I love hearing about hotels opening up in places less travelled – after all, it means a whole new opportunity for an adventure and not to mention eye-opening travel. So I’m always listening in to the travel-industry-grapevine about exciting, new properties in unique destination opening up. And my latest eavesdrop that caught my ears is a little bit of Spain in deepest, darkest China, the GRAND MELIA XIAN.
What are the Spaniards doing in China, I hear you ask? Well as part of the brand’s Asia-Pacific expansion strategy, the Grand Melia Xian is the flagship of twenty new Melia properties in the region. But with the race for Asian dominance hotting up, Melia doesn’t just take-on the obvious destinations, but tries its hand at something a little different.
Xian may not spring to anyone’s mind immediately on calling its name. But this outpost in China has for centuries been welcoming visitors from all walks of life – the Sino-philes among you may know it as Chang’an. It is after all, one of the oldest cities in China, with a 3,000 year old history and civilisation rivalling the power of Rome. It was also the country’s ancient gateway, positioned at the start of the famed Silk Road and also home to the legendary Terracotta Warriors. Today Xian has re-emerged as a crucial cultural centre of this vast nation’s North West, playing on its heritage of one of China’s four great ancient capitals.
Strategically located a short distance from the tourist attractions and the major highways, the Gran Meliá Xian offers 389 luxurious rooms, including 54 suites, all offering fantastic views of the gardens and lake. A superior product compared to the existing hotel supply, the hotel sets to redefine hospitality in the area.
At OutThere, we believe in boundless travel. But we understand that some destinations can pose challenges to travellers that complicate visiting them. We advise all visitors to inform themselves about local legislation and customs, and to work with a trusted travel provider in order to ensure a safe and pleasant holiday.
