guestrooms to the ballroom, crystal flower lights adorn the space with a design inspired by the history and culture of Guangzhou. Among diverse local and international dining experiences, Western grill CHAR serves sizzling steaks and grillroom fare from an open kitchen, with a fine wine selection guided by a professional sommelier. Signature Chinese restaurant Canal Luna showcases authentic Cantonese and traditional Chinese cuisine. All-day international restaurant Café Aqua serves a buffet breakfast and an “East meets West” selection of Western, Southeast Asian, Japanese, Indian and Chinese favorites. Roof-top hotspot Sky Bar and Restaurant is a trendy sky-high retreat with a boundless view of the city’s landscape, serving up alluring cocktails and live band shows. The Lobby Lounge serves Chinese and English teas, specialty coffees, beer, wine, cocktails and tasty snacks, with pockets of privacy amid a “reef-rock” design concept. The pinnacle of meeting and event venue options is the grand pillarless 1,800-sqm Crystal Ballroom, suited with a welcoming foyer that has a 180-degree glass window view overlooking the Pearl River and able to cater to both Western-style and traditional Chinese weddings and banquets. The Crystal Ballroom offers amazing holographic projection technology for high-impact events. A more intimate 500-sqm pillarless Jade Ballroom and 10 multifunctional rooms from 68 to 200 sqm accommodate receptions, corporate presentations and board meetings. The hotel has a total of 350 spacious rooms, 42 suites and a presidential suite overlooking the stunning scenery of the Pearl River and the city. Other facilities include the I-Spa and the fitness center. To celebrate the grand opening, the hotel is offering a special room package through March 30. Priced at 1,382 yuan (US$210.6) with service charge and tax included, the package includes an one night’s stay at a deluxe room with a buffet breakfast for two, and 500-yuan credit to be used in all the restaurants and bars or for SPA. Add: 828 Yuejiang Middle Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou (廣州市海珠區(qū)閱江中路828號) Teli: (020) 8922-8888(Maggie Tang) | 