Novotel Guiyang Downtown, a peaceful and cultural refuge
At the end of September 2011, in the capital of Guizhou province in China, Novotel Guiyang Downtown welcomed their first guests. Guiyang, which means “Precious Sun”, is located in Southern China in an area of breathtaking natural beauty. The provincial capital, which is surrounded by lush green areas and several parks, is also one of the region’s strategic business centers

The hotel, whose architecture is reminiscent of some famous New York establishments, features 243 fully-equipped rooms, including 10 suites. It is close to key tourist attractions and within easy access of Jiaxiu Tower, Hebin Park and Qianlin Park, where a path takes visitors straight to 17th century Hongfu temple.

The “Up Town Bar” offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the city and serves as a good vantage point from which early risers can admire Tai Chi enthusiasts practicing on People’s Square.The hotel’s restaurant “The Square” offers a selection of Asian and international dishes, while its “Pastis Lobby Lounge” serves round-the-clock drinks and snacks.

Novotel Guiyang Downtown also boasts wellness facilities, with a fitness room, sauna and Yoga room.

The hotel is located within easy distance of all amenities.The Longdongbao International Airport is 20 minutes from the Novotel Guiyang Downtown and Guiyang Railway Station is about 5 minutes.

Grand Mercure Jinan Sunshine in the heart of the “Bao Tu Springs”
Jinan, the capital of Shandong province, provides a change of scenery for leisure and business travellers. Bao Tu Quan Park, with its famed “Bao Tu Springs”, offers one of the most picturesque Chinese garden landscapes, where mist floating over the lake gives an impression of paradise.

Located in the city’s West commercial district, the Grand Mercure Jinan Sunshine has 333 rooms. A perfect combination of French inspiration and authentic local hospitality, the hotel boasts an uninterrupted view of the neighbouring mountains.

The hotel’s “Oasis” restaurant features international cuisine, while “Le Chinois” proposes fine dining for fans of authentic Chinese food.

Business customers are invited to take advantage of the 700m² Grand Ballroom and six meeting rooms. A dedicated team of event and technical professionals is on hand to ensure successful events, overseeing the use of an extensive range of facilities (free WiFi access, state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, etc.) and organising coffee breaks.

These inaugurations reflect the Group’s drive to expand in Asia and especially in China.  Accor is already the leader in Asia Pacific and will open 60 new hotels in this region by the end of the year, with 200 openings planned by 2014.

City.Mobi

Also in China today, City.Mobi is celebrating the success of its new guide to Shanghai.

City.Mobi offers the most comprehensive mobile travel guides available, with over 800 cities in 200 countries listed. Each is developed by the City.Mobi team to combine into a single global travel directory.

However, each city retains its own mobile identity via a dedicated domain. Already on offer are Brussels.Mobi, Paris.Mobi, Sanfrancisco.Mobi and Sydney.Mobi.

Shanghai.city.mobi is the latest in this illustrious line up, offering click to call functionality – which means no scribbling down telephone numbers.

Most entries are also linked to websites where users can quickly access more detailed information if needed.

Other key features include information on accommodation, restaurants, attractions, entertainment, nightlife, shopping, and transport.

City.Mobi guides include user reviews and traveller utilities such as a translation guide, currency converter, news and local weather guide.