It's all about Shanghai baby!Shanghai has always had a very special place in my heart, having lived there for a number of years some time ago, to go back to one's own "stomping ground" again and again years later and the memories come flooding back. This city, one time called the Paris of the east, well on my recent stay taking into account the sky rise glitz and madly lit up buildings, it now has a lot less to do with Paris and more to do with Las Vegas!
LED mania has stuck the city with both the buildings on the Bund and the boats themselves all sparkling with LED lights. All very pretty but seemingly superficial.
Looking at Shanghai now it does however, seem more sexy the ever. The vibe, the glam of the Pearl Tower, hovering over the city like a giant out of place sex toy. Honestly the architects of that building must have had some seriously repressed sexual tension when they designed and erected that thing.
The Pearl Tower aside, what makes Shanghai tick these days? While gone are the days of the Soong sisters and gang of four, there are new gangs. Gangs of uber upper middle class Chinese. Only 10 years ago the extent of their nightlife and social life would have been un heard of. Now days they are both hip and happening mingling with the adventurous expat and visiting business person in the sleek bars and stylish restaurants of Shanghai, the Bund and Xiantidi.
One new hotel is the Gran Melia, part of the Spanish chain it brings a warm Euro tone. Embracing the motto of “ Timeless Luxury with an avant-garde flair”. A large and impressive building, this is indeed one the most spectacular Shanghai Hotel openings of late. While on the Pudong side of the Bund it is still close to the established part of Shanghai with easy access to the major shopping and business areas near Nanjing Road.
Featuring a feast of restaurants dedicated to Spanish, Italian, and Chinese cuisines. All presented with flair and style. Service is timely and food quality excellent. From a room point of view, guests will notice that comfort and luxury are key, matched with outstanding bathrooms and amenities. All complemented with the usual appointments truly befitting a five star deluxe Hotel. Bund view rooms are a must and provide a superb view both day and night.At the end of one’s day a trip to the Spa level on the 30th floor, will not disappoint. Indeed the layout of the Jacuzzi and space age relaxation grotto, complete with stunning views make for a true escape.
http://www.gran-melia-shanghai.com/en/
Meanwhile, over on the established side of Shanghai, a one time historic Art Deco building has been lovingly and faithfully restored to become the Langham Yangtze Shanghai. This boutique hotel with less the a hundred rooms represents the epitome of style, charm and grace of old Shanghai. Nestled close to the Bund this Hotel quite simply has become Shanghai’s “Pièce de résistance”. As a boutique Hotel, the property defines the meaning; the attention to detail and design along with sumptuous comfort is paramount. Upon entering the Hotel your every sense is filled, the “Langham Aroma” being an actual scent designed to complement the hotel greets you like a warm jasmine filled summer evening, then your eyes take in the subdued focus of warm muted and red tones, all this along with a Chinese Xither playing certainly strikes the right cord providing what is the ultimate welcome of any Hotel in Asia. At the same time I was fortunate enough to also be personally greeted by the Hotels charming Managing Director, Henk Meyknecht.
Once settled in, the room’s appointments complete with three balconies’ which includes one off the bathroom, sets the scene for what is most certainly a memorable stay. The elegant tones extend to each of the Hotels guest rooms. In both style and comfort you feel like you have stepped back in time but with all the convenience of modern living. Lush carpeting, massive bathrooms complete with a built in plasma television set into the bathroom wall just above the bath itself is an extra indulgence. The attention to authentic Art Deco detail even extends to the air-conditioning grills in the ceiling, so as to subtly blend in with stunning décor.
The Hotels dining selection, with an Italian style Café-Deli, Japanese and Chinese restaurants gives you even more reason to simply stay in. I dinned with Henk in Ciao, the Italian Café; we both enjoyed the Baked Salmon with Fettuccini accompanied by a home made selected of bread and foccacia. The food and service excellent both sublime in a casual yet refined ambiance and the perfect end to the evening.
The best thing about Shanghai is to experience all the new things it has to offer, it’s great to have this combined with some charm of yesteryear. To watch out for is the soon to open and also Art Deco, the renowned Peace Hotel, managed by Fairmont.
