Source: Nuo Hotels
Source: Nuo Hotels

On November 26, 2013, NUO Hotel Beijing set the stage for a new chapter with the unveiling of its model rooms, the introduction of its new General Manager, and the launch of NUO Travel. NUO Hotel Beijing, the group's flagship hotel, recently completed the topping-off ceremony for its 28-storey building and is on track to open by 2015.Adrian Rudin, the hotel's newly appointed general manager, is leading his team in creating the NUO story, as well as contributing to the creation of the unique NUO Travel Experience, aimed at extending the NUO brand of hospitality to all corners of the globe.

NUO Hotels stirred up a fresh breeze through the elite levels of the hotel industry when it was introduced at the inauguration ceremony on 20September 2012 at the Temple of Heaven inBeijing. As a Chinese luxury hotel brand, NUO Hotels draws inspiration from the country's 5,000 years of history and cultural heritage and is committed to serving as a custodian of traditional Chinese culture. The brand promises to offer a full range of modern luxurious experiences, while focusing on promoting contemporary Chinese art and low-carbon green intelligence at its hotels. The core philosophies are encapsulated by four key brand pillars: Chinese, contemporary, luxury, and green. With the mission to "build a Chinese national brand that will forge an international path," NUO Hotels serves as a pioneer in fulfilling the "The Chinese Dream" for the hotel industry.

Low-carbon intelligence - the promise for a green and healthy lifestyle

Adhering to its promise of environmental sustainability, NUO carefully followed the gold- level certificate standards of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system when constructing NUO Hotel Beijing. As a result, the building achieved pre-certification in the early stages of construction.

NUO Hotel Beijing is equipped with a sophisticated air purification system, efficiently filtering up to 90% of PM 2.5 particles in hotel guest rooms and public areas, thereby ensuring indoor air quality amidst outdoor pollution and urban smog. In addition, an energy-saving curtain wall system designed by the German firm Schuco reduces air- conditioning and heating inefficiencies. In the hotel lobby and ballroom, natural light is used strategically and combined with an intelligent lighting control system and light emitting diode (LED) bulbs to drastically reduce energy consumption.

No detail has been spared at NUO Hotel Beijing. The hotel will live up to its promise of being a low-carbon intelligent hotel, one that is committed to energy conversation and environmental protection. NUO Hotels will extend this promise by cooperating with trade industry leaders in developing standard criteria for other low-carbon hotels around the world and by joining the World Travel and Tourism Council's (WTTC) low-carbon hotel organisation.

Adrian Rudin, general manager NUO Hotel Beijing

Adrian Rudinjoined NUO Hotel Beijing as general manager inAugust 2013. A Swiss national with more than 30 years of global luxury hospitality experience, Rudin previously held general management and senior leadership positions at Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and Peninsula Hotel Group. He will lead the NUO Hotels team in establishing and maintaining international standards, while adapting them to the principles of NUO etiquette. One aspect of the etiquette will be the development of the 'Chinese Entourage' concept which originated from the Ming Dynasty.

With an appetite for challenge and adventure, Rudin pursues a diverse range of interests. He enjoys the thrill of skydiving, skiing and mountain climbing, and has even reached base camp at Mount Everest. An avid aficionado of Chinese cuisine and culture, Rudin's Chinese name is "Lu Yijun," which bears a similar pronunciation to "Lu Junyi," a skilful warrior also known as "Jade Kylin" in the famous ancient Chinese folktale, "The Story by the Water Margin."

NUO Travel - a full range of exclusive travel services

With NUO Travel, NUO guests will enjoy the benefits of seamless, luxurious service, not only within the hotel, but at every step of their journey around the world.

In addition to providing exclusive limousine and travel services for NUO hotel properties, NUO Travel's transport and travel network will cover airports in 33 cities inChinaand 57 international cities. NUO Travel possesses strong partnerships with professional service teams around the world, such as chefs, interpreters, butlers and private security to cater to the needs of today's discriminating global traveller.

NUO Travel also provides private jet and yacht services and guests may choose between a Gulfstream 450 business jet or a Bombardier's Challenger 650. For luxury cruising, guests may select a Ferretti 881 super yacht, the flagship yacht from prestigious Italian manufacturer Ferretti Yachts or O'CEANOS motor yacht from Italian yacht builderMondo Marine.

NUO Travel is an upscale travel service company that enables guests, who may have seen and done it all, the chance to rediscover the world from a different perspective. For instance, guests may pursue the latest works in contemporary art and fashion as distinguished visitors at Baselworld or Milan Fashion week; journey on a 128-passenger capacity Russian nuclear-powered icebreaker, the "50 Let Potedy," to explore the icy wonders of the Arctic; or travel to Inari,Finlandto experience the frigid charm of an ice hotel and soak up the spectacular scenery of the Northern Lights from the comfort of their very own igloo. They may wish to savour the thrill of a dogsled ride or visit Santa Claus' village via snowmobile, follow the roaming trails of wild reindeer or engage with members of the Sami minority and learn about ancient customs and traditions. They may the best seats see spectacular fireworks during a summer carnival at Cote D'Azur or soak up the Tahitian sun in a chic little cottage above the azure water.

The topping off of NUO Hotel Beijing, the appointment of the first NUO Hotel general manager and the establishment of NUO Travel are all significant milestones in NUO Hotels' journey as a Chinese luxury hotel brand and mark the beginnings of its ambition to become the calling card of luxurious Chinese hospitality.

Stay tuned for the grand opening of NUO Hotel Beijing in early 2015.