Guest blogger Sam Braybon of Bespoke Travel shares with us their thoughts on the new hotels coming to Beijing and Shanghai in 2017 (and the expected opening dates):
SHANGHAI
CAPELLA SHANGHAI (EARLY SUMMER)
Hurrah! We’ve been waiting forever for a proper boutique hotel in the leafy French Concession. 55 rooms housed in a historic block of old shikumen lane homes and access to the city’s most eclectic shopping and dining should make this a winner with those that like low key luxury. Foodie bonus: Michelin favorite Pierre Gagnaire is opening a French resto here too.
W SHANGHAI (LATE JUNE)
Due to drop anchor north of the Bund just opposite the International Cruise Terminal this is looking good for those in search of contemporary Shanghai vibes. Best bit? June is surely the ultimate time to open house if you’ve got the only outdoor rooftop swimming pool on the Bund!
This could become a real hotspot in the sizzling summer season.
AMANYANGYUN (LATE 2017)
Even by Aman standards, relocating an entire village complex of Ming and Qing buildings from Jiangxi Province to Shanghai is an ambitious project so this is really one to watch. Plenty of ‘Old China’ flavor here, and the suburban location indicates this will be a spot for rural retreaters
rather than urban explorers. Given Aman’s pedigree with special properties like this, we can’t wait to see what they do here.
BEIJING
THE BULGARI HOTEL BEIJING (MID 2017)
Located north of Sanlitun in a striking contemporary building that’s also home to two office towers and a modern art gallery, Bulgari’s first foray into China looks to be everything we’ve come to expect from the brand. Designed by Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel and Partners, it’ll have some of Beijing’s biggest guest rooms, a Bulgari signature bar and restaurant, a stylish spa – even its own
private park!
THE PUXUAN (LATE 2017)
Familiar with Shanghai’s The Puli? You’ll be excited to know the group is opening its first hotel in the capital this year. Let’s be honest, it’s about time Beijing got a sleek and sexy boutique property! The Puxuan will have 92 rooms and be located between hipster hub Gulou and the commercial Wangfujing area. Most exciting feature? A spectacular roof terrace with Forbidden City views.