The Sukhothai Hotels & Resorts’ First Foray into China The Sukhothai Shanghai Now Open Creating A Place Apart in the Bustling Heart of Shanghai
28 Apr 2018
The Sukhothai Shanghai, a contemporary lifestyle hotel under The Sukhothai Hotels & Resorts of HKR International, is now open in the coveted Jing’an district, marking a new chapter of the prestigious hotel group as their first foray into the Mainland China’s hospitality scene. An exquisite work of design by the internationally-acclaimed Neri&Hu Design and Research Office, The Sukhothai Shanghai is set to become the city’s new lifestyle landmark, bringing together sophisticated design, thoughtfully curated experiences and attentive hospitality to surprise and inspire.
Characterised by originality, simplicity and functionality, the hotel’s distinctive design features an alluring collection of materials and textures such as natural stones, fine woods, delicate silk and polished brass, a well-balanced yet stylish colour scheme, and carefully-designed details, while incorporating a series of sustainable practices in architectural design and material selection to reduce the environmental impact. The hotel also boasts a curated selection of over 30 artworks featuring local and international artists, including two large-scale interactive installations by Japanese digital art collective teamLab.
The Sukhothai Shanghai comprises 170 tastefully-designed 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 are also appointed with a spacious bathroom, amenities from Australian organic brand Grown Alchemist, 55” or 65” high-definition television with Sonos sound bar and on-demand access to an array of media and infotainment content through IPTV and satellite TV. Thoughtful extras such as advanced in-room control technology with intuitive interface, wireless high-speed internet connection, and in-room refreshment and wine bar complete the exquisite and inviting spaces.
Vibrant and eclectic, The Sukhothai Shanghai’s five inspiring dining venues 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 fresh-to-order 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 over 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 modern Nordic cuisine, and artisanal cocktails with intriguing elixirs house-made with a laboratory-type rotary evaporator (rotovap) by our master mixologist Vincenzo Pagliara. Modern café 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 a spacious 450 square metres. Crafted for exquisite social and corporate events, conferences and exhibitions, 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.
With a passion for genuine hospitality, the new hotel continues Sukhothai’s philosophy, taking an intelligent approach to deliver personalised service and enriching experiences to worldly travellers. Tending to every aspect of the hotel’s services in utmost detail, 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.
“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 Sukhothai Shanghai is set to become ‘A Place Apart’, offering experiential hospitality through personable service in the vibrant city of Shanghai”.
A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, The Sukhothai Shanghai forms an integral part of the HKRI Taikoo Hui mixed-use complex, which also includes Grade-A office towers and a premium lifestyle shopping mall, all located in the retail and tourist hotspot of West Nanjing Road and Shimen Yi Road.
Ends
About The Sukhothai Hotels & Resorts
The Sukhothai hotel logo consists of 22 diamond droplets forming the Chedi design that was inspired by Sukhothai, the first capital of Siam. Each drop of diamond, polished to an identical marquise shape and seemingly finding its own position within the whole represents the individuals of the qualified hotel associates who, guided by intuition yet precise in every detail, anticipate our guests’ needs and cater to them exceptionally.
Each property within the brand portfolio remains distinct and uniquely designed while maintaining the essential quality that is the hallmark of the brand.
About HKRI Taikoo Hui
Located at 789 Nanjing Road (West), HKRI Taikoo Hui is a 50:50 joint venture between two Hong Kong listed companies – HKR International and Swire Properties, with a total investment of RMB17 billion. The development covers an area of about 63,000 square metres, and a gross floor area of about 322,000 square metres, including a lifestyle shopping mall, two premium Grade A office towers, three boutique hotels and serviced apartments, and more than 1,200 parking spaces. It has direct access to Metro Line 13, with Line 2 and Line 12 at West Nanjing Road station only walking distance away. The development is also strategically located next to Yan'an Elevated Highway and N-S Elevated Highway, providing direct access to the Hongqiao Transportation Hub and Pudong International Airport.
About HKR International Limited
HKR International Limited has diversified interests in real estate development and investment, property management, luxury hotels and serviced apartments, healthcare services and other investments in Hong Kong, mainland China and across Asia.
The Company has been listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong since 1989, under the Stock Code of 00480, and it is also a constituent of the Hang Seng Global Composite Index, Hang Seng Composite Index and Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Benchmark Index.
About Small Luxury Hotels of the World™
Small Luxury Hotels of the World™ (SLH) matches independently minded guests with independently spirited hotels. The diverse collection of over 500 hotels in more than 80 countries around the world includes everything from cutting edge design hotels and city centre sanctuaries to historic country mansions and remote private islands – all SLH hotels are consistently different, however, they are all united by the fact that they offer the best locations, highest quality, personalised service and a truly authentic way to discover a destination. Guests can now join INVITED, SLH’s refreshed loyalty programme, to experience Small Luxuries across the collection.