Hilton To Manage Two China Hotels

BEIJING-As China opens itself to the world, the global leader in the hospitality sector wants to be there to shelter the increasing swell of visitors. Hilton Hotels Corp. has signed agreements to manage properties in Beijing and Huaqiao. The two hotels will fly Hilton’s Doubletree flag on a long-term basis upon opening next year.

“We are looking to grow in China’s primary and secondary cities and respond to the demand among corporate and leisure travelers for quality accommodations,” says Koos Klein, president of Hilton Hotels Asia Pacific. Hilton already operates six hotels in the sprawling country and has four more in various stages of development that will open between 2009 and 2010.

The larger of the properties just going under contract is the Doubletree by Hilton Beijing, which will offer 455 hotels rooms, 98 upscale residences and a range of food and beverage offerings, including 24-hour dining. There will also be a health club, ballroom and roof garden, plus audio-visual and communications facilities. The property is located in the southwest quarter of the city on Guanganmenwai Street, about five miles from Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City.