Marco Polo Hotels, the long established Hong Kong-based hotel management company
of The Wharf (Holdings) Limited, announces the launch of its first new brand since the
hotel group's inception in 1986. The new luxury brand, Niccolo by Marco Polo, will be a
collection of contemporary urban chic hotels to be opened in some of China's most
highly prized addresses, before expanding beyond the borders of China. The first
Niccolo hotel will open in early 2015 within the newly opened International Finance
Square (IFS) Chengdu in China's Sichuan province, with a further three Niccolo hotels to
open in Chongqing, Changsha and Suzhou. Speaking about the continued expansion of
Marco Polo Hotels, Mr Stephen Ng, Deputy Chairman and Managing Director of The
Wharf (Holdings) Limited said, "Late last year, Marco Polo Hotels announced our
expansion plans across Asia Pacific. The launch of Niccolo by Marco Polo in Chengdu is
an integral part of this growth strategy and evidence of our belief in the continued
potential of business and leisure travel across the region. The current 12 months mark
a significant milestone for our company, with the most hotel openings in a decade,
including the newest success story, Marco Polo Ortigas, Manila opening on July 9th. In
addition our spectacular Marco Polo Changzhou set in 19 acres of beautiful landscaped
gardens opening in the third quarter of this year, and now our highly anticipated Niccolo
Chengdu due to open in early 2015." Positioned as the luxury brand of Marco Polo
Hotels portfolio, Niccolo hotels will set a new benchmark of style and hospitality for the
company, one that echoes its mantra of 'New Encounters - Timeless Pleasures'. Niccolo
by Marco Polo will respond to a rising demand for today's global explorers to fulfil their
desire for elegant and alluring luxury travel experiences. Steeped in history and now an
internationally acclaimed conservation and business hub, Chengdu is on the path to
becoming China's next mega city. It was for this very reason that Chengdu was chosen
as the ideal location for the first Niccolo hotel, sharing the brand's passion for high-end
fashion, eclectic cuisine and genuine hospitality. Located in the city's flagship high-end
retailing landmark Chengdu IFS, the hotel will reside at the most coveted location on
Chunxi Road, undoubtedly the city's best address. The new Niccolo Chengdu will feature
228 rooms and suites, each designed to unite contemporary spirit with traditional style
to encapsulate 'New Encounters - Timeless Pleasures'. Niccolo's dining options will also
take its guests on a journey of culinary discovery with its signature cuisines. Inspired by
the legendary pioneer and explorer, Niccolo Polo - father of the hotel group's iconic
namesake, Marco Polo - Niccolo hotels will tempt experiential travellers with adventures
in luxury and urban discovery. City Insiders will offer a new breed of Concierge service,
becoming guests' welcoming, locally-engaged hosts. Imparting personal 'insider' tips,
they will be on-hand to open doors to the cool, the new, the hip and the happening.
With pre-eminent locations within some of China's premier upscale retail landmarks,
Niccolo is firmly entrenched in the fashion sphere and will lead with retail partnerships
exclusively available to hotel guests. Beyond couture, the Niccolo Lecture Series will
introduce guests to the pioneering explorers of this generation, inspiring them with
stories of spectacular adventures. A symphony of dramatic style and bold statements,
Niccolo hotels will be driven by fashion and lead by innovation. The new collection will
emulate the seductive and ever-evolving indulgences of the luxury retail experience,
enveloping guests in inspirational surroundings. They will become the realm within which
creativity becomes a synonym for chic and style, designing a destination that nourishes
the eyes and souls of the traveller.