The Sukhothai opens in Shanghai
The Sukhothai Shanghai, a contemporary lifestyle hotel under HKR International’s The Sukhothai Hotels & Resorts brand, has now opened in the city’s Jing’an district, marking a new chapter for the hotel group in their first foray into the Mainland China’s hospitality scene.
Design by Neri&Hu Design and Research Office, the hotel’s distinctive design features an alluring collection of materials and textures such as natural stones, fine woods, delicate silk and polished brass while incorporating a series of sustainable practices in architectural design and material selection to reduce the environmental impact. Characterised by originality, simplicity and functionality, the hotel also boasts a more than 30 artworks featuring local and international artists, including two large-scale interactive installations by Japanese digital art collective teamLab.
“Having established The Sukhothai Bangkok as one of Asia’s most iconic properties with a loyal global following of discerning travellers, we are excited to present the brand’s first property in Mainland China,” says Marcel N A Holman, general manager of The Sukhothai Shanghai. “The Sukhothai Shanghai’s unique character was inspired by the dynamics of this city, and authentically reflected in the design, lifestyle facilities and amenities.”
The property comprises 170 guest rooms and 31 residence-style suites from 44 to 172 square-metres, among the largest in the city. Fitted with diatom-silica clay walls in soothing neutral hues, the innovative, environmentally friendly material is highly effective in air purification, humidity regulation and sound absorption to ensure a healthy and peaceful stay. All guest rooms and suites boast a spacious bathroom, amenities from Australian organic brand Grown Alchemist, 55-inch or 65-inch high-definition television with Sonos sound bar and on-demand access to an array of media and infotainment content through IPTV and satellite TV. Advanced in-room control technology with intuitive interface, wireless high-speed internet connection, and in-room refreshment and wine bar complete the inviting spaces.
Its restaurants are poised to become the city’s dining destinations. Alongside Michelin-starred master chef Theodor Falser, chef de cuisine Stefano Sanna takes the helm of the urban Italian restaurant La Scala, serving contemporary Italian cuisine. The nature-inspired menu prizes local and sustainable sourcing, low waste, and zero frozen and processed ingredients, paired with a fine selection of Italian boutique wines.
All-day-dining restaurant Urban Cafe indulges guests with authentic Southeast Asian cuisines under the leadership of executive chef Marcus Ng, while Urban Lounge offers a sophisticated collection of more than 100 premium gins and tonics and a special trolley with infused fresh herbs to be served with premium teas, all complemented by live jazz in the evening.
A bistro by day and a lively bar by night, The Zuk Bar is the best location to enjoy simple Nordic cuisine, and artisanal cocktails with intriguing elixirs house-made with a laboratory-type rotary evaporator (rotovap) by master mixologist Vincenzo Pagliara. Modern cafe Beans & Grapes serves a healthy selection of quality light fare and beverages during the day, and Asian-inspired tapas paired with wine by the glass from sundown.
The second floor is home to the Grand Shanghai Ballroom, along with six multi-purpose function rooms, spanning 450 square metres. The meeting facilities are equipped with high-definition widescreen displays, full-range quality acoustics and lighting effects, all efficiently operated from an intelligent iPad master control. The Pantry is a new hospitality concept offering event delegates a communal space to relax and socialise during refreshment breaks.
The health and wellness facilities include a 198-square-metre Fitness Studio complete with state-of-the-art equipment and a separate studio for yoga, Pilates and group exercise. Guests can also take advantage of the 25-metre heated indoor pool, sauna and steam room. The Retreat offers a range of Southeast Asian spa therapies and signature wellness programmes.
The Sukhothai Shanghai has enlisted the help of the students from the respected Raffles Design Academy to design its stylish set of associate uniforms. The all-female concierge team at the hotel introduces locally inspired experiences for guests to explore the city through interactive, immersive programmes, including a series of city walks unveiling the eclectic side of Shanghai, and a tour around the neighbourhood on Kate Wood bamboo bikes that are handcrafted renewable resources.
For more information, visit www.Sukhothai.com/shanghai.
