Marco Polo Hotels debuts its first new brand since the hotel group's inception in 1986: Niccolo by Marco Polo, a collection of contemporary urban chic hotels to be opened in some of China's most highly prized addresses, before expanding beyond the borders of China.

The first Niccolo hotel will open in early 2015 within the newly opened International Finance Square (IFS) Chengdu in China's Sichuan province, with a further three Niccolo hotels to open in Chongqing, Changsha and Suzhou.

Speaking about the continued expansion of Marco Polo Hotels, Mr Stephen Ng, Deputy Chairman and Managing Director of The Wharf (Holdings) Limited said, "Late last year, Marco Polo Hotels announced our expansion plans across Asia Pacific. The launch of Niccolo by Marco Polo in Chengdu is an integral part of this growth strategy and evidence of our belief in the continued potential of business and leisure travel across the region. The current 12 months mark a significant milestone for our company, with the most hotel openings in a decade, including the newest success story, Marco Polo Ortigas, Manila opening on July 9th. In addition our spectacular Marco Polo Changzhou set in 19 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens opening in the third quarter of this year, and now our highly anticipated Niccolo Chengdu due to open in early 2015."

Positioned as the luxury brand of Marco Polo Hotels portfolio, Niccolo hotels will set a new benchmark of style and hospitality for the company, one that echoes its mantra of 'New Encounters - Timeless Pleasures'.

Niccolo by Marco Polo will respond to a rising demand for today's global explorers to fulfil their desire for elegant and alluring luxury travel experiences. Steeped in history and now an internationally acclaimed conservation and business hub, Chengdu is on the path to becoming China's next mega city.

It was for this very reason that Chengdu was chosen as the ideal location for the first Niccolo hotel, sharing the brand's passion for high-end fashion, eclectic cuisine and genuine hospitality. Located in the city's flagship high-end retailing landmark Chengdu IFS, the hotel will reside at the most coveted location on Chunxi Road, undoubtedly the city's best address. The new Niccolo Chengdu will feature 228 rooms and suites, each designed to unite contemporary spirit with traditional style to encapsulate 'New Encounters - Timeless Pleasures'. Niccolo's dining options will also take its guests on a journey of culinary discovery with its signature cuisines.

Inspired by the legendary pioneer and explorer, Niccolo Polo - father of the hotel group's iconic namesake, Marco Polo - Niccolo hotels will tempt experiential travellers with adventures in luxury and urban discovery. City Insiders will offer a new breed of Concierge service, becoming guests' welcoming, locally-engaged hosts. Imparting personal 'insider' tips, they will be on-hand to open doors to the cool, the new, the hip and the happening.

With pre-eminent locations within some of China's premier upscale retail landmarks, Niccolo is firmly entrenched in the fashion sphere and will lead with retail partnerships exclusively available to hotel guests. Beyond couture, the Niccolo Lecture Series will introduce guests to the pioneering explorers of this generation, inspiring them with stories of spectacular adventures.

A symphony of dramatic style and bold statements, Niccolo hotels will be driven by fashion and lead by innovation. The new collection will emulate the seductive and ever-evolving indulgences of the luxury retail experience, enveloping guests in inspirational surroundings. They will become the realm within which creativity becomes a synonym for chic and style, designing a destination that nourishes the eyes and souls of the traveller.