Changing phases

From right: Alec Kong, head of China Business at Chinese Estates Holdings Ltd; Matthew Cheong, general manager of operations at Chinese Estates Holdings Ltd; Danny Lau, director of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Chengdu; Lau Ming Wai, chairman and CEO of Chinese Estates Holdings Ltd; popular actress Li Bingbing; Qian Jin, president of Greater China of Starwood Hotels and Resorts; Paul James, global brand leader of St. Regis; and Richard Deutl, general manager of The St. Regis Chengdu take part in the ribbon cutting for the new hotel. [Photo provided China Daily]

In Chengdu, celebrities, industry leaders and lion dancers gathered to witness the opening of the latest St. Regis Hotel in China and the world, 110 years after the iconic brand first started in New York, Yu Yilei and Pauline D. Loh report.

The hotel combines elements which reflect the rising importance of Chengdu as a significant economic center for Southwest China.

The sixth St. Regis in China under the Starwood umbrella combines the group's international management expertise, and investment by Hong Kong-based property giant Chinese Estates.

Physically, the 29-story hotel is part of Chinese Estates Plaza, a mixed use development of four towers right in the cultural and historic heart of Chengdu. Its distinctive architecture has already made it a new landmark in the business district.

Preparations for Chengdu's only full butler-service hotel have taken a year, but the opening on Thursday saw a congregation of celebrities－including owner representatives from Hong Kong, Starwood senior management, and leaders from the diplomatic and trade communities.

The sun came out for the occasion and on the dot at 11 am, the ceremony started with short speeches by Lau Ming Wai, chairman and chief executive officer of Chinese Estates Holdings, Danny Lau, director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Chengdu and Qian Jin, president of Greater China of Starwood Hotels and Resorts.

Also taking part in the ribbon cutting were Alec Kong and Matthew Cheong from Chinese Estates Holdings, Paul James, global brand leader of St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, and W Hotels Worldwide, and Richard Deutl, general manager of The St. Regis Chengdu.