The doors to the latest W Hotels Worldwide property, W Suzhou, are now finally open.
Perched attractively along the banks of the Jinji Lake, the new hotel – owned by Suzhou Industrial Park Jinji Lake Urban Development – offers visitors the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of Shanghai, being only a short 90 minute drive from the city’s center. And with its prime location, all of the beautiful attractions Suzhou has to offer are all within walking distance along the lake’s edge.
Jinji Lake is itself a high-design hot spot with its center a magnet for a multitude of visitors including businesses, high-end residential developments and jet-setting travelers alike. But W Suzhou is mindful of a marriage between these settings given the city’s ties to its past.
By carefully noting the city’s intimate relationship with its history and nature – a city which proudly boasts many UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the breathtaking Master of Nets Garden – the construction of the hotel perfectly balances this understanding by contrast as a new centerpiece of urban architecture; embodying a modern take on this architectural heritage.
Designed by the Rockwell Group, the influence of this historic and natural connection – most notably inspired by the city’s many classical gardens – is evident throughout the hotel’s design with the reinterpreting of lakes, rocks, pavilions and gates as levitating elements woven throughout the hotel. At the porte cochere, guests can even expect to be greeted by the “Crystal Cloud,” a dichroic acrylic and metal chandelier that through changes in lighting and mist simulates the gentle flow of clouds overhead.
A Lakeside Welcome
Entering W Suzhou, guests should expect to be confronted by contemporary interpretations of the city’s ancient wonders adorning the entrance of the hotel, after which visitors will find the hotel’s take on the traditional hotel lobby a relaxing and tranquil area, affectionately dubbed the “Living Room.”
With locally-inspired décor such as floating pebble-like seats inspired by the rock formations that populate the classical gardens that Suzhou has become known for, locals and travelers alike will marvel at this design marrying tradition with modernity. Perfectly capturing this interplay are walls featuring photographic works capturing the historic side of Suzhou alongside contemporary pieces. The hotel is also mindful of an overarching design narrative of levitation, bathtubs, desks and beds that all incorporate this illusionary quality of floating, all while offering enchanting views of the Jinji Lake.
Boasting 379 guestrooms and suites across 11 different room types, W Suzhou is at the cutting edge of design and innovation, especially evident in two of the hotel’s 45 suites – entitled the Extreme Wow Suites – that measure at over 400 square meters in size. The hotel also features 60 serviced residences ranging from one, two or three bedroom units that are available for luxurious living or long stays of 30 days or more. Residence there will enable exclusive access to REZ, a lounge dedicated to business and pleasure alike, with co-working, socializing or relaxing all welcome.
Sip and Savor
Home to four distinct restaurants and bars, W Suzhou has some mouth-watering culinary delights to offer guests along with spectacular views of the Jinji Lake. Most notably is the city’s first authentic Spanish restaurant, Toro Loco. Located on the 37th and 38th floors, guests will be served Spanish classics with an imaginative twist, all the while looking out onto glittering views of Suzhou’s three lakes.
Meanwhile there is also Su Yan, a Chinese fine dining restaurant that serves up Jiangzhe and Chaozhou cuisines and promises an immersive arrival experience as it references the local silk trade.
Just to make the selection process even harder is the 220-seat Kitchen Table restaurant which will serve all-day international favorites.
Taking center stage at W Suzhou on the bar front is WOOBAR. With a daytime lounge available for more than 180 guests, the bar offers an ideal location for casual business meetings or daytime socializing. But once the sun goes down, the space transforms into a vibrant cocktail bar which is serviced by the eclectic stylings of two DJ stages. With the WOOBAR Garden, a selection of specialty drinks are also offered on site of the outdoor patio that can also be enjoyed on warm summer evenings.
Get Glam
Recreationally, there’s plenty to do at W Suzhou. Available way up on the 36th floor is Suzhou’s highest swimming pool at WET®, or if in need of a quick work out then the FIT gym is kitted out with the latest TechnoGym equipment including treadmills, cycling machines and boxing machines.
If checked-in on holiday, the AWAY® Spa offers pampering of the highest order for the utmost in relaxation purposes, all with the aid of Givenchy amenities.
After indulging in any of these state of the art facilities, the Detox Beauty Bar is ideal at offering guests a range of nutritious food and drinks options to continue that health kick.
Innovative Events
Offering state of the art technology in more than 3,500 square meters of meeting space, W Suzhou is versatile in hosting both business and recreational events with the help of top of the line conference and audiovisual equipment.
One such space, the Great Room, which measures in at more than 800 square meters can hold nearly 900 guests whilst also offering the flexibility of dividing into three smaller spaces. With seven meeting studios also available, adaptation to any specified production is easily achieved. Outdoor venues, OutOn4 Terrace and the WOOBAR Garden offer yet another setting available, able to accommodate up to 230 people combined.
For more information or to make a reservation, visit the W Suzhou website.
W Suzhou, Suzhou Industrial Park, Building 7, Suzhou Center, Xinggang Jie, by Suhui Lu 苏州市苏州中心7号楼, 苏州工业园区星港街,近苏惠路 (512) 6988 7777
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