It’s been 12 years since I last stepped into China, and I was fortunate to make a visit to Shanghai, Hangzhou and Nanjing, courtesy of my new friends at the Kempinski. Shanghai boasts a captivating skyline where historic colonial buildings along the Bund stand in stunning contrast to the towering skyscrapers of Pudong, creating a mesmerising blend of old and new.
The comfortable Deluxe Bund view room that I stayed in at Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai for three nights offers a calming view of the Huangpu River. I especially liked the night views from Havana Bar, that’s located on the 30th floor of the hotel — you can get 270º views of the Oriental Pearl Tower, Lujiazui financial district and the Bund.
The five-star luxury hotel was opened in February 2010 and rebranded as Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai on 15 May 2013 and became the group’s 18th property in China.
The Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai has 686 rooms and suites, six restaurants and bars and extensive banquet facilities for up to 720 people. Additionally, guests are welcome to enjoy the indoor pool, spa and fitness centre on floor 30 with panoramic views.
The Imperial Suite is best for extended families looking to be together on the same floor. There is ample of space to maneuverer around without getting in someone’s hair. I liked the grand work area with long towering shelves and a glass chandelier casting its light in the centre of the room. The jacuzzi in the main area makes quite the headline here.
What I like best
The one thing that stood out for me was the heated bathroom tiles which was a nice touch. The room has ample of space, and it covers almost 43-square-meter in dimensions. The office table was big enough for me to set up as my workstation away from home, and comfortable enough for me to spend a few hours working on my next article. The room features automated window shades equipped with motion sensors that automatically retract upon detecting my return. To rest my weary legs after a long day out, the bathtub is a nice addition for a warm soak.
Food-wise, the Elements Restaurant offers a wide choice of à la carte dishes and is complemented by indulgent buffet spreads featuring Asian and Western specialities for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The breakfast menu is extensive, and I opted for comfort foods like congee and soup dumplings which were scrumptious and a delight for warming tummies.
Cantonese restaurant Suntime Century is also a favourite of mine as it offers a tantalising menu of textures, tastes and aromas. Some of my memorable dishes were the double-boiled chicken soup with bamboo fungus, sea whelk slices and mushrooms; braised rock lobster with crab roe; steamed grouper with scallion oil; and the humble chilled mango sago cream with pomelo dessert.
Every dish was different and showcased Chef’s culinary craftsmanship in just the minute details.
What could be better
While appreciative of modern design, I preferred a more clean aesthetic and find the hotel’s contemporary European style less appealing. Perhaps it’s the colour and design scheme of the marble texture meeting the carpeting that creates a somewhat jarring visual contrast.
Still, it makes for a comfortable and memorable stay as the staff there are equally attentive as they are gracious with their time.
This trip was made possible by Kempinski Hotels.
