Shanghai awoke to its first day of post-Expo life on November 1. During the Expo period, an additional 10,000 new hotel rooms were added with a further 4,000 on the way – that is nearly 15,000 new rooms in a 12-month period to May 2011.
These new hotels in Shanghai have raised the bar even higher and will give established players plenty to think about in the coming months. Two of the most eagerly awaited hotels to open recently have been Ritz-Carlton Pudong and Fairmont Peace Hotel.
MODERN LOOK
Ritz-Carlton Pudong sets impressive new standards with its interior design and has claims as both a conference and incentive hotel. The hotel sits atop IFC Mall with a 52nd-level lobby check-in and the guestrooms set over 13 floors from level 51 to 39.
The room quality in the 285-room property redefines Ritz-Carlton’s luxury offering as it is a significant step away from the traditional feel of other properties in the brand. Yet the quality is staggering and the views over Pudong and towards the Bund will make leaving the hotel a difficult prospect even for high-end incentive winners.
Meeting facilities are located just above street level. All meeting spaces feature natural light and its largest space is the ballroom that can hold 1,190 theatre style.
RESTORED BEAUTYThe restored Fairmont Peace Hotel is turning heads with a completely different offering to other city hotels. Set in the middle of the Bund, it has been China’s most keenly anticipated property during the renovation phase and the results are fantastic.
The Peace Hotel’s 269 guestrooms have been restored in a style that can be described as early 20th-century glamour, however with modern touches and impressive period bathrooms.
Each area of the property offers different value prospects, but for business events groups the pick will be the Terrace overlooking the Bund and Pudong, as well as the historic Peace Hall, with its sprung wooden floorboards and original pillars. The room keeps its charm while the latest high-tech meeting needs have been catered for behind the scenes.