Pan Pacific Suzhou

Suzhou

Suzhou, in the Jiangsu province, is a source of surprise and delight. Founded in 514 B.C. by the sovereign He Lu, the city is one of the most beautiful in all of China. Crisscrossed by a number of canals, Suzhou was an active and prosperous commercial city, with silk as its primary industry. Marco Polo wrote about the great talent he observed of the artists used to build the gardens and temples of Suzhou. Today, the gardens of the city remain its great treasure, with no less than 170, some of which have been declared world heritages by UNESCO for being masterpieces of Chinese landscaping in which art, nature and ideas blend perfectly to create gardens of immense beauty and peaceful harmony.

When Pan Pacific meets Suzhou

In the heart of bustling Suzhou, not far from the Singapore Industrial Park and the new quarter, the economic pulse of the city, the Pan Pacific Suzhou is a haven of peace, sheltered from the hustle and bustle of urban life. It is undoubtedly the most beautiful luxury hotel in the city whose classical façades pay tribute to the splendor and culture of the inhabitants of the Jiangnan region. The entrance to the Pan Pacific has a handsome reproduction of the famous Panmen Gate, the last vestige of the ancient rampart surrounding the city, also called the Gate of Earth and Water. Formerly the property of the Sheraton group, the hotel underwent some important renovation during the year 2009 before being taken over by the Pan Pacific Hotel Chain, which meant not only a change of owners, but a new “art de vivre” and a new way to receive guests. On June 1^st, 2010, barely six months after its official reopening, Pan Pacific Suzhou was awarded two prestigious prizes recognizing its unique style of architecture which respects the region’s cultural traditions. The hotel, although a bit off the city center, is an excellent departure point for excursions to Lake Taihu or the Hanshan temple.

“To respect the local community and its culture has been one of the cornerstones of Pan Pacific’s philosophy. The prizes should encourage us in our efforts to make Pan Pacific a true icon in China, where guests at our establishments can experience modern comforts linked to personalized service.” (Jeffrey Ong, Hotel director)