Maggie Tang
OCT Enterprises Co. has started building a platinum-level five-star hotel in the central business district (CBD) of Bao an. The new property is expected to become a landmark in the hospitality industry in South China, the company announced at the hotel s foundation laying ceremony in Bao an yesterday.
The new Grand OCT Hotel Shenzhen Bao an, to open in 2011, will feature a combination of Chinese traditional elements with Western influences often found in the architecture and paintings in Guangdong Province.
To cost 1.5 billion yuan (US$221 million), the Bao an OCT property will have 400 luxury guestrooms. It will also provide apartments for rent, first-class conference facilities, restaurants and even an art gallery to meet the various needs of VIP business guests.
The hotel would aim to achieve sustainable development in future operations with environmental protection.
The new hotel will adopt low-carbon and energy-saving elements in design with solar power, wind power and water recycling water, said Dong Yaping, OCT s vice chairman.
U.S. firm John Portman & Associates Inc. was selected to design the new building. Having been in the Chinese market for 30 years, the architectural and engineering firm is dedicated to making its first Shenzhen project a new landmark in the city, which not only responds to the needs and spirit of people, but inspires those who use it.
The hotel will be managed by OCT International Hotel Management Co., which owns or manages more than 40 hotels in China, including the InterContinental Shenzhen, Crowne Plaza Shenzhen and the Interlaken Shenzhen.
