Melia Hotels International has confirmed plans to expand its luxury arm, Gran Melia, into Chengdu and Zhengzhou in China. 

The Spanish hotel chain said both properties, aimed at business elites and leisure tourists, would set the benchmark for luxury resort hotels in the local market.

Located in the new centre within the south of the city, Gran Melia Chengdu will be situated next to the Jincheng Lake and will comprise seven separate mansions inspired by Chinese Shu-Han culture. 

The 265-room hotel will offer a range of food and beverage options, a spa and fitness centre including an indoor pool, and multiple conference spaces. 

Meanwhile, Gran Melia Zhengzhou (pictured) will be situated at Zhengzhou high-speed railway commercial circle. 

Each of its 87 guest rooms and suites will feature panorama windows offering views of the river and city.

The hotel will also feature three restaurants, seven conference rooms and a 24-hour fitness centre, including a swimming pool, sauna and steam room. 

Gran Melia Zhengzhou, which will be the first Spanish luxury hotel in the region, is set to open at the end of this year. Gran Melia Chengdu will open this autumn.