Marriott's new Manhattan hotel caters to Chinese

Photo provided to China Daily

Marriott's new dual-branded hotel that opened in midtown Manhattan in early January is not only an iconic addition to the New York skyline, but also caters to a growing number of international visitors who are staying longer and spending more money.

Reportedly the tallest single-use hotel in North America, it combines a 378-room Courtyard hotel and a 261-suite Residence Inn hotel. The 68-story building, an ownership of G Holdings, provides visitors convenient access to the Big Apple's many landmarks, including Central Park, Times Square, Carnegie Hall and Rockefeller Center.

Even without leaving the hotel, guests can enjoy spectacular views of New York via floor-to-ceiling windows in the hotel's dining areas, meeting space, fitness center and some guest rooms. The experience is further enriched by sculptures and full-wall murals created by abstract expressionist artist William DeBilzan.

According to the official tourism organization, NYC & Company, New York welcomed 54.3 million visitors in 2013 with international travelers accounting for nearly 21 percent. That percentage has more than doubled over the past decade.

Among them there are a growing number of Chinese visitors who often make New York their arrival destination and then explore other cities across the United States and North America.

"Cities like New York, San Francisco, Vancouver and Los Angeles are the first cities to welcome increasing Chinese travelers," Arne Sorenson, president and chief executive officer of Marriott International, told China Daily. "We're trying to make sure that Chinese-language media, Chinese breakfast and Chinese-speaking staff are available."

China is Marriott's biggest market in Asia, and will gain more than 150 new hotels under Marriott's umbrella in the next three years, expanding from the current 16 cities to more than 50 by 2016.