Andaz Shanghai

In the space of a few short years Andaz, the Hyatt group’s luxury-boutique brand, has firmly established itself in some tough Western markets: London, New York, Los Angeles, among others. But it’s in Shanghai that it faces what might be its sternest test. When it comes to luxury hotels, the big cities of Asia are in a league of their own, not just in terms of the classic values of hospitality, but lately in design as well. As they used to say about New York, in another context altogether — if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere.

We’ll spoil the surprise a bit by coming right out and saying the Andaz Shanghai is a success. There’s something a bit Star Wars about the building, a curvy tower in the Xintiandi entertainment district, but it works. And the interiors, in what has become something of an Andaz trademark, manage to be highly inventive yet totally classic at the same time — impressive enough to feed the design junkie’s habit, yet not so outré as to alienate the luxury-hotel traditionalist.

The rooms are gorgeous, with shades of red playing a major role, and textures in rich hardwood standing in for the complementary gold. The LED lighting system changes color to track most any mood, as do the basins and bathtubs — and the tactile sense is considered as well, from the rich fabric textures to the heated bathroom floors. You’d consider yourself lucky to be posted here on business, and well looked after to boot — but a room like this is made for entertaining.

So are the public spaces. An extremely well-equipped gym, spa and pool will keep you in fine trim, but it’s the restaurant, bar and lounge that you’ll want to show off. Hai Pai is the modern Shanghainese restaurant and bar, doing brisk business all day and into the night, high tea included — but make sure you save room for Éclair, the hotel’s very fine French patisserie.

• 307 Rooms
• Style: Cutting-Edge
• Atmosphere: Happening
• 1 Guest Review

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