Crystal Orange

Crystal Orange Hotel Group operates as a chain of boutique hotels, carving out a specific niche in China's competitive hospitality market by offering designer accommodations at budget-friendly prices. The company was established in 2006 by Wu Hai, a seasoned entrepreneur in China's online travel sector. Before venturing into the hotel industry, Wu Hai founded China's first online travel agency that provided hotel booking services in 1997 and later co-founded Fortunetrip in 2001. His experience in the online travel business, including a stint at Ctrip, provided him with deep insights into customer preferences, which informed his decision to create a hotel brand that would stand out.

The company's strategy focuses on the mid-range market, a segment Wu identified as underserved between high-end luxury hotels and budget chains. Crystal Orange operates under three main brands to cater to different market segments: Crystal Orange Hotel, Orange Hotel Select, and Orange Hotel. The hotels are known for their distinctive, modern, and sometimes sci-fi-inspired designs, aiming to provide a unique experience to guests. Guest rooms are equipped with amenities that often surpass those of international five-star hotels, such as high-end bathroom fixtures, large-screen TVs, and advanced sound systems. The business model primarily targets young business professionals and consumers in China's first and second-tier cities looking for a different and higher quality experience.

A significant milestone in the company's history was its acquisition by Huazhu Hotels Group (now H World Group) in May 2017 for approximately RMB 3.65 billion. This strategic move integrated Crystal Orange into one of China's largest hotel networks, allowing it to leverage Huazhu's extensive resources, including its membership program, IT infrastructure, and procurement services, while maintaining its independent operation and brand identity. Following the acquisition, Wu Hai continued to lead the Crystal Orange unit. The integration aimed to combine Crystal Orange's unique boutique positioning with Huazhu's broad market coverage and development capabilities.

Keywords: boutique hotel, mid-range hotels, hotel chain, China hospitality, designer hotels, hotel management, Wu Hai, Huazhu Group, H World Group, accommodation services, travel industry, Orange Hotel Select, hotel investment, hotel operations, Beijing hotels, Shanghai hotels, Chinese hotel market, guest experience, hotel branding, lifestyle hotel