The new Pan Pacific Suzhou officially opened its doors. The landmark 481-room property located in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China, features traditional Suzhou gardens and ancient Chinese aesthetics fused with modern comforts and luxury.

The hotel’s opening was graced by acclaimed Chinese painter Ye Fang, who entertained guests and the media with a ‘live’ calligraphy display. Ye Fang had also, prior to the opening, collaborated with the hotel’s Hai Tien Lo to reinterpret a Suzhou traditional dish, La Ba porridge - which was served on the day. The dish, a symbol of symbol of prosperity and longevity, is enjoyed by locals during the traditional La Ba Festival - a prelude of celebrations for the Chinese New Year.

“Respecting the local community and its culture has been one of the cornerstones in Pan Pacific’s philosophy,” said Jeffrey Ong, General Manager of Pan Pacific Suzhou. “This ceremony sets to commence our efforts to establish Pan Pacific Suzhou as a cultural landmark and icon - in Suzhou, and China – where guests can experience modern comforts in surroundings steeped in traditional Chinese aesthetics.  Together with our sister hotel, Pan Pacific Xiamen, we are excited to introduce more guests to China to Pan Pacific and our brand of hospitality.”

Pan Pacific Suzhou features a new wing, which houses 99 deluxe rooms and suites and Pan Pacific’s exclusive, premier executive club, the Pacific Club – where guests will enjoy an unrivalled level of personalised attention and luxury, with butler service and access to the enhanced Pacific Lounge serving complimentary breakfast and evening cocktails.

Guests also have a range of new restaurant and bar options - including Pan Pacific’s award-winning Cantonese restaurant, Hai Tien Lo and Italian restaurant Avanti Italian Kitchen. The Grand Ballroom, renovated with state-of-the-art audiovisual facilities and due for completion by March 2010, is also ideal for banquet dinners, weddings, private parties or corporate events.

Pan Pacific Suzhou is Pan Pacific Hotels Group’s latest hotel in China, following the opening of Pan Pacific Xiamen in August 2009. This is in line with the Group’s expansion plan to grow the hotel portfolio under its Pan Pacific and PARKROYAL brands in Asia, Greater China and North America.