After witnessing explosive growth in its hotel industry last year, Shanghai has continued to see new hotel openings in 2019. Some are international luxury brands’ first properties in Asia, some showcase how local culture can be integrated into hotel design and services, whilst others focus on enticing a new generation of travellers with more customised services. What’s more, most hotels are now about mixing business and leisure, so besides meeting the demands of business travellers, they also cater for leisure and family guests.
Here is our round up of some of the recently opened hotels in Shanghai – a testament to the city’s rapid development as an international metropolis.
An organic mix of art and local culture
Hotel Indigo Shanghai Jing’an
Each Hotel Indigo property is designed to uniquely reflect the local culture, and Hotel Indigo Shanghai Jing’an is no exception. With its opening in October 2018, the hotel has become the third Hotel Indigo property in Shanghai and the 10th in the Greater China region.
Hotel Indigo Shanghai Jing’an is located near Suzhou River. The overall design of the hotel draws inspiration from both the local Haipai culture and the neighbourhood’s cinematic heritage. At the end of the 19th century, the neighbourhood developed a thriving film culture: the first recorded screening of a motion picture in China took place here on August 11, 1896.
The hotel has 119 guestrooms divided into six categories, as well as two main dining outlets. One can find local Shanghainese street food at Docks Café that serves Asian cuisine, whilst two-storey 500 Restaurant and Bar provides Western fine dining experiences along with tailor-made cocktails. Guests can also visit the hotel’s Shell Library fully stocked with a variety of both Chinese and Western books and newspapers. Culture salons are also held here regularly to help guests fully experience authentic Shanghainese culture.
Address 28 Yutong Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai
Contact +86 21 5253 9988; ihg.com
Pullman Shanghai Qingpu Excellence
Pullman Shanghai Qingpu Excellence opened its doors in April this year. Located within the Shanghai Qingpu Industrial Zone, it also offers easy access to nearby leisure attractions such as the Zhujiajiao ancient town, Dianshan Lake and Shanghai Grand View Garden, which underscores Pullman’s business-meets-pleasure concept.
The design of the lobby is inspired by the canals and lakes of the surrounding Qingpu District and features Pullman’s “The Junction” concept to offer a relaxed, open and trendy space for work and play. Meanwhile, the communal space on the second floor showcases the Pullman Artist Playground series of exhibitions in partnership with local artists, photographers, sculptors, painters and designers.
The hotel has 292 guestrooms and suites, as well as a variety of dining options including all-day dining eatery Yue Cafe, The Q Seafood & Grill, and Azur, a Chinese restaurant that specialises in Shanghainese, Cantonese and local Qingpu cuisine. The 800-sqm pillarless grand ballroom, which is connected to an outdoor terrace, and there are also seven function rooms offering over 1,600 sqm of event space. Other onsite facilities include a fitness centre, an indoor pool, a business centre and an executive lounge.
Address 1, Lane 340, Zhuying Road, Qingpu District, Shanghai
Contact +86 21 3108 8888; accorhotels.com
Luxury brands’ China debut
JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Shanghai Pudong
China’s first JW Marriott Marquis hotel opened near the Huangpu River in Shanghai this August. This is also the world’s fourth JW Marriott Marquis hotel and the brand’s first property in Asia.
The 39-storey property, owned by China’s Luneng Group, is close to Lujiazui central business district, and features a unique architectural design with sustainable exterior glass panels that slant 12-17 degrees, which not only provides guests a broader view of the cityscape, but also reduces light pollution.
The hotel has 515 guestrooms and suites. In-room amenities include Simmons mattresses, a 55-inch Samsung flat screen TV, surround sound systems and Nespresso coffee machine. The hotel’s more than 7,600 sqm of event space consists of two grand ballrooms, two meeting rooms and 12 multifunction rooms and banquet venues.
Guests can also expect to experience both Chinese and Western style fine dining. Major dining options include all-day dining restaurant The Merchant Kitchen; Flint, the hotel’s grill and bar whose “industrial-chic decor” reinterprets the style of New York in the mid-19th century; and the three-storey Le Manoir Ling that features a fusion menu of French and Cantonese cuisine.
Address 988 Puming Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai
Contact +86 21 3809 8888; marriott.com
The Westbund Hotel Shanghai
Set to open in 2020, The Westbund Hotel Shanghai is the London-based Rocco Forte Hotels’ first property in Asia. The hotel will be situated along the Xuhui Riverside on the West Bund of the Huangpu River, which is home to a number of galleries, museums, theatres and boutiques. The location also offers easy access to the former French Concession, Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center, and the two airports in Shanghai (Pudong and Hongqiao).
The hotel will feature 219 guestrooms and suites, with sizes starting from 70 sqm. Dining outlets will include the Gabriella Italian restaurant, the Long Xuan Cantonese restaurant, the Tea Room for afternoon tea and the rooftop Conservatory Bar that offers panoramic views of the West Bund.
Event facilities will comprise a 1,077-sqm Westbund Hall that can accommodate up to 780 guests with a dedicated driveway for car access, the 673-sqm The Rocco Forte Ballroom, as well as nine multi-purpose function rooms. In terms of wellness options, the hotel will be equipped with a fitness centre, an infinity pool and a two-storey The Rocco Forte Spa.
Address 688 Yunjin Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai
Contact +86 21 6082 3480; roccofortehotels.com
Co-developing with emerging regions
Radisson Blu Forest Manor Shanghai Hongqiao
Radisson Blu is Radisson Hotel Group’s upscale hotel brand. The opening of Radisson Blu Forest Manor Shanghai Hongqiao in May this year marks the group’s further expansion in China. Located in the Hongqiao business district, the urban resort is close to Shanghai’s National Exhibition and Convention Centre, Hongqiao International Airport and Hongqiao Railway Station.
A total of 439 rooms and suites are offered at the hotel and all feature a balcony. Guests staying in Executive rooms and suites also get access to the Executive Lounge, which provides services such as private check-in and check-out, use of meeting rooms, a business centre, and all-day refreshments.
The hotel has nine venues for meetings or events, offering over 1,700 sqm of event space. Recreational facilities include a fitness centre, a spa, a 25-metre indoor swimming pool and a 1,000-sqm outdoor polygonal pool that features a children’s play pool, while dining options consist of the all-day dining eatery The Open Kitchen, Liqing Chinese Restaurant and a lobby lounge.
Address 839 Jinfeng Road, Minhang District, Shanghai
Contact +86 21 5329 8888; radissonhotels.com
Sheraton Shanghai Fengxian
Earlier this year, the 82-year-old Sheraton Hotels brand unveiled its new logo as it continues its transformation. Sheraton Shanghai Fengxian, which opened in July this year, became the first property in the Asia-Pacific region to use the new brand logo.
Located in Shanghai’s southern Fengxian District, the 290-key property is surrounded by ancient villages and green parks. Bathrooms are equipped with a separate tub and feature aromatic amenities from Le Grand Bain.
In terms of F&B outlets, the all-day dining restaurant S Kitchen, which features an open kitchen, specialises in both local and western delicacies, while Yu Chinese Resturant serves authentic Huaiyang cuisine and has 10 private dining rooms. The executive lounge on the 17th floor offers good views overlooking the surrounding area and complimentary services. The hotel also has more than 1,000 sqm of event space, and recreational facilities include an indoor heated swimming pool, a fitness centre and a kids’ club.
Address 228, Lane 3111, Nanfeng Highway, Qingcun Town, Fengxian District, Shanghai
Contact +86 21 6759 8888; marriott.com
Courtyard by Marriott Shanghai Minhang
Courtyard by Marriott Shanghai Minhang is the first international brand hotel located within Zizhu National Hi-tech Industrial Development Zone, which is home to companies such as Microsoft, Intel and Exxonmobil.
The hotel’s 233 guestrooms and suites are outfitted with complimentary wifi, 55-inch flat-screen HDTVs, and ergonomic sofas. Guests can enjoy views of either the hi-tech park or the surrounding greenery from their room.
The ground floor Pavilion Restaurant is an all-day dining eatery offering a variety of international cuisine and local signature selections. A chef’s table and private dining room are available for more intimate occasions. The lobby lounge serves afternoon tea, light snacks or all-day refreshments. Both dining outlets feature indoor and outdoor seating. The hotel’s executive lounge is also on the same floor.
The hotel has around 768 sqm of event space, including a 480-sqm ballroom and four multifunction rooms. It also has an in-house fitness centre, and hotel guests can choose to do some hiking or jogging along the scenic walkways in the Minhang Huangpu Riverside area.
Address Building 3, 588 Zixing Road, Minhang District, Shanghai
Contact +86 21 3402 9000; marriott.com
Multifunctional space for new generation travellers
Aloft Shanghai Zhangjiang Haike
Shanghai’s first Aloft hotel is located in Zhangjiang High Technology Park, which is home to many pharmaceutical, biotech, hi-tech, electric and IT companies. The hotel is only a 10-minute drive from both Shanghai New International Expo Centre and Shanghai Disneyland. The nearest metro station is Zhongke Road Station on Line 13, from which is a five-minute walk to the hotel.
The 191 guestrooms are equipped with flat-panel TV with satellite channels, walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads and custom bath amenities by Bliss Spa. Event facilities include a 520-sqm ballroom and five function rooms.
The communal spaces are a major highlight of the hotel. Nook is an all-day dining venue offering both breakfast buffet and à la carte menus for lunch and dinner, while Re:Fuel is a grab-and-go eatery for snacks and light meals. There’s also a WXYZ Lounge for drinks. The 24-hour fitness centre Re:Charge is outfitted with a variety of cardiovascular equipment, which allows guests to work out at any time of the day.
Address 550 Haike Road, Zhangjiang, Pudong New District, Shanghai
Contact +86 21 3816 8888; marriott.com
Citizen M Shanghai Hongqiao
The second Citizen M hotel in the Greater China region and the Dutch brand’s 15th property in the world opened this June in Shanghai’s Hongqiao business district. It’s only a 20-minute taxi ride from Hongqiao International Airport, and a nine-minute walk from the nearest Ziteng Road metro station on Line 10. The hotel also provides easy access to Mixc shopping mall, Qibao ancient town and Caohejing Hi-tech Park.
When you step into the hotel lobby that is designed as a living room, instead of the traditional reception area, you’ll find self-service check-in terminals, a Collection M store selling daily necessities and gifts, 24-hour dining venue Canteen M and a revolving staircase linking the lobby to the Society M meeting spaces on the second floor.
All the 303 guestrooms are equipped with Smart TV and a Moodpad tablet that guests can use for in-room control. Onsite meeting spaces include eight boardroom-style meeting rooms that are equipped with Vitra furniture, big tables, flat screens, Apple TVs and walls to write on. The hotel’s Citizen M Ambassadors can also help with check-in or provide local travel tips.
Address 3999-6, Hongxin Road, Minhang District, Shanghai
Contact +86 21 6060 9909; citizenm.com
Jasmine Ji
