luxury restored Alexandra Champalimaud melds Eastern and Western cultures in an iconic hotel By Michael Adams Photography by Ralf Tooten The Astor Hotel, in the bustling metropolis of Tianjin, China, has enjoyed a rich history since its origins in 1863 as an expatriate haven built by British missionaries. Over the years, it became the site of important diplomatic meetings, and hosted dignitaries from Herbert Hoover to Premier Zhou En Lai, events that earned it the distinction of being the only hotel worthy of inclusion in the National Cultural Relic Preservation Project. (The Astor name does not reference the historic U.S. name, but is derived from three Chinese characters representing Confucian ideals.) 248 hospitalitydesign www.hospitalitydesign.comhttp://www.hospitalitydesign.com