Features

The Art of Living

31 Aug 2009 by intern11

An alternative to luxury hotels, a unique collection of design-led boutique hotels ups the ante in Shanghai’s accommodation scene. Julian Tan checks in


@Gallery Suites

WHAT’S IT LIKE? The boutique hotel is housed in a 1933 Cavendish Court building, with parts of it being preserved, including the façade and a staircase leading up to the reception-cum-lounge (on level two) and guestrooms. This was once the apartment of Russian princess Olga Gregorievna Ogneff, which explains its peaceful and exclusive locale. A simple courtyard leads to a discreet hotel entrance, giving a sense of homecoming. Having soft launched in March, the all-suite hotel celebrates its grand opening on September 27.

gallery suites lounge

Infused with art, the hotel is decorated with contemporary artworks by local artists. Expect more design-led concept hotels to open across Asia, as the hotel management – Connections Hotels Management, a wholly owned subsidiary of Singapore-based CTC Tourism Holidays – plans to launch 19 more properties in Mainland China, Hongkong, Singapore, Taiwan and elsewhere.

WHERE IS IT? On Hengshan Road in the diplomatic district, close to downtown Xujiahui commercial area and Nanjing and Huaihai Roads. A subway station along Metro Line 1, linking to People’s Square for business and shopping, is a stroll away. Hengshan Road is also known for its many interesting bars and restaurants.

HOW MANY ROOMS? All the 40 suites feature a modern Chinese design with Art-Deco touches. These suites, including three President Suites, are smoke-free and range from 52sqm to 150sqm.

gallery suite room


ROOM FACILITIES: An oversized bed, wired and wireless internet access, a large workdesk with an ergonomic chair, coffee/tea-maker and a swivel unit holding a 42-inch LCD TV and DVD (available on request). An iron, iPod dock and microwave oven can also be requested. The Art Deco Grand Room features an open bath area with a French-style bathtub, two sinks, shower and hairdryer.

F&B: A lounge for all-day dining on the second floor.

BUSINESS FACILITIES: An offsite business centre (on Nanjing Road downtown) provides guests with meetings spaces and office services.

LEISURE FACILITIES: A small gym on the same floor as the lounge and reception. There are plans to convert an annex into a teahouse and an art gallery.

PRICE: Internet Best Available Rates start at CNY1,300 (US$190) nightly for a stay in early October. The price is all-inclusive with complimentary airport pick-up, continental breakfast, use of dual-SIM card mobile phone, internet access and other benefits.

VERDICT: Understated comfort, plus a premier location that works well for those who prefer staying away from tourist-happy districts.

CONTACT: 525 Hengshan Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai 200030, tel 86 21 5179 5000, www.artgalleryhotels.com



The Langham Yangtze Boutique

WHAT’S IT LIKE? Launched on May 1, the 96-room hotel has been beautifully restored from a 1930s Art-Deco building – the legacy of renowned Chinese architect Li Pan which was previously The Yangtze Hotel (the favourite watering hole of Old Shanghai glitterati, including screen icons Ruan Lingyu and Hu Die). The neoclassic-style hotel has a cream and grey façade with symmetrical patterns, sharp lines and bold geometric shapes. Its lounge-like lobby features dark wood, drape curtains, cushioned seats and chandeliers.

The Langham Yangtze Boutique is the first boutique hotel for Langham Hotels, which also manages the legendary Langham London, and is its only property in Mainland China.

WHERE IS IT? In Shanghai’s CBD adjacent to Nanjing Road, near People’s Square, Shanghai Grand Theater and the famous Bund. Xintiandi nightlife is an eight-minute drive, while Pudong financial district is 20 minutes away. The People’s Square metro station is a stroll from the hotel. For bookworms, Shanghai Book Mall on Fuzhou Road, which is parallel to Hankou Road (Langham’s location), stocks English- and Chinese-language books.

HOW MANY ROOMS? The Art Deco theme runs through all 96 rooms and suites, paying attention to details such as patterned cushion covers and specially designed TV frames. Many rooms have private balconies. Room sizes range from 31sqm to 185sqm.

ROOM FACILITIES: The Langham Blissful Bed, two LCD TVs (42-inch in the bedroom and 19-inch in bathroom), DVD player, a large workdesk, laptop-size safe, broadband internet, IP phone, iPod dock and a spacious marble bathroom with shower and bath.

F&B: Five. T’ang Court serves Cantonese cuisine; Ciao Dining Room and Ciao Bambino offer Italian food and gourmet coffee; Mado Izakaya specialises in crab dishes; Palm Court for afternoon tea; and The Bar for drinks.

BUSINESS FACILITIES: The column-free, rooftop Pearl Ballroom caters for up to 220, while the smaller Jade Room can accommodate up to 50. Nine more function rooms are for four to 100 people.

Langham Yangtze Jade Room

LEISURE FACILITIES: A health club (open 6am-10.30pm) with a fitness studio, a vitality hot pool, sauna and herbal steam room, plus the Chuan Spa with TCM treatments.

PRICE: Internet room rates from CNY1,500 (US$219) per night in October.

VERDICT: Those who are used to a full-service hotel will find the mod cons in this boutique hotel.

CONTACT: 740 Hankou Road, Shanghai 200001, tel 86 21 6080 0800, http://yangtzeboutique.langhamhotels.com/en/index.html


IVY

ivy hotel master room






WHAT’S IT LIKE? The cinema-turned-hotel opened in September 2008. Past its colourful façade, guests are led to a reception furnished with a crystal chandelier and a red lattice screen. The decoration throughout showcases American-French designer Dillon Garris’ interplay of ancient and modern Chinese design. To the left of the reception is a reading room/library with a large LCD screen, inspired by 1950s cinemas. Films of yesteryear are screened here during the weekends. Other nice touches include huge portraits in the lift depicting paparazzi photographers, pictures of author and screenwriter Eileen Zhang, famous movie quotes, and face masks and oriental lamps adorning the walls of room corridors. Stylish furniture make you feel like you’ve entered an art gallery. IVY was named after the plant, but alas, the creepers do not take well to Shanghai’s climate, so they were painted on the walls instead. The four-storey hotel is the first mainland China property by CHI International, which operates resorts and serviced apartments throughout Hongkong and Fiji.

WHERE IS IT? Located on a quiet street in Jing An District and within a 3km proximity of Nanjing West Road for shopping and business, Jing An temple and Shanghai Exhibition Centre.

HOW MANY ROOMS? 46 guestrooms, some with sky windows letting in natural light. The 68sqm Ritzy Suite (pictured above) features an oval, white sliding door bearing the Chinese character “Xi”, meaning double happiness.

ivy hotel ritzy suite

ROOM FACILITIES: An ample-sized, round workdesk with wooden chairs, an antique sofa, wall pictures of modern depictions of the Bund, LCD TV, CD and DVD player, free high-speed internet access, heated flooring, rain shower and vanity table with amenities. A pillow menu can be requested upon check in. Butler service is available 24 hours.

F&B: i-Lounge serves breakfast, while Kuromatsu features teppanyaki grill, a sushi bar and four private rooms. My favourite, the coffee bar and lounge on level two offers relaxation and Wi-Fi in a sky-lit atrium.

BUSINESS FACILITIES:A business centre. 

LEISURE FACILITIES:There is no pool or spa, but in-room massages can be arranged through the hotel staff.

PRICE: Online internet rates from CNY650 (US$95) in October.

VERDICT:This is a hotel with character, suited for the traveller who seeks the Zen in life. Staffing was lean, but service remained personalised.

CONTACT:709 Jiaozhou Road, Jing An District, Shanghai 200040, tel 86 21 3221 2600, www.ivyshanghai.com

Claire Lin



Other hotels to consider

DREAM HOUSE

KETANGJIAN

ketangjian hall

KeTangJian, a local boutique-hotel chain, acquires old Western villas and iconic buildings and transforms them into luxury lifestyle dwellings. With its first property opened recently on Wuyuan Road, KeTangJian – which literally means “a place for hosting important guests” – aims to provide travellers with  first-hand experience of Shanghainese daily life. The rooms have been kept non-soundproof, which, according to the hotel management, is intentional. (A second property, offering seven units on 335 Yongjia Road, was also launched recently.)

Housed in a 1937 building in the former French Concession, the hotel is located within the upmarket Xuhui District and provides a peaceful environment that convinces you this is home. Wuyuan Road, where the hotel sits, is dotted with small boutiques and restaurants, including Yme Casa (at No. 108; tel 86 21 5404 1004) which has been offering set lunches, “private kitchen” dining Shanghai-style and tea drinking for the last four years.

Exclusivity comes in the form of two furnished units on separate floors. Each 45sqm unit offers a king-size or twin bed, an ensuite kitchenette with a microwave oven, minibar and bathtub (in room), as well as Wi-Fi, LCD TVs and IDD phones.

The hotel, however, lacks dining facilities. Outside meal catering can be arranged, as are guided tours, laundry/dry cleaning and massage services. A rooftop area caters to small private parties.

PRICE: Rooms from CNY1,200 (US$175).

CONTACT: 72 Wuyuan Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai 200031, tel 86 21 5403 9656, www.ketangjian.com



YOUNG THING

H HOTEL

H-Hotel RoomSituated in Pudong’s Lujiazui Financial Trade Zone, this boutique hotel is 10 minutes’ drive from Shanghai New International Expo Center and 10 minutes from Xintiandi entertainment district. Catering to a young clientele, H Hotel features a whitewashed lobby with a clean, minimalist look. The “H” stands for “happy”, “hope”, “healthy”, “hip” and “home”. (Coincidentally, Hong is the hotel owner’s surname.)

Opened in June last year, H Hotel is a member of Avantgarde Hotels, known for its design-oriented hotels. There are 99 internet-enabled guestrooms – of which, 15 are themed, such as “The Beatles”, “Audrey Hepburn”, “Chanel”, “China Red” and “Hello Kitty”. Business Rooms and two-storey Lofts with queen-size beds are also available. The most luxurious of all, is the 60sqm Super Suite with a separate living room, three flat-screen TVs and a huge bathroom. All the rooms provide rain showers and complimentary broadband internet access.

Wi-Fi is also provided for free in public areas of the hotel. Onsite facilities include a buffet dining area and an equipped meeting room that can take up to 100 people.

PRICE: Rooms from CNY382 (US$56).

CONTACT:88 Weifang Road, Pudong, Shanghai 200122, tel 86 21 5882 8882,www.the-h-hotel.com

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