The contemporary facilities and quality services offered by Hilton Haikou are situated within International Hainan Airlines Plaza, which at 249 meters is the tallest building in Hainan province.

The property, which opened in mid-March, is the first internationally branded hotel in the central business district of the provincial capital and the eighth Hilton hotel on the tropical Island.

"We are pleased to add Hilton Haikou to our growing portfolio in Hainan," said Bruce McKenzie, senior vice-president of operations in Greater China and Mongolia of Hilton Worldwide. "It reflects our confidence in the buoyant Hainan market and continues our rapid pace of development in China." Hilton Haikou distinguishes itself from its local peers, as it is mainly targeted at business travelers, said its General Manager Patrick Liu.

"Currently the majority of high-end hotels in Haikou are in the suburbs and targeting holidaymakers," he said. "Our hotel offers a totally new option, especially to business clients."

Operated by Hilton Worldwide and owned by Hainan Airlines Group, the new hotel is 26 kilometers from Haikou Meilan International Airport and 7 km from the Haikou East High-Speed Railway Station, which has direct connections to Wenchang and Sanya, the two other main cities on the island.

Although targeting business guests, the flagship hotel's strategic downtown location makes it easy to explore the city's attractions, including Century Park, Evergreen Park and Hainan Volcanic Crater Park, while the beach is within walking distance.

Its appealing environment and fresh air, along with fewer branded hotels than Sanya, a popular tourist destination in the province, mean Haikou has enormous leisure market potential, Liu said.

"Helping global travelers find new experiences has been in Hilton's DNA since we opened our first hotel in 1919, and we are proud to extend our renowned hospitality to travelers visiting Haikou," said Sean Wooden, vice-president of brand management in the Asia-Pacific region of Hilton Worldwide.

With a sky lobby on the 35th floor and rooms from the 36th to 52nd floors, the 406-room Hilton Haikou provides spectacular views of the city and Haikou Bay.

The Executive Lounge is on the building's top floor, where, besides the panoramic views, guests can enjoy complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea and evening cocktails, as well as private check-in and checkout services.

Hilton Haikou has 15 versatile meeting spaces spanning more than 2,000 square meters, including a 690-square-meter pillar-free grand ballroom. All meeting spaces are equipped with state-of-the-art audio visual and lighting systems. The hotel also has a 24-hour business center and a dedicated events team to provide support to ensure events are a success.

"Hilton Haikou is the perfect choice for guests, especially business travelers, but we also look forward to being of service to the growing leisure and MICE industry in this city," said Liu. MICE refers to meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions.

So far, the hotel has secured many wedding reservations until the end of June, with more under negotiation for September till year end, Liu said.

"Quality and attention to details in our services are the key to our approach," Liu said, adding that his hotel is in pursuit of new height in all aspects.

zengyuqing@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 04/09/2016 page10)