The debut of Millennium Hotels' lifestyle brand 'M Social' in China.
The bold and stylish brand, M Social is heralding its maiden foray in China with the opening of M Social Suzhou today (26 April). The 294-room luxury lifestyle hotel is the first and flagship M Social-branded property in China, signalling a move for future expansion in the Greater China region.
M Social is the lifestyle brand of global hotel group, Millennium Hotels and Resorts (MHR), and the brainchild of property-hotel veteran MHR Executive Chairman Mr Kwek Leng Beng. It was first launched in Singapore in 2016 to cater to the young, 'brave' and social media savvy.
With the opening of M Social Suzhou, the brand now has five physical locations including Singapore, Auckland, New York and Paris. It also has a virtual hotel, M Social Decentraland, marking MHR the world's first hospitality group to enter the metaverse.
Location of M Social Suzhou
M Social Suzhou is located in the heart of Hong Leong City Center (HLCC) in the central part of Suzhou Industrial Park, a China-Singapore cooperative high-tech park to drive innovation with emerging, high-end industries. HLCC is an iconic integrated development by CDL China, a subsidiary of MHR's parent, international property giant City Developments Limited (CDL).
M Social Suzhou occupies a prime location by Jinji Lake, adjacent to Times Square, Jiu Guang Department Store, Eslite Spectrum, Ferris Wheel Park and other shopping and commercial centres. It is also a short walk away from the Suzhou International Expo Center and Suzhou Culture and Arts Centre.
An Experience to Remember
With interiors designed by renowned architect KCA International, M Social Suzhou is designed with the aim for guests to gather and share experiences in an inclusive and relaxed environment.
The custom-made brass floor, inlaid with the pattern of a garden path, guides guests to the elevator halls. Dynamic electronic art screens and changing lighting effects on the digital art ceiling form a rich visual experience and showcase the hotel's vibrant personality. The industrial chic style of the lower-level lobby is carried over to the sky lobby on the 25th floor, with its open layout featuring cloud-pattern panels, a concrete-framed chandelier, and exposed metal grills.
Ranging from 40 to 409 square metres (sqm), all 294 guestrooms and suites are aesthetically designed with picturesque views of Jinji Lake and the Eastern Gate of Suzhou. Guests staying at the hotel's 409 sqm Mega Cool Suite will be awed by its 270-degree breathtaking view of Jinji Lake and luxurious furnishings, a 75-inch ultra-high-definition TV, an impressive open bathroom, as well as a large kitchen and bar.
M Social Suzhou also offers 728 sqm of ballroom space which can accommodate social and business events of different sizes, a 1,200 sqm fitness centre, a swimming pool and a spa.
Delectable Dining with Views to Match
The hotel has three restaurants and bars, each with its unique features to offer guests a memorable dining experience.
Located on the 25th floor, the Beast & Butterflies Restaurant presents a panoramic view of Suzhou's bustling cityscape. Guests can interact with the chef in the open kitchen as he whips up recipes from around the world, combining highlights of Chinese and Western cuisine with traditional Suzhou and Southeast Asian flavours.
The Beast & Butterflies Bar, with its open seat plan, offers exquisitely crafted afternoon tea as well as various types of tea and aromatic coffee brewed by the hotel's tea sommelier. In the evening, diners can enjoy DJ and band performances while soaking in the magnificent city iGuests can also savour Chinese cuisine classics at the Canton 8 Chinese Restaurant, with five floral-themed private rooms for larger groups.
Expanding the M Social Brand
Mr Kwek is also the Executive Chairman of Hong Leong Group, of which MHR and its parent, Singapore-listed property giant City Developments Limited (CDL) are members. Hong Leong Group is one of Asia's largest and most successful conglomerates.
MHR plans to grow the brand in more physical locations includng London, New York, Sunnyvale, Phuket and key cities in the Middle East.
