Leave the cookie-cutter hotels behind and immerse yourself in the city’s coolest enclaves with Shanghai’s chicest boutique houses of slumber.
There’s just something about Shanghai – its fusion of cultures and traditions, its eclectic persona, its frenzied development, that draws intrepid travellers. The city has also made a name for itself in terms of its luxury hotels, with the likes of The Peninsula, Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons and Shangri-La all building flagship properties.
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However, next time you’re planning a visit to the New York of the East, why not skip the big brands and head for one of the city’s many uber-cool boutique hideaways, each a homage to the city’s rich heritage.
Chai Living at the Embankment Building
Boasting an East-Meets-West concept, Chai Living at the Embankment Building features uniquely designed apartments that blend old Shanghai with modern elements. Set in a landmark building at the heart of the city, the hotel’s 19 rooms, which range from 40-220sqm, are elegantly furnished with local artwork and timeless antiques and include cocoon beds, fully-equipped kitchens, and centralised sound systems. Don’t worry about communication if you don’t speak Mandarin, translation services are also available.
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URBN Hotel Shanghai
An award-winning low-carbon hotel located in downtown Jing’an, just minutes from the French Concession, URBN Hotel Shanghai boasts minimalist and eco-friendly designs. Its 26 luxurious rooms feature locally-sourced and recycled wood interiors, with a colour palette that resonates with nature; king-sized mattress made with coconut fibre; and 46-inch flat screen TVs.
Opt for the 80sqm Penthouse for captivating views from the outdoor courtyard. Pamper with an in-room spa treatment; sweat out your sins at the hotel’s 24 hours gym; or dine at BeerGRDN, a gastro-pub offering a range of craft beers and cocktails.
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The Yangtze Boutique Shanghai
Marrying Art Deco design with old Shanghai style, The Yangtze Boutique Shanghai, located in People’s Square, offers 96 chic rooms and suites, more than half of which include a private balcony or terrace with city views, while all bathrooms feature separate showers and baths and an LCD TV. Savour authentic Cantonese dishes at Tang Restaurant or unwind with cocktails at The Yangtze Shanghai Bar; enjoy rejuvenating soul-soothing treatments at the Spa Centre; or workout at the well-equipped fitness studio.
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Pei Mansion Hotel
A modern hotel with touches of the city’s rich heritage, the 19-room Pei Mansion Hotel boasts a contemporary Chinese design complemented by luxury furnishing. The hotel’s elegant rooms offer king-sized beds with memory pillows, 42-inch flat-screen plasma TVs, and marble bathrooms with jacuzzis.
Request for an in-room spa service before enjoying a superb seafood meal at the property’s Xin Rong Ji Chinese Restaurant. An ideal accommodation option for city explorers, the hotel is a 10-minute walk from major transport stations and tourist spots such as Jing’an Temple and Citic Square.
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Twelve at Hengshan
Situated in the heart of Shanghai, Twelve at Hengshan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, offers 171 rooms, including 28 suites, and an enviable location among the cafes, galleries, and well-preserved Art Deco buildings of the French Concession. Featuring a palette of cream and white, with light wood accents, the hotel has a contemporary design enhanced by oriental elements. Rooms boast floor-to-ceiling windows, 46-inch flat-screen TVs, and separate living rooms with sofa seating, while some spaces also include Bose sound systems and private balconies.
Enjoy a rejuvenating experience at the OWNS Spa, or get re-energised at the Technogym-equipped fitness centre overlooking the hotel’s swimming pool. Before getting back to your room, indulge in a relaxing moment with an Italian inspired concoction, The Last Cocktail, in hand, served at The Lobby Lounge.
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