Waldorf Astoria Club Opening In Shanghai

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed)
Jul 13th 2010 at 11:01AM

More and more luxury hotel brands are planting their flag in Shanghai. The Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund has announced that the first of its two buildings, the Waldorf Astoria Club, will open this summer, with reservations now being accepted for September 15, 2010 and beyond. The club is located on the famous Bund in Shanghai and is in the home of the former Shanghai Club, an exclusive club originally built in 1911. The neo-classic architectural gem has been restored to its former glory, with designers using archival photographs and historic records as a reference guide.

Each of the Waldorf Astoria Club heritage building's 20 suites is decorated in classic European style. Some amenities include walk-in closets, marble-finished bathrooms, claw-foot bathtubs and separate showers, in-room entertainment and coffee and tea-making facilities.

Dining at Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund is meant to mirror the fine dining available at the Waldorf=Astoria New York. There are two restaurants as well a lounge and a bar. One restaurant will serve New York-inspired modern American cuisine while the other, a Chinese Restaurant will be located on the top floor and will offer regional Chinese delicacies. The Salon is a cozy setting for high tea and tranquil moments while the Long Bar is a 110-foot bar-top counter built to the specifications of the original 1911 bar, serving light fare and elegant cocktails.

The Ballroom is on the second floor of the Waldorf Astoria Club. It opens onto a balcony overlooking the Bund where Shanghai's waterfront promenade makes a lovely backdrop for weddings, meetings and other functions. The hotel complex will also have eight additional function spaces available for events of various sizes.

The hotel's second building, the New Tower, is scheduled to open in the latter part of 2010. The 249-room tower will be located on Sichuan Road behind the Bund and will be connected to the Waldorf Astoria Club though a manicured courtyard with lush landscaping and fountains. The New Tower will offer two additional restaurants, The Grand Brasserie and Peacock Alley, lounge, meeting facilities, indoor heated swimming pool, a fully-equipped health club, spa and library. The New Tower will also have a Chairman Suite and a President Suite (neatly honoring both the American and Chinese sides of the hotel's personality), both with two bedrooms designed to meet the needs of visiting dignitaries, celebrities and privacy-seeking travelers.

Rates for the Waldorf Astoria Club suites begin at 7500 CNY and guests may make reservations by visiting www.waldorfastoria.com or by calling 1-800-WALDORF (1-800-925-3673).

Tags: china hotels, hotel opening, shanghai 2009, waldorf astoria, WaldorfAstoria