W Hotels Worldwide opens W Suzhou in the Venice of China

NEW YORK, NY – W Hotels Worldwide announced the highly-anticipated opening of W Suzhou, the brand's newest property in Greater China. Located on the banks of Jinji Lake in Suzhou, 90 minutes drive from central Shanghai, W Suzhou is within walking distance of bustling parks and top attractions along the lake's edge. Owned by Suzhou Industrial Park Jinji Lake Urban Development, the hotel embodies a modern take on the city's architectural heritage with a design story inspired by the region's deep connection to nature.

A new centerpiece of urban architecture and design in Suzhou, Jinji Lake is a modern high-design hot spot offering a contrast to the many nearby UNESCO World Heritage Sites that have attracted visitors for generations. The bustling social and commercial center of Jinji Lake was built almost entirely within the last decade and is now a magnet for businesses, high-end residential developments and jetsetting travelers.

"We are always looking to bring W Hotels to exciting new destinations. Wherever there is a common passion for innovation and new lifestyle experiences, we see an opportunity to redefine the hospitality market, beyond the world's most well-known cities," said Anthony Ingham, Global Brand Leader, W Hotels Worldwide. "Suzhou has dramatically transformed over the last decade, welcoming modern design, art and culture, and is quickly becoming a go-to spot for global travelers. We look forward to welcoming guests to W Suzhou and are excited to bring the energy and bold design W Hotels is known for to one China's hottest growing travel destinations."



The design of W Suzhou is inspired by the historic city's UNESCO-listed classical gardens. Designed by Rockwell Group, the hotel highlights traditional and natural elements through the brand's lens of vibrant design. These concepts are integrated into the hotel's aesthetic, reinterpreting lakes, rocks, pavilions and gates as levitating elements woven throughout the hotel. At the porte cochere for example, guests are greeted by the "Crystal Cloud," a dichroic acrylic and metal chandelier that simulates the subtle flow of clouds through changes in lighting and mist.

"Greater China has become one of the most important markets for Marriott International," said Stephen Ho, Chief Executive Officer, Greater China, Marriott International. "Suzhou is known for its classical gardens and canals, but the area is also rapidly developing into a key business hub in the Jiangsu Province. The scenic city, also known as the Venice of China, attracts millions of business and leisure travelers annually, proving its readiness to welcome an iconic international brand like W into this key market."

A Lakeside Welcome
The entrance of W Suzhou is amplified with contemporary interpretations of ancient Suzhou through modern art and design. A place to unwind and socialize, the Living Room (the brand's take on the traditional hotel lobby) welcomes global travelers and locals to the up and coming destination with locally-inspired decor such as floating, pebble-like seats, which are inspired by the rocks in the classical gardens that Suzhou is known for. Additionally, walls feature photographic works of historic Suzhou alongside contemporary pieces – creating a mesmerizing interplay of classic and future Suzhou.

With 379 guestrooms and suites, each of the hotel's 11 room types feature elements of the city, and tie back to the overarching design narrative of levitation, with bathtubs, desks and beds all having the illusion of floating in space whist overlooking stunning views of Jinji Lake. W Suzhou's 45 suites, including two Extreme Wow Suites (each measuring 400 square meters), raise the bar on design and innovation for the entire destination.

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