Marriott Opens Forbidden City Extended Stay Property

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China's Forbidden City has a new neighbor. Or, 220 new neighbors, thanks to the opening of the Imperial Mansion, Beijing - Marriott Executive Apartments.

Marriott International just opened the newest 220-unit apartment, marking its fifth extended stay property in China. The Imperial Mansion, Beijing - Marriott Executive Apartments is located within the capital city's busy central business and leisure district, next door to the Forbidden City, the world's largest imperial palace.

Marriott International's Executive Apartments brand is designed for extended stay travelers, and offers the "convenience of a five-star, full-service hotel with the space, ambience and privacy of residential living to enable a comfortable stay while living away from home."

"We are pleased that the popularity of the Marriott Executive Apartments brand in China continues to grow," said Simon Cooper, president and managing director of Marriott International Asia Pacific, "and we are delighted to be opening this flagship apartment in Beijing with our great partner Beijing Tourism Group, in this iconic location."

Beijing Tourism Group is one of China's largest tourism service enterprises.

"The cooperation between Marriott International and Beijing Tourism Group is set to become a model of success in China's hospitality industry," said Rui Zong Li, board director of Beijing Tourism Group, and board director and general manager of Beijing Zi jin Century Real Estate Co., Ltd. "This cooperation also will instill new energy into the tourism market for future development. By further developing hotel management specialization, enhancing creativity of service and realizing the optimal combination of resources, we will provide world-class service for our guests and jointly create a strong platform for our further cooperation."

Ideally located in the center of Wangfujing district, the prestigious business, entertainment, and shopping area of Beijing, The Imperial Mansion, Beijing MEA Apartments is just a few minutes' walk from the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and Wangfujing subway station, offering easy accessible to business, commercial and cultural attractions.

The property offers 220 studios, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments ranging from 64 to 228 square meters.  Each apartment is designed with clean lines, accentuated by hardwood floors, contemporary furniture and modern technology. Internet is available in apartments as well as in common areas. Walk-in closets in the master bedrooms provide guests with ample space to spread out, and a professional workspace and full kitchen give each unit a residential, home-like feel. Most apartments have private balconies and all are equipped with state-of-the-art entertainment systems

A western and local delicacy gourmet breakfast is served daily at the residents lounge. Guests have 24-hour access to the fitness center, complete with a spacious playroom for children and heated 25-meter indoor infinity pool, overseeing the imperial landscape of the Forbidden City. Laundry and personalized concierge services provide guests the advantages of a five star hotel.

In addition to The Imperial Mansion, Beijing, MEA, Marriott International's portfolio in China consists of four other extended stay properties, namely the 237-unit Shanghai Tomorrow Square Marriott Executive Apartments, the 223-unit Union Square, Shanghai Pudong Marriott Executive Apartments, the 96-unit The Lakeview, Tianjin- Marriott Executive Apartments and  the 168-unit Sandalwood, Beijing - Marriott Executive Apartments.

A sixth MEA property in China is slated to open by 2013 in Shenzhen.