Grand Kempinski Shanghai exterior

The Grand Kempinski Shanghai, located in the city’s Lujiazui financial district, offers gorgeous skyline views and luxurious touches throughout.

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Chihuly at Grand Kempinski Shanghai

Entering the lobby, I’m greeted by a series of glass artist extraordinaire Dale Chihuly’s works, both at the check-in counter and near the grand staircase. The colourful glass compliments the lobby’s sleek lines and chrome fixtures.

Grand Kempinski Shanghai

Rooms

There are 686 rooms occupying 29 of the 30 floors here (the 30th floor is dedicated to a state-of-the-art gym, pool, spa and the Havana Bar).

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As I walk into my executive studio, the dark cherry wood entryway leads to the bathroom, decked with dual sinks, a rain shower/handheld/massage jet combo and soaker tub. Spacious closets store two sizes of slippers, a safe, iron and ironing board.

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The coffee and tea area stocks various glassware, a mini bar as well as extra glass shelving for keeping snacks and drinks in an easy-to-reach location.

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[Handy outlet strip next to the work desk]

The drapes and sheer curtains operate via a panel on the wall. Floor-to-ceiling windows draw in the light, offering stunning river and downtown views.

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[The views are pretty spectacular at night too]

The bedding, pillows and mattress are all high-quality and super comfortable.

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In the bathroom, a range of Kempinski-branded amenities, plus several toiletries make it easy to leave those at home (including toothbrushes and toothpaste). The bathroom retains warmth while the rest of the room is comfortably set by the airco system.

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In fact, the mirror has a heated option so your terry bathrobe stays cozy and warm.

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Another nice touch is fresh orchids and roses in the bedroom and bathroom.

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The Kempinski also arranges short concert performances inside the lobby lounge, called Concertinis. They’re on every third Saturday afternoon, in time for cocktail hour, to help promote the city’s young artists.

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Going Green

To help conserve energy, a room key is placed into a slot near the front door, which when taken out, automatically shuts off the airco and lights. I notice a small wooden oak tree statue by the bed, a symbol of Grand Kempinski’s collective participation in the Oak Initiative.

Leave the tree on the bed and housekeeping will use your existing linens to make up the bed each morning.

Kempinski Executive Lounge

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For an added fee, gain access to the 28th floor Kempinski Club Lounge for breakfast, all-day snacks and drinks plus light dinner with beer, wine and spirits are enjoyed with more stunning views of the city below.

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Spa, Pool, Gym

Kempinski The Spa, swimming pool and fitness center are located on 30th floor with stunning city panoramic views via floor-to-ceiling windows.

Kempinski Shanghai fitness center

Inside both men’s and women’s change rooms you’ll find a sauna, steam room and tiled showers, plus a room off to the side with jacuzzis, lounge chairs and river views. It’s lovely just sitting here, watching the boats and barges lazily pass by along the Huangpu.

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The hotel’s spa offers signature services from Indian scalp massage to deep tissue, sports and Chinese traditional massage. Facial therapies and body scrubs are also available, all by appointment.

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Dining

At the Grand Kempinski Shanghai, you won’t lack for choice of dining venues, all located on the second floor.

All-day dining venue Elements offers a vast range of breakfast, lunch and dinner choices served buffet style.

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[Lunching at Acqua is a feast for the senses]

Looking for Italian cuisine? At lunch and dinner, Acqua offers amazing pastas, fish, meats, soups and desserts by award-winning Chef de Cuisine Marco Erba with a view.

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[Suntime Century]

Cantonese restaurant Suntime Century is housed in a lavish space with Chef Zhang preparing flavourful Cantonese dishes. Private dining rooms flow off the main dining room for celebrating a special occasion or hosting an event.

Albero at Grand Kempinski Shanghai
[Albero]

Albero serves up authentic Spanish dishes and tapas in an atmospheric mosaic and arched room reminiscent of Andalusia.

As far as libations go, there’s the The Lobby Bar for breakfast, and later, afternoon tea and cocktails. Coffee fanatics can relax with a cup of Viennese coffee from iconic coffee brewer Julius Meinl. Along with that fine cup of java, indulge in European-Style cookies and cakes.

Havana Bar at Grand Kempinski Shanghai
[Havana Bar]

And finally, up on the 30th floor is the Havana Bar, for a drink with 270-degree panoramic views of the Pudong district, Oriental Pearl Tower, Huangpu River and the Bund.

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Nearby Attractions

The iconic Oriental Pearl Tower, Riverside Promenade, Shanghai World Financial Center and Shanghai Tower (currently the tallest in Asia) are all within walking distance. Feel like walking on a transparent floor 100 stories (492 meters) high? Then check out the Sky Walk at the World Financial Center aka The Bottle Opener.

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[L to R: Iconic skyscrapers Shanghai World Financial Center, Jin Mao Tower, Shanghai Tower]

The Shanghai History Museum is located at the base of the Oriental Pearl Radio and TV Tower, showcasing the city’s development with around 1,300 artifacts and 18,000 objects, pictures, wax work figures and literature to take in (great for rainy and steamy days).

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Or just head out on foot at night to take in the buildings (and illuminated boats) as they come to life with unique light shows.

Shanghai Skyline

The Grand Kempinski Shanghai is located at Lujiazui Ring Road 1288 in Shanghai’s Lujiazui financial district.

My stay was hosted by Grand Kempinski Shanghai. Opinions, as always, are my own.

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