DUBAI — Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced the opening of Hyatt Regency Qingdao, introducing the Hyatt Regency brand to China's booming coastal city in the Shandong province. Hyatt Regency Qingdao will be the first upscale urban resort in northern China with an idyllic ocean setting. Known as the “Pearl of the Yellow Sea,” Qingdao's location on the Shandong Peninsula, beside the Yellow Sea, is renowned for its natural scenery, beautiful coastline and pleasant climate. It is also recognized as an important economic hub and port city on China's east coast. A popular tourism destination full of history, visitors also flock to Qingdao to savor its world-famous delicious seafood. Qingdao was crowned “China's Most Liveable City” by China Institute of City Competitiveness in 2011. Ideally positioned for business and pleasure, Hyatt Regency Qingdao is located in Laoshan District, Qingdao's new business, commercial and entertainment center. It has direct access to Shi Lao Ren Beach, a nearly two mile stretch of yellow sand beachfront and azure waters. “As the only upscale beachfront hotel in northern China, our urban resort truly offers the best of city convenience and resort-style indulgence. We look forward to bringing Hyatt's world-class dining, hospitality and amenities to the beautiful beach city of Qingdao,” says Anthony Ha, general manager of Hyatt Regency Qingdao. “The opening of Hyatt Regency in Qingdao, a popular gateway city, is a significant milestone for us, as we continue to grow our brands in China in a sustainable manner,” said Christopher Koehler, vice president of operations for Hyatt Hotels & Resorts in China. “We are very pleased to be able to offer our signature brand of hospitality and unrivalled guest experience at Hyatt Regency Qingdao and believe that this opening will underscore our commitment to creating preference for Hyatt-branded hotels throughout China.” Hyatt Regency Qingdao offers 439 guestrooms, including 25 suites. All rooms feature views of the ocean or beach through floor-to-ceiling windows, set against a backdrop of the magnificent Laoshan and Fushan mountains. High-tech in-room amenities include a 40-inch LED flat-screen TV with cable/satellite programming, as well as high-speed broadband and wireless Internet access. The city's most opulent VIP suites can also be found at Hyatt Regency Qingdao. Spanning 4,520 square feet (420 square meters), the Chairman Suite is the ultimate in comfort, with a master bedroom, dining and entertainment areas, a kitchen, a bar, a gym and a massage room, all in addition to a 270-degree ocean-view rooftop terrace. The 1,808 square-foot (168 sq m) presidential suite also offers luxurious living areas and a large terrace. Regency Club accommodation is located on exclusive floors with access to the private Regency Club Lounge, where guests can enjoy premium amenities and personalized services, including a continental buffet breakfast, all-day refreshments, evening drinks, express check-in/out, and the use of the club boardroom and private outdoor terrace. Hyatt Regency Qingdao will uphold the brand's reputation for signature gourmet experiences with talented master chefs, beautifully appointed restaurant designs and unique dining concepts, establishing itself as the city's premier dining destination. The Chinese restaurant, Dong Hai 88, serves authentic northern Chinese cuisine, including signature Peking duck and authentic Qingdao seafood specialties, in a dining room that references Qingdao's fishing heritage, complete with wave-like wood ceilings and stylized fishtail lanterns. Dining rooms enjoy views of the open kitchens, and an expansive terrace offers alfresco dining overlooking the beach. Dong Hai 88 also offers an extensive menu of global wines, plus the largest beer selection in Shandong Province, with 35 craft beers from around the world. An open dessert kitchen also serves a selection of tempting sweets. Donghai 88 Private Dining offers an exclusive VIP dining experience with ten luxurious private dining suites, each with exquisite interiors and panoramic views of the ocean or Shi Lao Ren Beach. Market Café, an all-day buffet restaurant with interactive open kitchens and an ocean-front dining deck with direct beach access serves seasonal world cuisine, while Bay Lounge in the hotel lobby provides a relaxing retreat throughout the day, complemented by panoramic sea views. With its unique resort ambience, state-of-the-art event spaces and signature dining, Hyatt Regency Qingdao is the leading choice for high-level meetings, functions and weddings. The hotel features 21,527 sq ft (2,000 sq m) of multi-functional event venues, including a spectacular outdoor terrace overlooking the ocean and a dedicated events team to deliver creative programming and seamless coordination. Beach resort weddings are a specialty of Hyatt Regency Qingdao. Bridal couples meet with professional Hyatt wedding planners in the hotel's Wedding Salon, where every aspect of the day is meticulously planned to ensure that weddings at Hyatt Regency Qingdao are truly memorable and stress-free. Qing, the Hyatt Spa, features eight private spa suites, four reflexology rooms, a spa consultation room and separate men's and women's thermal relaxation facilities. Spa-goers can rejuvenate body and soul with a range of professional treatments inspired by traditional Chinese medicine and international beauty rituals. The Fitness Centre, featuring high-tech cardio equipment and free weights, overlooks the beach. A 25-meter indoor pool with a floating marble whirlpool provides a temperature-controlled alternative to the seaside, just steps away. — SG
