W Hotels Worldwide, part of Marriott International, has unveiled W Shanghai – The Bund, located in the heart of one of the world's most energetic cities.

With limitless views overlooking the Huangpu River, W Shanghai will set the scene on the North Bund. Owned by Sinar Mas Group, the hotel features a blend of bold design and decadent style which combines to create a captivating contrast of Shanghai's past and its avant-garde present.

"Shanghai is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, and its engaging nightlife, spirited fashion scene and passion for what's new/next makes it an ideal destination for the W brand," said Anthony Ingham, Global Brand leader, W Hotels Worldwide. "Our hotels across the world are incredibly unique- each reinterpreting its destination through design that is both hyper-local and yet, clearly W. The electrifying design of W Shanghai – The Bund is no exception, solidifying its position as a global flagship for W that is sure to attract both guests and savvy locals alike."

Designed by the acclaimed GA Design, the hotel showcases an exciting combination of historic and modern influences, such as Hai Pai – the art of combining the old and the new, East and West. This is evident in both the hotel's location, perfectly positioned between the Suzhou Creek and the Huangpu River, as well as the surrounding locale, where Art Deco buildings sit alongside opulent Chinese mansions. W Shanghai – The Bund draws upon colonial glamour and futuristic motifs, with nearly all guestrooms featuring views of the Huangpu River due to the uniquely curved frame of the building's edifice.

"Over the past few years we have seen incredible growth worldwide across our brands, with the China market becoming increasingly important for Marriott International," said Stephen Ho, chief executive officer, Greater China, Marriott International. "The opening of the W Shanghai – The Bund underscores the ambitious expansion of Marriott International's Luxury Brands in Greater China."

Upon arrival, guests will be greeted by neon light installations throughout the hotel's Living Room (the W brand's take on the staid hotel lobby). For centuries, Shanghai-locals have honored the Lilong tradition, in which wet laundry is hung on lines to dry at varying heights down narrow laneways. This installation was designed as a modern reinterpretation of this classic scene. The Welcome Desk (reception area) features a kaleidoscopic fixture, mirroring the constant flow of guests through the area. The 'Melting Qipao' pattern, a representation of Shanghai as a melting pot of cultures, can be seen on the walls of the WC (restroom).

W Shanghai – The Bund features 374 stylish guestrooms and suites, each appointed with the signature W bed adorned with a cheeky pillow in the shape of Shanghai's famous Xiaolongbao (soup) dumpling and chopsticks. Thirty-five of the rooms are suites, including the Cloud on the Bund, which includes highlights such as a LED wall and a hanging bed. The duplex Extreme WOW Suite (the brand's take on the presidential suite) boasts more than 4,000-sq-ft of living space, along with a hanging neon installation in the shape of lips blowing out dragon smoke. In addition to the epic views of the Huangpu River and iconic Pudong skyline, all rooms also feature switchable privacy glass and Nespresso Coffee machines.

W Shanghai – The Bund offers five intriguing places to socialize and dine. The Kitchen Table, with its interactive open kitchen, is inspired by a modern New York bistro and celebrates the legacy of Shanghai's flourishing trade. YENshowcases the next evolution of Cantonese dining where traditional dishes are reinterpreted. Pre-dinner cocktails at Liquid at Yen, a hidden speakeasy, is the perfect evening prelude to transport guests to the glamorous golden years of Shanghai's 1920s cocktail scene featuring a handcrafted selection of concoctions mastered by the on-site "Cocktail Professor". The playfully elegant WooBar transforms from a daytime lounge into a vibrant evening cocktail bar. And finally, Wet (the hotel's pool) and Wet Bar offer incredible sweeping views of the electric Shanghai skyline.

"We are infusing so much energy into this city with W Shanghai – The Bund," said Christian Humbert, general manager, W Shanghai – The Bund. "We are bringing guests closer to the music, design, fashion and Fuel (the brand's take on fitness) scenes in Shanghai while providing our signature Whatever/Whenever service, delivering whatever guests want, whenever they want it, in this incredible city."

Mixing work with play, guests will be captivated by nearly 6,000 square meters of meeting and events space. At more than 2,000-sq-m, the Great Room is the largest hotel event space in Western Shanghai, and boasts 6.2-meter ceilings in a setting inspired by an opulent expression of the Golden Age. The entrance to the Great Room features a series of oversized mirror collages with a Qipao motif, overlaid by a delicate Art Deco-inspired screen, reflecting the tension and contrasts between old and new Shanghai. The 660-sq-m Mega Room, in addition to the Studios and Strategy spaces, all cleverly adapt their industrial charm to perfectly suit each event.

The Away Spa offers massages, body treatments, facials and quick fixes, all set to leave guests glowing. Guests can also step into the ultra-modern Fit gym that offers 24/7 access to the newest Technogym equipment, or take part in a yoga or tai chi class on the hotel's wooden deck. - TradeArabia News Service