2025 is becoming a significant year for the Ritz-Carlton brand. Not only is it announcing some wild hotel developments but, while it prepares to launch the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection in July, the brand just opened The Ritz-Carlton, Suzhou, which, in many ways, is a reflection of where the brand is heading on the luxury and hotel design scene.
“Suzhou, with its timeless gardens, classical canals, and centuries-old tradition of artistry and craftsmanship, offers an extraordinary setting for The Ritz-Carlton experience,” said Tina Edmundson, President of Luxury at Marriott International. “We are honoured to invite guests to immerse themselves in the city’s poetic beauty and rich heritage, reimagined through our refined lens of luxury and legendary service.”
Image credit: Marriott International
Suzhou, often referred to as the ‘Venice of the East’, boasts a rich history spanning over a thousand years and is home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the ancient Grand Canal and the renowned Classical Gardens of Suzhou.
Designed by KPF Architects, the hotel’s striking facade utilises modern techniques to reinterpret traditional Suzhou elements of layered, blue-tiled roofs, folding fan screens, and the concept of negative spaces in Chinese paintings. The interiors, conceptualised by renowned architect Peter Remedios, pay homage to Suzhou’s storied silk trade and the iconic classical gardens. Neutral tones set a serene backdrop, accentuating the contrast of white walls and black tiles, while intricate lattice windows and silk-inspired motifs weave a refined narrative throughout. The result is an understated elegance that harmoniously reflects the city’s rich heritage.
The hotel features 190 spacious guest rooms and suites, including 57 luxurious suites of 86-square metres. Each room takes inspiration from the minimalist Suzhou architecture of crisp black lines on white, defining shapes and silhouettes in its utmost simplicity. The modern Chinese aesthetic is further enhanced by traditional embroideries that depict bridges over streams, creating an immersive sense of place. The Ritz-Carlton Suite, spanning 306-square meters, offers an open terrace with panoramic views of the lush Gusu cityscape and Suzhou’s iconic gardens.
Meanwhile, the hotel’s four restaurants and bars blend The Ritz-Carlton’s culinary craftsmanship with the region’s vibrant food culture. Alkanna, the hotel’s specialty restaurant, serves modern bistro fare alongside a boutique à la carte menu and a selection of oven-grilled steaks. The Alkanna Bar offers an extensive wine collection and a unique cocktail menu featuring herbal-based specialties. Additionally, Feng Pan Ting, a Chinese tea lounge, showcases Suzhou’s famous tea culture, offering performances by tea masters and an array of authentic local delicacies. Biao Xia, the Chinese restaurant, offers Huaiyang cuisine exquisitely crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, capturing the spirit of the destination.
Main image credit: Marriott International
