6 March 2014
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CELEBRATING 25 YEARS IN THE HEART OF THE CAPITAL
This March, The Peninsula Beijing celebrates 25 years of legendary hospitality in the Chinese capital. With its prime location, oriental architecture and exceptional service, The Peninsula Beijing has become a pivotal landmark in the Wangfujing area of Beijing since opening its doors in 1989. From its inception, the development and maintenance of the hotel’s impressive limousine fleet, award-winning restaurants and state-of-the-art spa demonstrate how The Peninsula Beijing has pioneered contemporary hotel luxury within the growing Chinese hospitality industry under the ownership of The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited.
The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited (HSH) was originally incorporated as The Hongkong Hotel Company, Limited in 1866. HSH is one of the oldest hotel management groups in Asia whose involvement in real estate has grown over time with a portfolio today of nine Peninsula hotels and six properties in key locations in Asia, the United States and Europe. The major shareholders of HSH are members of the Kadoorie family who have held shares in the company since the turn of the twentieth century.
HSH first opened its doors in Beijing, China with its majority ownership of The Grand Hotel des Wagon-Lits in 1922. Though later closed in 1950, it was one of the first luxury hotels in the capital, with sister properties located in pivotal cities around Europe. HSH was honoured as the first hotel company to be invited by the Chinese government to form a joint venture, and in 1982 entered into a five-year management contract for the 480-room Jianguo Hotel. The country’s first joint-venture hotel was a huge success, lauded by the government as a model for others to emulate and famed for the fine cuisine on offer at Justine’s Restaurant.The Company’s next move into Beijing was to prove to be much more enduring. The name ‘Palace Hotel’ was again to be found in the company’s portfolio. Yet this time it was the Palace Hotel Beijing that featured after HSH secured a management contract with the hotel in July 1990.
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CELEBRATING 25 YEARS IN THE HEART OF THE CAPITAL – 2
After 25 years, The Peninsula Beijing carries forth the heritage of the renowned Palace Hotel from those days to the present, all the while exuding contemporary luxury with its plethora of designer boutiques and haute gastronomy. Moving forward, to offer guests the highest levels of experiential luxury, The Peninsula Beijing will undergo a landmark room enhancement programme from early 2015 to late 2016. The enhancement will be split into two distinct phases to ensure that disturbance is kept to an absolute minimum. During the renovation, certain floors and restaurant outlets will be closed, but the hotel will remain open for business as usual throughout this period, with dining, public areas, The Peninsula Spa and fitness facilities and The Peninsula Arcade largely unaffected.
Celebrations throughout the month of March
To celebrate its silver jubilee on 6 March, a grand soiree occupying the entire hotel will be held for the city’s most prominent elite; combining live entertainment, international culinary delights and a unique photo exhibition displaying the group’s involvement in the hospitality industry over the years.
The 25-year anniversary also brings with it an array of classic afternoon teas, dinner buffet menus and more, for guests to enjoy throughout the month of March.
Guests looking to sample The Peninsula Beijing’s award-winning dining establishments can enjoy a “Silver Jubilee Afternoon Tea”, a “Silver Jubilee Anniversary Feast” or even a “Silver Anniversary Saturday Brunch”; all available throughout March. The Silver Jubilee Afternoon Tea brings back traditional recipes of artisanal pastries that have been reinvented to represent contemporary tastes such as apple tart tartin, apple jelly and other tempting treats – all served at Beijing’s most vibrant venue, The Lobby Lounge. The Silver Jubilee Anniversary Feast at international buffet restaurant, Jing entails a wealth of over 25 different dishes to help revel in the anniversary spirit throughout the month of March. Lastly, the Silver Anniversary Saturday Brunch is the 25th anniversary recreation of the popular Saturday Brunch with menu items inspired by Japanese, French, German and Italian cuisines that were available when the hotel began welcoming guests 25 years ago.
Special offers on rooms are also available for guests who are staying at the hotel during the celebratory month of March. The “Anniversary Stay” package not only provides guests with an exceptional rate on rooms but also provides unique welcome amenities, 25% discount on food and beverage consumption, invitations to the 25th anniversary gala event and special surprises for those celebrating their 25th birthday or anniversary and those staying for over 25 nights.
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About the Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited (HSH)
Incorporated in 1866 and listed in the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (00045), Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited is the holding company of a group, which is engaged in the ownership, development, and management of prestigious hotels and commercial and residential properties in key locations in Asia, the United States and Europe, as well as the provision of transport, club management and other services. The hotel portfolio of the group includes The Peninsula Hong Kong, The Peninsula Shanghai, The Peninsula Beijing, The Peninsula Tokyo, The Peninsula New York, The Peninsula Chicago, The Peninsula Beverly Hills, The Peninsula Bangkok and The Peninsula Manila. Future openings include The Peninsula Paris, The Peninsula Yangon and The Peninsula London. The property portfolio of the group includes The Repulse Bay Complex, The Peak Tower and The Peak Tramways, St. John’s Building, The Landmark in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and the Thai Country Club in Bangkok, Thailand.
CELEBRATING 25 YEARS IN THE HEART OF THE CAPITAL – 3
For further information, please contact:
Ms Cathie Yang
Director of Public Relations
The Peninsula Beijing
Telephone : +86 (10) 8516 2888 extension 6627
Fax : +86 (10) 6510 6308
E-mail :
Website : www.peninsula.com
Digital Photo Library : www.peninsula.com/pdl
Broadcast Video Library : www.thenewsmarket.com/thepeninsulahotels