SHANGHAI
By: Fabian Lebrija
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| Fabian in Shanghai |
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Grand Hyatt Shanghai
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Park Hyatt Shanghai
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The Peninsula Shanghai
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The Portman Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai
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The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong
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The St. Regis Shanghai
Pudong
Just across the majestic Huangpu River from the
heart of downtown Shanghai lies the city’s eastern extension, Pudong. This
section of the city is newer and is still emerging as a commercial and
financial center. The Ritz-Carlton is the only hotel in Pudong which integrates
luxury office, residential, and retail space along side its more than 250 hotel
rooms. The building itself is beautifully modern, its angular spears piercing
the sky at 58 stories.
I was able to
visit the Ritz-Carlton in Pudong
during my time in Shanghai. The room was nicely appointed with a small sitting
area by the large windows, and a very large dressing room and bathroom. The
view was as stunning as their website suggests. I overlooked the river toward
downtown Shanghai with a clear view of the brightly lit skyline.
Shanghai blends
the beauty of old-world China with the modern amenities of a large city. Tall,
glass-walled buildings stand next to curved and pointed rooftops. Shanghai,
like many Chinese cities, is home to many bikes. It is the favorite of local
commuters and tourists will see streets crowded with them.
One brilliant
way to see the beauty of Shanghai is via a river cruise. I was able to take one
such cruise down the river Pu, which divides Pu-Dong and Pu-Xi. River boats are
incredibly common and wonderful tourist attractions. From the boat, we were
able to get a perfect view of the skyline and the variable architecture. Many
of the buildings are more like works of art than simple structures.
Park Hyatt Shanghai
While in
Shanghai, I was also able to visit the Park Hyatt Shanghai, one of the city’s
luxury hotels also located in Pudong district. Reception at the Park Hyatt is
courteous and offers a beautiful display of local flare. The Park Hyatt
occupies floors 79 to 93 of the Shanghai World Financial Center, also known as
“The Vertical Complex City.” It is one of the world’s highest hotels, soaring
above the metropolis. Because of this, guests can take in the views of the city
skyline and the Huangpu River from any one of its 174 luxury rooms and suites.
Each room bosts a beautiful and unique poem written in gold in Chinese
calligraphy behind the bed. The stunning views are also available from the
restaurants in the building, which are some of Shanghai’s best-known.
Restaurants here offer traditional tea ceremonies and beautiful performances.
Grand Hyatt Shanghai
The Grand
Hyatt is also one of the tallest hotels in the world. Its interior architecture
is stunning. Its interior is hollow so that from the lobby, you can see all the
way up, and each floor can see down to the lobby. The luxurious Grand Hyatt has
an unparralleled reception area. When I arrived, there was a local string
quartet playing. I was able to see one of the luxury rooms at the Grand Hyatt,
which was on a corner and had floor to ceiling windows on both of the exterior
walls.
Peninsula Shanghai
By far my favorite hotel, however, was the luxurious
Peninsula Shanghai, one of Virtuoso’s beautiful establishments. The Peninsula
is right on the river and is not a high rise. It has beautifully appointed
rooms and luxurious ballrooms. During my time there, I had dinner in the
elegant ballroom area. Both visually stunning, and delicious.
My deluxe room
at the Peninsula had all of the necessary amenities and built on that to the
point of pure elegance. The bathroom suite had gorgeous carved marble and a
deep soaking tub. Every detail was perfect, from the stylish hanging lamps
beside the bed to the sitting area and personal desk in the suite. The closet
and dressing room, too, was huge and sleek.
Shanghai’s
Peninsula also offers a rooftop bar with an incredible view and equally
incredible selection of drinks.
