Alila Shanghai, the newest addition to the Hyatt Hotels Corporation portfolio, has officially opened its doors, offering guests a luxurious escape in the bustling heart of Shanghai’s Jing’an district. This urban retreat seamlessly blends modern design with the rich cultural heritage of the city, creating an unforgettable experience for every visitor.
Nestled within the historic Zhangyuan complex, Alila Shanghai boasts exclusive access to restored shikumen stone-gate townhouses, now transformed into upscale retail destinations. This unique setting invites guests to explore and discover the city’s vibrant cultural scene.
“At Alila Shanghai, we’ve harmoniously combined the striking design and artisanal luxury that the Alila brand is known for with the vibrant cultural experiences of Shanghai,” explains Yap Jtwen, general manager of Alila Shanghai. “This creates a beautiful dichotomy that we believe is truly special.”
A Serene Oasis in the Heart of the City
Designed by renowned interior designer Ju Bin, Alila Shanghai embodies a seamless blend of traditional Shanghai aesthetics with a modern twist. The hotel prioritizes preserving the city’s cultural heritage while infusing contemporary elegance throughout its design. Subtle sophistication shines through in the interiors, accentuated by bursts of color and modern amenities designed to enhance comfort. The use of natural materials like rough stone, timber marquetry, rattan, and paper accents, alongside a neutral color scheme and lush greenery, creates a serene atmosphere that invites guests to relax and rejuvenate.
From the moment you arrive at Alila Shanghai, the city’s fast-paced energy gives way to an oasis of calm. A tree-lined driveway with dry stone walls guides you to a peaceful, resort-style entrance adorned with a water wall, cobblestone pathway, and a vaulted ceiling reminiscent of woven rattan.
On the fourth-floor lobby, you’ll be greeted by a beautifully landscaped sanctuary, inspired by Shanghai’s classical gardens. Open spaces and walkways encircle a tranquil lake, creating a sense of serenity and inviting guests to explore the space. A striking 17-foot ‘Gathering’ tree, crafted by local artist Oscar Wang, serves as the focal point. The tree’s stainless steel and Jingdezhen ceramic leaves add a touch of artistry to the space.
Wellness and Cultural Experiences
The Spa Alila offers a rejuvenating escape, featuring personalized holistic treatments inspired by nature’s healing properties. With five treatment rooms, a Turkish bath, and a relaxation area, guests can indulge in signature treatments using all-natural ingredients.
Beyond the spa, the hotel provides daily fitness amenities, a private yoga room, and exclusive programs that connect guests with Shanghai’s intangible cultural heritage. These programs often involve collaborations with local artisans, offering guests a deeper understanding of the city’s traditions.
Accommodation Options
Alila Shanghai offers 186 guest rooms, including 94 suites, each designed with natural finishes and textures that reflect Shanghai’s rich cultural heritage. Local elements are incorporated throughout, from textured glass reminiscent of old window panes to bold floor patterns inspired by historic mansions.
Entry-level rooms start at 419 square feet, offering a spacious lounge, a walk-in closet, a bar nook, and a dressing area. For an elevated experience, guests can choose the Penthouse Suite King, located on the 37th floor. This expansive suite offers stunning city views and features a luxurious marble bathroom with an elliptical bathtub.
Authentic Dining Experiences
Executive Chef Chuck Xing leads the culinary scene at Alila Shanghai, with four distinctive dining venues offering wellness-focused cuisine and authentic flavors from the surrounding area. The restaurants embrace a farm-to-table approach, prioritizing fresh, seasonal, and sustainable ingredients, many of which are organic.
The hotel’s flagship Chinese restaurant, 500 Weihai Road, is led by Chef de Cuisine Scott Bao, renowned for his work at Michelin-starred establishments. The restaurant offers modern Shanghainese dishes with a focus on seafood and plant-forward options.
Garden Pavilion, the hotel’s all-day dining venue, is centered around a beautiful Japanese maple tree. Breakfast features curated sets with Chinese, Japanese, Western, or health-conscious options, promoting mindful eating and reducing waste.
Chayan @ 5th is a serene, residential-style tea lounge, perfect for unwinding. Guests can enjoy an exquisite afternoon tea celebrating Shanghai’s rich culinary history and local ingredients.
Secret Roof, the hotel’s rooftop bar, is the go-to destination for cocktails, breathtaking sunset views, and an inviting atmosphere. By day, the bar serves organic coffee and light bites, while the open-air terraces offer scenic views of Zhangyuan’s historic rooftops.
Meeting and Event Spaces
Alila Shanghai offers flexible meeting spaces covering 3,282 square feet, suitable for a range of gatherings, from small meetings to private dinners, galas, and cocktail receptions. The hotel’s meeting rooms, bathed in natural light, along with an open-air terrace, provide the perfect setting for any event.
World of Hyatt Bonus
To celebrate the opening of Alila Shanghai, World of Hyatt members can earn 500 Bonus Points for each qualifying night stayed between September 25 and December 31, 2024. This offer is part of Hyatt’s new hotel member offer, allowing members to earn these points on top of other offers. No registration is required. Further details on participating hotels and offer periods can be found at worldofhyatt.com/newhotelbonus.
Alila Shanghai offers a unique opportunity to experience the vibrant energy of Shanghai while enjoying a serene and luxurious retreat. With its exceptional design, wellness experiences, authentic dining options, and commitment to cultural immersion, Alila Shanghai is poised to become a favorite destination for both local and international travelers.
