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The Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Shanghai

Laurent DelporteLaurent DelporteOctober 23, 2018 · 5 min read
The contemporary facade of the Mandarin Oriental Shanghai along the Huangpu River

The Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Shanghai, located in the heart of the city's financial district, stands as one of the most stunning properties in Shanghai. This imposing 5-star hotel features 318 rooms and 44 suites, offering a unique contemporary setting with panoramic views over the city's main river.

The History of the Mandarin Oriental Brand

Rooted in Asia, the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is now present in 20 countries with 30 hotels and eight residences. Always located in the world's most sought-after cities and destinations, each of the Group's properties reflects its Asian heritage. It is fascinating to look back at the history of the brand. It began in 1963 with the opening of its first property, The Mandarin, in Hong Kong. The hotel quickly gained a stellar reputation for its service quality and excellence. In 1974, the Group acquired The Oriental in Bangkok, already legendary for its service and facilities. From this merger, the Mandarin Oriental brand was born, driven by a commitment to represent the very best in hospitality and guest service.

In the following years, the Group continued its expansion across Asia. The properties and facilities were exceptional, the restaurants of the highest caliber, and the service deeply imbued with the Group's values and heritage. In 1987, the Group opened its first property in the United States, and a few years later, its legendary London hotel bordering Hyde Park. Its international expansion was launched and proved to be a resounding success.

PRESIDENTIAL SUITE BATHROOM Mandarin Oriental Shangai

The Mandarin Oriental Shanghai, in the Heart of the New Business District

Located on the banks of the Huangpu River, the main river flowing through Shanghai, the Mandarin Oriental Shanghai offers breathtaking views of the city skyline. The hotel is situated in the Pudong district, which has developed rapidly in recent years to become the symbol of the city's strong economic growth. Numerous corporations, particularly international ones, are established in Pudong, which also houses Shanghai's financial hub, Lujiazui. The Mandarin Oriental Shanghai enjoys a privileged location in the heart of this business district, nestled among majestic skyscrapers. The property is very well connected to public transport, providing quick access to both Shanghai international airports as well as the main tourist attractions. The Oriental Pearl Tower, the famous Yu Garden, and the city's ocean aquarium, known for having the longest underwater tunnel in the world, are all located just a few minutes from the hotel.

A Unique Architecture and Contemporary Setting

The architecture of the Mandarin Oriental Shanghai reflects the scale and modernity of the district. A sleek skyscraper perfectly integrated into its environment near the river, the hotel's interior design is a masterful blend of contemporary style and Asian inspiration. The public areas, such as the majestic lobby, were designed through a collaboration between the interior architecture firm Jiang & Associates and Hong Kong-based Buz Design. The guest rooms and suites were fully conceptualized by Jiang & Associates.

The design is contemporary and modern, and a defining feature of the property is its impressive art collection. Indeed, the Mandarin Oriental Shanghai boasts the largest collection of contemporary Chinese art in the city. Curated by the renowned Tokyo-based art gallery Art Front, the collection features no fewer than 4,000 unique artworks displayed in the public spaces and guest rooms. Around fifty globally recognized artists, including the famous Chinese artist Lai De Quan, contributed to this collection, a large part of which was custom-created for the hotel.

Bar at Mandarin Oriental Shangai

The hotel's decoration is thus unique, and every choice of material, color, and artwork represents Oriental culture. The interior design is also inspired by its riverfront location, featuring wave-like patterns in places. The lobby is equipped with large screens whose hues recall the reflections of the sunset on the river. Everything is designed to make the hotel a haven of serenity and peace for its guests in the middle of a bustling district. The rooms, for instance, feature flooring inspired by the 'silent garden' theme, as well as abstract paintings depicting traditional garden landscapes. Finally, the superb spa at the Mandarin Oriental Shanghai is decorated with oak sculptures, raw stone, and mother-of-pearl, creating a perfect atmosphere for relaxation and well-being. I particularly appreciated the relaxation pillows that wrap around your head and shoulders, which are extremely comfortable. It is also worth noting the warm welcome at the spa, where you are invited to leave your phone behind in a beautiful box during your treatment. Instead, the host gives you a drawing to color with colored pencils to help you unwind and think of something else. This is a wonderful initiative!

A Premium and Highly Diverse Dining Offer

One of the key strengths of the Mandarin Oriental Shanghai is undoubtedly its dining options. The hotel features a bar, two tea lounges, and three restaurants. The latter are highly acclaimed in Shanghai and offer a diverse range of cuisines: a grill inspired by French cuisine, a second restaurant focusing on regional Chinese cuisine, and a third offering international dishes. The ZEST restaurant has the unique feature of being open all day, from breakfast to dinner, serving a menu inspired by both Asian and European cuisines. For breakfast, guests can enjoy an extremely varied international buffet that caters to all tastes. The Mandarin Oriental Shanghai thus combines culinary refinement, contemporary art, and well-being to offer a truly unique experience.

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