Shanghai’s upscale lodgings market expected to continue impressive growth as the city adds attractions and events

With more than 140 upscale international hotels and 45,000 luxury rooms, Shanghai boasts one of the densest concentrations of upscale lodgings anywhere. The market is expected to continue to grow as the city adds new attractions and events. “Because of the opening of the Shanghai Disney Resort and a number of other projects, we’re expecting an increase in guests and in revenue,” says Richard Greaves, general manager of the Grand Hyatt Shanghai and area vice-president. There’s been a steady increase in premium properties, says Silvio Rosenberger, general manager of the JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai at Tomorrow Square and chairman of the Marriott International East China Business Council. Marriott has 20 hotels in the city. The city attracts business and leisure clients because it is a city of contrasts, adds Rudy Oretti, general manager of the Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund. He cites the contrast between the “heritage buildings on the Bund and the modern architecture in the Lujiazui Financial and Trade Zone” as an example of East meeting West in a way that inspires something new. While domestic travellers have greater budgets and a taste for upscale amenities, international-branded hotels still draw a large share of their guests from overseas. “We have 59 per cent of our guests from mainland China, 13 per cent from the United States, and 6 per cent from Hong Kong, Great Britain and Singapore,” Oretti says. It’s a market mix that is evolving, Rosenberger adds. Customers are skewing younger, towards “people who have accomplished something in life, people who are accomplishing their goals much earlier in life”. Business travel dominates the high-end market. “Most of our hotel guests are travelling on business here for meetings and events,” Greaves says. While he predicts this will continue, the Grand Hyatt “has introduced promotions aimed at leisure travellers like weekend and holiday packages, activities and social events”. In a crowded market, the hotels that stand out offer different features. The Waldorf Astoria occupies a famous building that was once home to the celebrated Shanghai Club. In addition to spectacular views of the Bund, the Huangpu River and the Pudong skyline, Oretti praises the hotel’s guest service and the Waldorf’s reputation for luxury and style. The JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai at Tomorrow Square is a modern landmark in the heart of the city. With “the People’s Park in front of us, no building will block our 360-degree view”, Rosenberger says. The hotel has the world’s highest library, according to Guinness World Records, with more than 2,000 books and reading materials. The Grand Hyatt Shanghai is distinguished by “10 dining outlets, the most of any hotel in Shanghai, where Cantonese, Japanese, Italian and other global cuisines are offered”, Greaves says. He is also proud of the hotel’s ability “to create personalised experiences for all our guests by offering unique amenities and services”. While hoteliers are quick to point out the top dining in their own facilities, Shanghai offers some of the best dining in the world. “There has been a huge change in the culinary market with more and more concept restaurants, now it’s anything and everything,” Rosenberger says. Greaves adds that a growing number of events are drawing crowds to Shanghai. “The F1 race, concerts and shows and sporting events make Shanghai a draw for guests from Hong Kong as there’s a lot of synergy” between these two economic powerhouses. The attractions of Shanghai are not lost on local travellers, Oretti says. “I see local demand rising quickly,” he notes, citing “increasing numbers of young couples seeking quality travel, personalised service and a unique experience with a weekend getaway or staycation”. Longer-term guests are turning to the blossoming serviced apartment market as an alternative to traditional hotels. Constance Schrader, general manager of The One Executive Suites by Kempinski, says that guests staying for a month or longer are looking for a home away from home. With more space, “they can also choose to entertain friends and clients or to host meetings in the comfort of their serviced apartment”, Schrader notes. She adds that many of her expatriate guests often prefer “cooking for themselves using the apartment’s kitchen and dining facilities”. A stay at the property includes a welcome kit that offers “China tips, medical contacts, restaurant recommendations, shop recommendations and pick-up services”.

Shanghai’s upscale lodgings market expected to continue impressive growth as the city adds attractions and events

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}While domestic travellers have greater budgets and a taste for upscale amenities, international-branded hotels still draw a large share of their guests from overseas

While domestic travellers have greater budgets and a taste for upscale amenities, international-branded hotels still draw a large share of their guests from overseas