The Astor Hotel will open on 1 September as the first Luxury Collection Hotel in Greater China. Located in the heart of Tianjin, China’s third largest city, the 147-year old building originally opened as a hotel in 1863.  Following a multimillion-pound restoration, The Astor has been lovingly re-positioned as Tianjin’s landmark building and restored to its former glory and more.

Originally built by a British missionary in 1863, The Astor Hotel has been a treasured landmark since its opening. It has hosted Prime Ministers and Presidents as well as being the location for many historical events including the signing of two international treaties. It is the only hotel in China that has been included in the national cultural relic preservation project and is the pioneer of many of the first technological innovations in the Chinese hotel industry at the turn of last century. Notably the hotel was the first public building in China in 1924 to feature an elevator.

The new hotel interior that evokes a bygone era, is the work of New York-based interior designer Alexandra Champalimaud who has also been responsible for the design of some of the world’s most famous hotels, including The Dorchester and The Berkeley.

The Astor Wing’s elegantly appointed rooms are decorated in a classic style, preserving the original antique and historical design, whilst those in the Hai River wing feature a more contemporary design with oversized bathrooms and the grand presidential suite.  From dining in one of its elegant restaurants to absorbing the history of the many treasured antiques and memorabilia that are showcased throughout this iconic building, The Astor evokes old world sophistication.

During the month of February Tianjin comes alive with an array of colourful fireworks as the Chinese New Year is celebrated making it the perfect time to enjoy the hotel. Festivities include a medley of colourful celebrations with traditional dragon dances and a feast of dishes such as dumplings and sweet sesame seed rice balls.

Guests can experience the newly opened Astor Hotel with an introductory offer of £174 per person for TWO nights (on bed & breakfast basis) with an additional 15% service charge per room, per night. Offer valid until 31 December 2010.  For further information, please visit www.luxurycollection.com/astor

The Luxury Collection boasts over 65 of the world’s finest hotels and restaurants offering a host of authentic experiences, unique to each hotel’s location.