Shanghai
China


The Experience

Four Seasons' first mainland China property opened in 2002, sprouting a nouveau-Shanghai glass tower that stretches to 37 stories. The surrounding neighborhood may by unfortunately grungy, but it's an easy 10-minute stroll to the Nanjing Lu shopping strip and historic People's Square. Inside, this Four Seasons is a Chinese interpretation of a contemporary five-star hotel, complete with warm golden tones, vast public spaces interspersed with Asian artifacts and splashy contemporary artwork and traditional Chinese instrumentalists playing under petrified palm trees in the Lobby Lounge.

The Rooms

Guestrooms showcase amber woods and soft, buttery decor, with modern Chinese accents. L'Occitane lotions and deep contoured soaking tubs are a feature in the bathrooms, while lavender pouches, coffee plungers and a pillow menu add a homey touch. MP3 plugs in the armoires allow you to enjoy your personal playlist through the speakers. While standard rooms are a respectable 420 square feet, the 710-square-feet Executive Suites in the corner of each wing are worth the upgrade, with a living room and business desk (equipped with fax, printer and copy machine) separated from the sleeping quarters by solid sliding doors. Centre Suites are also a good bet, for their rambling layout, second ensuite and classier dove-blue furnishings.

The Service

From front-of-house to housekeeping, service staff are personable and exacting (a rare quality in Shanghai), and their English is excellent. The concierge can arrange custom-planned shopping tours with a private car and English-speaking guide and will direct you to in-the-know tailors or the latest buzzworthy restaurant.

The Highlights

The gym, with a 20-meter indoor pool and outdoor sun terrace, is available to guests around the clock. Sate the appetite you work up at the four restaurants, especially Si Ji Xuan, which stands out for its 40 different types of Cantonese and Shanghainese dim sum. In the evenings, skip the tacky Jazz 37 club with its mustard leather sofas and white baby grand; instead, catch the penthouse views from the Executive Club Lounge, an elegant perch from which you can literally watch China grow up.

-- Amy Fabris-Shi

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