Fabian in Shanghai

Where in the World...
SHANGHAI
By: Fabian Lebrija

Fabian in Shanghai

I arrived in China via Shanghai. It is the largest city proper in the world and the largest by population within China. The total population of Shanghai is over 23 million people as of 2010. In addition to its impressive population size, the city of Shanghai is host to an equally impressive array of skyscrapers. Shanghai is host to a number of luxury hotels which I was able to visit during my stay. The best are these:

●      Grand Hyatt Shanghai

●      Park Hyatt Shanghai

●      The Peninsula Shanghai

●      The Portman Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai

●      The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong

●      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.

To see my entire trip to China, Click here:

Post by Travelworld of Coronado.