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Opens Its New 252-room Tower Extension Wing
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News for the Hospitality Executive |
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| December 2010 - Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on
the Bund opened, on 18th December, its soaring new tower annex, much
anticipated following the September opening of the connecting heritage
building.
The dual elements of the luxury hotel, comprising a grand heritage
building
connected by a courtyard to the sparkling new tower annex, are an
eloquent
metaphor for the bustling metropolis of modern Shanghai as a city that
embraces
its rich historical heritage and culture while striding confidently
into the
future. Adding to the opulence of the 20-suite Waldorf Astoria Club heritage building, the glittering new tower houses 252 rooms styled to aesthetic perfection, with almost half of these offering a completely unobstructed, panoramic view of the Shanghai skyline along the Huang Pu River. Also situated within the new tower are two dining venues set to become the city’s premier hotspots – Grand Brasserie and Peacock Alley. There are also six comprehensively-equipped meeting rooms, a business lounge – dubbed The Library that encompasses a business centre as well as an international spa and a fitness centre. 
There will be a dedicated team of personal assistants to provide guests in the new tower with the consummate service of the Waldorf Astoria, readily catering to any and all requests. This new team of personal assistants attached to the tower block joins the ranks of the residential butlers who have made their mark serving guests in the 20 suites of the Waldorf Astoria Club heritage building. The exterior architecture of both the Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund’s new tower and heritage building was overseen by US firm John Portman & Associates. For Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund, set to be the luxury hotel brand’s iconic property in Asia, the Portman firm designed the impressive 252-room tower annex and remodelled a significant portion of the surrounding city block. The stunning result of the restored heritage building and the glittering new tower annex is destined to become one of the most distinctive architectural landmarks of contemporary Shanghai. Guests stepping into the stately English Renaissance style heritage building constructed in 1911 – which went on to become the legendary, exclusive gentlemen’s club, the Shanghai Club in the 1920s and 1930s – will be enthralled by the Palladium columns, detailed gables and sculpted rooftop cupolas of this architectural masterpiece along the city’s waterfront promenade. As they pass through the hotel’s interiors, into every quiet spaces signature of the hotel’s ‘better-than-home’ residential comfort ambience, and enjoy the legendary Waldorf Astoria experience, they will witness the discreetly opulent harmony of interior design by HBA/Hirsch Bedner Associates. HBA was conscientious about maintaining the details of the late Victorian era in both the heritage building and in the historically-informed new tower annex, according to stipulations by the Shanghai Cultural Relics Management Commission, the agency that manages and approves changes to the city’s heritage buildings. The result is a stunning restoration that has garnered many praises and affirmation from guests and the industry. The sparkling new tower has been seamlessly incorporated into the architecture of the entire complex through inspired multi-level visual entry points designed by HBA. Guests dining at the Grand Brasserie on ground level enjoy the experience of being immersed in the heart of the stunning glass and steel structure. Travellers lounging in the inviting spaces and Peacock Alley on the lobby level of the tower block are treated to a spectacular visual tunnel through an enclosed void to the live ‘theatre’ of the Grand Brasserie restaurant kitchen below. Besides these visual connections, the new tower also connects to the heritage building via an elaborate stairway while another staircase ascends from the lobby level to the Grand Brasserie. Besides enjoying the advantage of a Shanghai Bund location, with just-steps-away Bund frontal view to an elevated panoramic vantage, the heritage building and new tower annex also bear common distinguished motifs, including elegant gridlines camouflaging mechanical areas, unique patterns discreetly appearing on door panels, flooring, elevator doors, iron-wrought gate and more. The Waldorf Suites at the Waldorf Astoria Club heritage building are grandiose in design and decoration. White plaster walls are paired with finely articulated timber panelling. Ceilings are dramatic with deep dentil moulding and extravagant chandeliers while the period furniture is dark mahogany against a silver fabric screen. The large bathrooms are clad in luxurious arabescato carrara marble and finished with heritage style amenities, including a claw foot tub and a marble topped, dark wood double vanity. The new tower rooms share a common palette with the Waldorf Suites – white painted timber panelling. While HBA has created a more modern aesthetic, borne out in details such as the light fabric scheme of cool neutrals and powder blue accents and the sleeker lines of furniture, such as streamlined sleigh beds, elements of classical styling in the new tower rooms, such as the muscular ceiling mouldings and the same arabescato carrara marble in the bathrooms, nonetheless, secure the link to the hotel’s Victorian architectural pedigree. With the opening of the new tower of the Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund, guests now have the privilege of choice to cater to their individual taste, between two spaces which are harmonious yet distinct, reverently historical yet unabashedly modern. Here, at this first Waldorf Astoria property in Asia, global travellers will converge to be feted with the elegant grace, timeless hospitality and the unsurpassed experience of luxury that is the Waldorf Astoria. About Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts WALDORF ASTORIA is Hilton Worldwide’s luxury brand of landmark hotels, with each one as singular and timeless as the brand’s namesake, The Waldorf=Astoria Hotel in New York. From classic elegance to modern grandeur, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts each represent worldly sophistication and unparalleled guest service. From sumptuous spas and culinary excellence to world-class golf, each hotel & resort offers the exquisite accommodations and signature accoutrements that define refinement and sophistication. Discover Waldorf Astoria by visiting www.waldorfastoria.com. About Hilton Worldwide Hilton Worldwide is the leadingobal hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For 91 years, Hilton Worldwide has been offering business and leisure travelers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. The company is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands. Its brands are comprised of more than 3,600 hotels and 600,000 rooms in 81 countries and include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Doubletree, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages the world-class guest reward program Hilton HHonors®. For more information about the company, please visit www.hiltonworldwide.com. |
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For further information contact: June Seah Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund +86 21 6322 9988 x 0440 [email protected] Wye Leng Wong LEAP integrated marketing solutions + 65 9826 4097 / +86 13818138439 [email protected] |