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Raffles signs agreement extending China portfolio to Suzhou

Raffles Hotels & Resorts recently announced the signing of an agreement with real estate developer Jiangsu Golden Land to extend the luxury hotel brand’s portfolio in China to the ancient city of Suzhou.

Nicknamed the “Venice of the Orient” for its scenic canal network, Suzhou is one of China’s most ancient cities, with a history dating back 2,500 years.

“Suzhou represents a very exciting opportunity for the Raffles brand,” said Peter French, president, Raffles Hotels & Resorts. “As one of China’s leading economic centers, with a growing arts and cultural scene, the city is quickly establishing itself as a very popular regional travel destination.

The  new hotel will include over 1,400 square meters of meeting and conference facilities, five food & beverage venues including the brand’s signature Writer’s Bar and Long Bar, and a state-of-the-art Raffles Spa. The development will also include a limited selection of Raffles Residences.

Linked by expressway, Suzhou is 100 km from Shanghai Hong Qiao Airport and 120 km from Shanghai Pu Dong Airport. High-speed railways also connect the city to Nanjing and Beijing. The city’s metro system currently has two lines with plans to have another three operational by 2021.