The Four Seasons hotel chain has opened its latest China offering in Shenzhen with 266 rooms and suites, according to the hotel. Perhaps in an attempt to stand out from the crowd, it is offering iPad Minis on which the guest directory can be accessed, and “rooms also offer Nespresso [coffee] machines.”

However, it is unclear whether guests will be able to use the iPad Minis for other purposes, such as web browsing and maps services, and whether the devices will be available in all 266 rooms. It certainly seems viable, and would be a move that would likely go down well with guests.

More generally, the new branch is a clear sign that the company expects the city’s growth and relevance to remain strong going forward, citing its hi-tech and electronics industry as well as its place as one of the country’s major banking and financial centres. It also notes that UNESCO lists Shenzhen as the “City of Design.”

The new Four Seasons will be “within walking distance of… the Civic Centre” and is “located in the heart of the vibrant new downtown within just ten minutes’ drive of the Huanggang and Futian borders to Hong Kong,” according to a press release.

Now, does anyone want to wager how long it will be before somebody tries to checkout with an iPad Mini shoved in their briefcase?

Photo credit: Four Seasons