The first OTIS elevator (L) and the first swing door (R) in China were first used at the Astor Hotel in Tianjin.[Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

Historical figures who have influenced the development of the Astor Hotel, including the founder and the first shareholder John Innocent (L1), are displayed in this stone carving in the Victorian Lounge at the Astor Hotel in Tianjin. [Photo/chinadialy.com.cn]

The Astor Hotel strives to provide the best services to its guests. "Indigenous, experience and excellence are our three principles," said Marketing Communications Manager Virginia Yu. "We try our best to get to know our guests, address them by their name and not just by sir or madam. We can also provide newspapers from all around the world, availability permitting, to let our customers feel at home when they are abroad."

What they also offer is the curator's tour service. "We will take you to places that are not on the guidebooks, the 'true' culturally significant places from the history of Tianjin. It allows our guests to really go inside the city, not just enjoy its architecture or view, though equally magnificent on their own."

Regardless of age, the entire atmosphere of the Astor Hotel brings a sense of nostalgia to visitors whether they have lived in that era or not. It is not just an accommodation; it is a learning experience to get to know the city, its culture and its tradition. "Something that doesn't change must have a reason. It must be very luxurious, or a part of precious and irreplaceable tradition," said General Manager Leon Lee. That precisely summarizes the essence of the Astor Hotel.