Alila Shanghai Hotel Opens, Marking Greater China’s First Urban Alila Resort-Style Hotel

Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today that Alila Shanghai has opened its doors to welcome guests to a revitalizing urban retreat, alongside vibrant immersion in the lively Jing’an area and the scintillating city beyond. The property overlooks and provides exclusive private access to Zhangyuan, a complex of restored shikumen stone-gate townhouses that have been transformed into luxury retail spaces ready for guests to explore.

“Marrying the striking design and artisanal luxury experience that the Alila brand is globally known for, at Alila Shanghai, tranquil moments of retreat are perfectly combined with vibrant cultural experiences, creating a beautiful dichotomy not to be missed,” said Yap Jtwen, general manager, Alila Shanghai. “Our team is honored to welcome the local community and travelers to be immersed in our new luxury resort-style hotel in the center of Shanghai.”

Harmonious Design

Designed by acclaimed interior designer Ju Bin, Alila Shanghai is tastefully integrated into traditional Shanghai style with a focus on sustaining the city’s cultural influence, while also refreshing the look and feel by creating havens of understated elegance accented by pops of color and modern amenities for the utmost comfort. Throughout Alila Shanghai, tactile natural materials—ranging from roughly hewn stone to timber marquetry, rattan detailing, and paper louvers—alongside a neutral color palette and lush greenery, have been incorporated to modernize certain elements with the aim of transporting guests to a relaxing, nature-infused luxury retreat.

Arrival Experience

As soon as guests approach Alila Shanghai, they will notice a palpable change in mood from the intense hustle and bustle of the city to a space of clarity and calm. A canopy of trees drapes over the driveway, which is flanked by dry stone walls leading to a tranquil resort-style entrance featuring a wall of water, cobblestone paving, and a barrel-vaulted rattan-like ceiling.

Upon arriving at the Lobby floor (Level 4), guests will be overtaken by a sense of calm as they emerge into a landscaped oasis inspired by Shanghai’s classical gardens. A series of open areas and walkways surround a small lake and a striking 17-foot-high ‘Gathering’ tree adorned with stainless steel and Jingdezhen ceramic leaves by local artist Oscar Wang serves as the focal point.

Wellness & Cultural Experiences

Spa Alila invites guests to surrender their stresses with customized holistic treatments inspired by the healing and wellness attributes of nature. Comprising five treatment rooms, a Turkish bath, and a soothing relaxation space, spa-goers can indulge in signature treatments that feature the curative benefits of all-natural ingredients. To further the property’s commitment to wellbeing, guests will have access to premium daily fitness facilities, an individual yoga room, and unique programming designed to further connect guests with Shanghai’s intangible cultural heritage through unique collaborations with local artisans.

Accommodations

Alila Shanghai’s 186 guest rooms, including 94 suites, incorporate natural finishes and textures. Guests will find Shanghai-inspired detailing, from textured glass reminiscent of vintage window frames to bold flooring inspired by tiles from historic mansions. Spacious entry-level rooms measure 419 square feet and feature a generous lounge space, a walk-in wardrobe, a bar nook, and a dressing table area.

For the ultimate indulgence, guests may opt for the 2,626-square-foot Penthouse Suite King. Located on the highest 37th floor, the suite offers breathtaking views of the Shanghai cityscape, along with a striking marble-lined bathroom with an elliptical bath.

Authentic Dining

Helmed by Executive Chef Chuck Xing, the four innovative bars and restaurants at Alila Shanghai offer a wide variety of wellness-oriented culinary experiences, showcasing the local neighborhood through authentic native flavors. The restaurants adhere to a ‘farm-to-table’ philosophy, providing fresh, seasonal, and sustainable local produce—organic where possible—while the accompanying wine lists feature selections from boutique vintners. Each dining experience honors local food traditions, the people that make it possible, and the ability to ultimately deliver it to guests in a creative way all while keeping the regional legacy alive.

Alila Shanghai’s flagship Chinese restaurant, 500 Weihai Road, is led by Chef de Cuisine Scott Bao, formerly of the Michelin-recommended 28 Hubin Road at Grand Hyatt Hangzhou and a ONE Michelin-starred restaurant in Shanghai. Chef Bao and his team create plant-forward dishes from vegetables found in the hotel’s garden as well as modern Shanghainese cuisine with a focus on seafood.

Garden Pavilion is the hotel’s all-day dining space, built around a Japanese maple tree. At breakfast, instead of the usual buffet, guests can choose from curated sets featuring Chinese, Japanese, Western, or ‘healthy’ options, reducing food waste and encouraging mindful eating.

Comprised of a series of residential-style living spaces, Chayan @ 5th has been conceived as a sanctuary for slowing down and a gathering place for guests to connect with themselves and others. Here, guests can indulge in an exquisite afternoon tea that showcases Shanghai’s culinary heritage and celebrates the unique bounty of the region.

Secret Roof aims to be the premier destination in Shanghai for exceptional cocktails, stunning sundowner views, and an ambiance that is both sophisticated and welcoming. Flanked by open-air terraces, guests can enjoy striking views over the historical Zhangyuan rooftops. By day, the bar serves expertly brewed organic coffee and light snacks.

Meetings & Events

Spread over a total of 3,282 square feet, the hotel’s versatile meeting space is able to host a wide range of occasions, from intimate meetings and private dinners to galas and cocktail parties. For professional meeting organizers, the hotel’s extraordinary venue options—including an open-air terrace and five elegant function rooms with natural light—are ideal.