W SHANGHAI- THE BUND, THE NEW LUXURY HOTEL IN THE CITY
W Hotels Worldwide, part of Marriott International, unveiled recently W Shanghai – The Bund, located in the heart of one of the world’s most energetic cities. With limitless views overlooking the Huangpu River, W Shanghai sets the scene on the North Bund.
Designed by the acclaimed G.A Design, the hotel showcases an exciting combination of historic and modern influences, such as Hai Pai – the art of combining the old and the new, East and West. This is evident in both the hotel’s location, perfectly positioned between the Suzhou Creek and the Huangpu River, as well as the surrounding locale, where Art Deco buildings sit alongside opulent Chinese mansions. W Shanghai – The Bund draws upon colonial gamour and futuristic motifs, with nearly all guestrooms featuring views of the Huangpu River due to the uniquely curved frame of the building’s edifice.
An Electric Welcome
Upon arrival, guests will be greeted by neon light installations throughout the hotel’s Living Room (the W brand’s take on the staid hotel lobby). For centuries, Shanghai-locals have honored the Lilong tradition, in which wet laundry is hung on lines to dry at varying heights down narrow laneways. This installation was designed as a modern reinterpretation of this classic scene. The Welcome Desk (reception area) features a kaleidoscopic fixture, mirroring the constant flow of guests through the area. The ‘Melting Qipao’ pattern, a representation of Shanghai as a melting pot of cultures, can be seen on the walls of the WC (restroom).
W Shanghai – The Bund features 374 stylish guestrooms and suites, each appointed with the signature W bed adorned with a cheeky pillow in the shape of Shanghai’s famous Xiaolongbao (soup) dumpling and chopsticks. Thirty-five of the rooms are suites, including the Cloud on the Bund, which includes highlights such as a LED wall and a hanging bed. The duplex Extreme WOW Suite (the brand’s take on the presidential suite) boasts more than 4,000 square feet of living space, along with a hanging neon installation in the shape of lips blowing out dragon smoke. In addition to the epic views of the Huangpu River and iconic Pudong skyline, all rooms also feature switchable privacy glass and Nespresso Coffee machines.
Rise and Dine
W Shanghai – The Bund offers five intriguing places to socialize and dine. The Kitchen Table, with its interactive open kitchen, is inspired by a modern New York bistro and celebrates the legacy of Shanghai’s flourishing trade. YEN showcases the next evolution of Cantonese dining where traditional dishes are reinterpreted. Pre-dinner cocktails at LIQUID AT YEN, a hidden speakeasy, is the perfect evening prelude to transport guests to the glamorous golden years of Shanghai’s 1920s cocktail scene featuring a handcrafted selection of concoctions mastered by the on-site “Cocktail Professor”. The playfully elegant WOOBAR transforms from a daytime lounge into a vibrant evening cocktail bar. And finally, WET (the hotel’s pool) and WET BAR offer incredible sweeping views of the electric Shanghai skyline.
Innovative Spa Treatments
The AWAY Spa offers massages, body treatments, facials and quick fixes, all set to leave guests glowing. Guests can also step into the ultra-modern FIT gym that offers 24/7 access to the newest Technogym equipment, or take part in a yoga or tai chi class on the hotel’s wooden deck.
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