Rejuvenation of the Lido name

With so many hotels cropping up in the megacities of China, it is getting harder to find a unique selling point. One hotel, however, has a historical advantage, as Li Fusheng reports from Beijing.

For most veteran hoteliers working in China, one name has always inspired awe and respect. When the Lido opened in 1984, it marked the debut partnership between a Chinese property owner and the InterContinental Hotel Group.

The Lido name is again commanding attention as the partners join hands once more 30 years later with the unveiling of the Crowne Plaza Beijing Lido on March 1, next to its original venture.

The 22-story hotel is 15 kilometers from the airport and the Forbidden City, an easy distance for international travelers.

"If you like shopping and dining, you have malls and restaurants within walking distance and it takes just 20 minutes to reach Sanlitun," says general manager Anna Stackler. Sanlitun is a popular hangout for expatriates in Beijing.

She adds that 99.9 percent of taxi drivers know the Lido and that is convenient for guests who do not know the area well, and especially for those who do not speak Chinese.

In the hotel, there are also many things for guests to enjoy if they would like to stay in.

One popular hangout is the lobby lounge, T-Zone, where they can comfortably have a cup of coffee and chat with loved ones and friends.

The all-day dining venue Matrix offers all-day coffee and beverages and a wonderful selection of a la carte favorites as well as buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner. The restaurant Mixing features modern and elegant decor as a setting for classic and contemporary Cantonese dishes.

Another highlight is Char, a New York-style steakhouse, which offers guests premium brand 300-day grain fed Wagyu beef imported from Australia. Award-winning wines Old World and New World are available to match the fine food.