Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Accommodations
Since the early 20th century, Shanghai's hotel scene has influenced the city's architectural,
social and economic development. Back in the 1930s, the 'Paris of the Orient' epitomised
modern sophistication with glamour-laden retreats like the Cathay, Palace, Astor House and
Park hotels - inspired in style and substance by New York, London and Paris - which attrac-
ted global travellers plus local high society to stay and play.
After a long hiatus following World War II and Mao's Communist revolution, the 1990s
sparked a renaissance in Shanghai hospitality. This continued into the new millennium, as lux-
ury hotel clusters decorated the Lujiazui, People's Square, Nanjing Road and Hongqiao sky-
lines - many boasting prices as elevated as the high-rise room levels, plus sophisticated din-
ing and deluxe spas.
Shanghai has surged to the top of the global hotel scene, as most of the world's finest in-
ternational chains have hurried to open brand-new flagship properties in this mega city. They
are joined by Asia's top serviced apartment companies, which offer more space, and kitchens,
along with some hotel-style services. Many Chinese operators have pitched in with fine prop-
erties of their own, some of them in heritage buildings, or in villa compounds with spacious
grounds.
