The previously state-owned heritage property Ruijin Hotel Shanghai will be officially reopened as the InterContinental Shanghai Ruijin this summer.
The former private estate of the British Morris family – founders of the North China Daily News – was built in the 1917 and has also served as the official guesthouse of the Shanghai regional government, hosting the likes of President Nixon. In 1979, the Shanghai municipal government decided to open the hotel to the public.
Now InterContinental Hotels and Resorts will breathe new life into the hotel, by sprucing up the interiors of the rooms, but making sure to maintain the classic and historic feel of the property, says Johnnie Huang, director of marketing and communications. An entirely new wing has also been built to house the Club InterContinental and 80 guestrooms, as well as a new main reception building that has 98 rooms. Both are designed in a classic British style, to match the original heritage building at the complex’s heart. When combined with the two villas that will serve as the two presidential suites, the total number of buildings in the complex is five.
The original estate, built in 1917
The fresh new InterContinental Shanghai Ruijin will open in three stages. The first stage, which has already been completed, sees the opening of the Club Wing's 80 rooms and restaurant. The second stage is the main reception building and a French brassiere, Chinese restaurant, lobby lounge and banquet venues – which will open shortly, in the first quarter of this year.
The lobby of the original estate building
The third stage will be revealing the revamp of the two extra-large suites and the old Morris building – which consists of about 60 rooms – as well as a proposed Michelin star restaurant and a two-storey bar and night club. This third stage will open in the beginning of 2014.
For more information, visit www.ruijinhotelsh.com
Alex Andersson
