Shanghai’s First ‘Urban Resort’ Opens in January

There are countless hotels in Shanghai but none will compare with the PuLi.  Opening in January, the 229 room PuLi Hotel and Spa in central Shanghai will be an “urban resort”, an oasis of luxury in the heart of one of the world’s great cities, said Yvonne Mak, Director Sales and Marketing.

Room sizes will range from 45 sq. m to 130 sq. m.  The RMB 3300 tariff (about $550 plus 15 per cent tax) includes superior accommodation, breakfast, mini bar and wireless broadband access, she added.

[Pictured left] Yvonne Mak says the PuLi will offer a new standard of accommodation when the 26 level property opens in January. Centrally located between famous NanJing West Road and YanAn Road in the heart of Shanghai’s business, shopping, sightseeing and entertainment district, the PuLi is directly linked to subway lines 2 and 7 and is adjacent to a luxury retail and dining complex.

Ms Mak was representing one of 34 guest hotels participating in the Leading Hotels of the World 2008 Australian Showcase Programme held in Melbourne and Sydney last week.

Organised only every three years, the luxury hospitality organisation’s three-day event matched property representatives with Australian travel industry partners and its Leaders Club members.  As well, the event introduced new products and services to the Australian media.

Coinciding with the company’s 80th anniversary celebrations, the Australian Showcase Programme “provides a platform to unveil the latest developments, luxury services and exclusive travel experiences found at nearly 450 luxurious hotels, resorts and spas in 80 countries but also the opportunity for our valued travel partners and Leaders Club members to meet with the hoteliers who have expressly identified the high-end Australian traveller as an important business entity,” said Mark Greedy, Area Vice President, Asia Pacific, The Leading Hotels of the World, at the Sydney function.

[Pictured right] The PuLi’s stylish swimming pool reinforces the concept of an “urban oasis” in the heart of the metropolis.

Along with Singapore-based Greedy was an array of individuals representing properties from Japan, China, Thailand, Bali, Italy, the USA including Hawaii, Costa Rica, Tahiti, Russia, Austria, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.

In addition were representatives from Taj Resorts and Palaces, Baglioni Hotels Collection, Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts, Karma Resorts, Silverseas Cruises and Relais & Chateaux.

Australia has long been considered an important market based on its length of stay and high yields per booking, he said. Referring to the Leaders Club guest loyalty programme, Mr Greedy said it was designed to enhance the luxury traveller’s hotel experience.

Leaders Club guests are eligible for a number of exclusive member benefits from room upgrades, arrival and departure time considerations, special recognition from luxury travel partners and Leading Spas as well as a wide range of added incentives when they reserve a room through the Leading Hotels of the World, he added.

An Exclusive Report by Thomas E. King, TravelMole’s Travel & Lifestyle Editor