This heritage building has been transformed into the first hotel in Greater China to join Sofitel’s exclusive luxury Legend Collection, and the fifth Sofitel Legend in the world.
Lofty ceilings and generous proportions in the 71 rooms and suites convey a rare feeling of time and place. Guests will enjoy all the sophisticated French pampering touches associated with Sofitel such as Hermès toiletries and French-designed floral arrangements. Additional features include personalized butler service from the moment of arrival, an extensive garden setting, private health club, swimming pool and spa, an authentic Italian restaurant, an exclusive top-floor Louis XIII Bar and a private museum. All-weather links provide easy access to the neighbouring convention centre and grand theatre. The People’s Grand Hotel Xian is part of Renmin Square, an extensive hotel complex (all under Accor management) within a 40,000 sq m landscaped garden. Ideally located inside the Ming Dynasty city walls at the heart of historic Xian, the hotel is only 15 minutes’ walk to the world’s first museum, the Forest of Steles, or to the colourful Moslem quarter where traders have flourished in the spice-laden air for many centuries. “It is very fitting that the first Legend hotel in Accor China’s portfolio should be located in the beautiful heart of this timeless city that is filled with history,” said Michael Issenberg, chairman and chief operating officer for Accor Asia Pacific. “Following extensive renovation and preparation, we are so pleased to share the exceptional service and traditional Chinese hospitality of this Sofitel Legend in Xian, in a truly legendary setting.”Acknowledged as the world’s finest city in its heyday, Xian was China’s capital through 13 dynasties. Today it is a vibrant centre for education, high technology and tourism. Long before the discovery of the Terracotta Army in 1974, Xian was already an important cultural destination for visitors eager to experience the picturesque city wall and such attractions as the Big Goose Pagoda, repository of sacred manuscripts and other items brought from India by Xuan Zang when he introduced Buddhism to China. Since its opening in 1953, The People’s Grand Hotel Xian has played a special role in the city’s history: this is where visiting Chinese leaders, including the late Premier Zhou Enlai and Marshal Chen Yi stayed, as did former premier Zhu Rongji. The guestbook has been signed by heads of state including French President François Mitterrand, royalty from Europe and Asia, captains of industry and international VIPs like Henry Kissinger.