Shanghai Staycation
At the end of this long, hot summer, a break from the oppressive heat and associated stress is important for peace of mind. Whether you are interested in a weekend of romance, shopping, Expo adventures or a boutique hotel experience, why leave town when four of Shanghai’s newest destination hotels are only a taxi ride away?
Fairmont Peace Hotel
Why: Elegance and decadence. Take a time machine back to the heady days of 1930s Shanghai – not literally of course, that would be silly, it just feels as though you’ve gone back in time.
Newly reopened after an extensive three year renovation, the Fairmont Peace Hotel is an immersive celebration of Shanghai’s storied past. It’s the perfect setting to experience the legendary days of the city’s original golden age. The art deco landmark, completed in 1929, has been fully restored to its former glory, complete with a stunning sky-lit lobby, 270 luxurious rooms and suites, a selection of six restaurants and lounges, museum and iconic Peace Hall with its sprung wood dance floor. Throughout the property the attention to detail is remarkable; an immense amount of meticulous care went into returning the venue to the era from whence it came.
Guestrooms begin at a spacious 49 square metres and feature all the modern amenities, albeit well-integrated into the period decoration. Suites include a sitting room and larger bathrooms; the famous ‘Nine Nation Suites’, from the original Cathay Hotel, also remain a feature. Other highlights include the Jazz Bar, the signature Chinese restaurant Dragon Phoenix and The Cathay Room – European dining with sensational terraced views of the Bund and Pudong’s skyline. The hotel is simply not to be missed for anyone interested in spending a romantically hisoric weekend on the Bund. Prices for a two-night weekend stay in late September begin at RMB 4,800.
Web: www.fairmont.com
Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong
Why: Shop until you drop during the day; enjoy unparalleled hedonism in the clouds by night.
Located in the heart of Lujiazui in the Shanghai IFC South Tower, Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong is the hotel brand’s second and newest addition to the city. Perched atop the upper 18 floors of the ultra-modern skyscraper, the venue provides guests with unparalleled style, luxury and some of the best shopping in Asia. Quick access to the six-storey IFC Mall retail complex, soon to be home to 180 world-class brands, is a short elevator ride away. The hotel includes Jin Xuan Cantonese Restaurant, the Italian eatery Scena known for its unique lighting effects, Aura Lounge and Jazz Bar, the spectacular rooftop bar Flair and the ground-level Aroma café.
The hotel features 285 well-equipped guestrooms and suites ranging in size from 50 to 410 square metres, situated between the 39th and 51st floors. Incredible panoramas of the Bund and Oriental Pearl Tower dominate most views, while the interior design tastefully embraces the city’s art deco past. Guests are invited to relax in the 24-hour Club Lounge, release stress in the first-class fitness centre and pool or take advantage of their signature Spa by ESPA treatment options. Prices for a two-night weekend stay in late September begin at RMB 5,600; see their website for special package information.
Web: www.ritzcarlton.com
InterContinental Expo
Why: TheExpo won’t be here forever, blitz it – in style – over the course of a weekend while you’ve still got the chance.
Lying adjacent to the Pudong-side World Expo grounds, the InterContinental Shanghai Expo is the only luxury-class hotel to provide convenient access to the event. The hotel is the perfect base of operations for a weekend of Expo exploration; however with a wide range of outstanding facilities, dining and relaxation options, guests may be convinced to spend more time than they anticipated enjoying these pleasures instead. Fine dining comes in the form of Basilico and Sheng Hui Tang, Café 1188 caters to 24-hour casual eating, Vista is a world-class bar with a touch of Cuba and housed in a historic villa on the hotel’s property is the Liquor Factory, a retro British pub.
Lavish guestrooms, ranging between 42 and 75 square metres, present picturesque riverscapes of the Expo site or Nanpu Bridge. Inspired by the ‘Better City, Better Life’ motto, the hotel devotes an entire floor to body, mind and soul rejuvenation. This includes a large spa with 11 oversized treatment rooms, a foot reflexology area with river views, a fully equipped fitness centre and 25 metre pool with outdoor terrace to complete the amenities. Prices for a two-night weekend stay in late September begin at RMB 4,644.
The Waterhouse at South Bund
Why: Quirky, aspirational fun … Oh my God, I can see into the neighbours’ room!
Shanghai’s newest, sleekest boutique hotel, The Waterhouse at South Bund, redefines the concept of a design hotel. By blurring the lines between antique and contemporary, as well as public and private space, the hotel offers guests a new and unique experience. Designed by Neri & Hu, it is set in a refurbished 1930s era building along the Huangpu River next to the Cool Docks complex. The hotel is also home to Table No. 1, a destination restaurant from Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton, of London’s 'maze' fame, a lobby lounge and a rooftop cocktail bar with breathtaking views of Pudong.
With only 19 available guestrooms, The Waterhouse is one of the more exclusive boutiques in town. Each room is furnished with a selection of European and Japanese designer furniture including selected works by Arne Jacobsen. Additionally, most suites have either a private terrace or provide views of the waterfront. As well as easy access to Cool Docks’ shops and restaurants, the hotel is conveniently located near the Fabric Market and the Bund. Overall, it is a wonderful way to experience one of Shanghai’s oldest, most vibrant neighbourhoods, before future development threatens the link to its historical past. Prices for a two-night weekend stay in late September begin at RMB 3,000.
Web: www.waterhouseshanghai.com
