Westin opens new hotel in Nanjing CBD

The Westin Nanjing has opened in the capital of China's Jiangsu province, bringing the Starwood chain's eleventh Chinese hotel to the economic powerhouse of eastern China.

Situated on Zhongyang Road, to the west of Xuanwu Lake, the hotel is well situated for Nanjing's Hunan Road CBD area.

Rooms are outfitted with the trademark Westin Heavenly Bed, plus a work station, iPod/MP3 player dock, 42" HD-capable TV, and high-speed Internet access. 

The Westin also has a 25-metre heated indoor swimming pool and WestinWORKOUT fitness centre with all the latest mod cons.
General Manager Richard Deutl says that the Westin "will undoubtedly emerge as a top choice among business travelers", with over 10,000 feet of meeting and banquet space.

A panoramic restaurant, Seasonal Tastes, is up on the 23rd floor overlooking Xuanwu Lake, affording great views if the local smog lifts. Downstairs, two further restaurants can be found, including regional specialty Huaiyang cuisine in the Five Zen5es restaurant.

Frequent guests can take advantage of the Starwood Preferred Guest loyalty programme, which lets travellers earn free nights, room upgrades or airline miles.

Nanjing itself has been experiencing something of a renaissance, having often been overshadowed by its glitzier neighbour, Shanghai. The city now boasts China's second-tallest building, the Zifeng Tower, which contains the InterContinental Hotel Nanjing.

Across town, Fairmont Hotels have also announced that the Fairmont Nanjing will open in the new business zone of Hexi. 

Getting to Nanjing will be easier and faster once the new Beijing-Shanghai high-speed rail line, which stops at Nanjing, opens later this year.

John Walton

Aviation journalist and travel columnist John took his first long-haul flight when he was eight weeks old and hasn't looked back since. Well, except when facing rearwards in business class.