Dusit International dreams big in China, while Marriott bring its playful Moxy brand to Mexico City

30 December, 2019

The year has ended with a number of additional hotel project confirmations, the most notable among them being plans by Dusit International to expand its China presence with two new hotels in Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province and Marriott International signing a deal with Grupo Elipse to bring its Moxy brand to Mexico City.

Leading Thailand hotel and property development companies Dusit International, through its representative in China, Dusit Fudu Hotels and Resorts, has signed a management agreement with Jiangxi Hot Spring River Hotel Operation and Management to operate two new properties in the Anyuan County of Ganzhou City, Jiangxi Province, Eastern China.

Operating under Dusit International's upper-upscale Dusit Thani and upper-midscale Dusit Princess brands respectively, both properties will be located near the entrance of Mount Sanbai National Park. Dusit International currently operates nine hotels in China and has 26 properties in the pipeline.

This scenic area is renowned for its abundant forests, stunning hiking trails, beautiful hot springs, and well-preserved Hakka houses with history dating back to the 17th century and is approximately 90 minutes by car from Ganzhou's Huangjin airport and around 30 minutes from the high-speed train station.

Designed to cater to corporate and leisure travellers alike, the deluxe Dusit Thani Hot Springs Resort will comprise 500 guest rooms and suites set within a luxurious hot springs experience. The resort's wide range of facilities and amenities will include an all-day dining restaurant, a Chinese restaurant, a gym, natural hot springs pools, Dusit's signature Devarana Spa, and a 1,000 square metre pillarless ballroom with adjoining meeting rooms.

Located next to the Dusit Thani resort, the Dusit Princess Serviced Residence, meanwhile, will comprise 260 apartments, an all-day dining restaurant, and a lobby lounge. The upper-midscale property will focus on in-room essentials, says Dusit, including "premium quality-bed, a cosy bathroom with a powerful shower, a range of modern amenities, and creative, vibrant décor".

Meanwhile, Marriott International has signed a contract with Grupo Elise to debut the company's millennial-focused Moxy Hotels brand in Mexico. The property is slated to rise in Chapultepec with close proximity to the Roma Norte neighbourhood, characterised by a contemporary art scene, hipster culture and vibrant nightlife and Mexicos prestigious Paseo de La Reforma.

Construction on the Moxy Mexico City is expected to begin in late 2020, with the opening expected in 2022. The hotel will feature 120 small yet cosy guest rooms with smart modular furniture and hi-tech touches, embracing today's Millennial traveller. It will include an exclusive rooftop bar featuring stunning skyline views.

Moxy currently operates 50 experiential hotels open across North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. "Moxy is a great fit for Mexico City, a destination known for its vibrancy, youthful energy, and dynamic arts culture and we see significant potential for this brand throughout Mexico and Latin America," says Laurent de Kousemaeker, chief development officer, Marriott International in the Caribbean and Latin America.

Ne says the new project's design will include "buzzing public spaces" aimed to be the centre of activity for guests featuring an "industrial chic look, bold programming with local flavour, and communal tables offering plenty of opportunities to plug and play". Additionally, Grupo Elipse plans to feature a vibrant B&F program including its 24/7 grab and go offering and an amped up bar experience.