Hotel Indigo Shanghai on the Bund to Open in May 2010

InterContinental Hotel Group will open its first Hotel Indigo in Asia Pacific in May 2010 at Shiliupu Dock at the Southern end of The Bund in Shanghai.

“The opening of our first Hotel Indigo property in Asia Pacific marks an exciting milestone in the brand’s expansion. Boutique properties are becoming increasingly popular within the region, but there is an inconsistency in the standards of the ‘boutique’ offerings available. We therefore see a huge opportunity for Hotel Indigo, as we can provide the reassurance and consistent quality that comes from staying at an IHG property, while still providing guests with a stylish, unique and interestingly different hotel experience every time. For owners too, it provides an attractive proposition to co-create a distinct property that benefits from a high returns model,” said Keith Barr, managing director, IHG Greater China.

Established in 2004 in the US, Hotel Indigo has 25 hotels already open and more than 58 in the pipeline globally. Most significantly in 2008 it opened Hotel Indigo London Paddington in the UK, its first property outside of the US, a new flagship property in San Diego last year and recently signed to open Hotel Indigo Hong Kong QRE in 2012, its first property in Hong Kong.

All Hotel Indigo properties are completely individual by design, reflecting not only the city they reside in but the history and energy of their local neighborhood. Hotel Indigo Shanghai on the Bund is no exception. One of the only hotels to sit directly on the Huangpu River front, Hotel Indigo Shanghai on the Bund features an eclectic mix of modern and authentic design to create an inspiring and playful environment, contrasting traditional Chinese pieces with distinctive contemporary local finds. The proximity of the river and dock has been subtly woven into the fabric of the design and great attention has been given to creating varied spaces to suit guests’ every mood. The end result is an informal and intimate hotel that is a highly individual and fresh representation of the local neighborhood and energy of the City.

“With its unique location on the river front and focus on local creativity and bespoke design, Hotel Indigo Shanghai on the Bund will offer visitors to Shanghai something quite different. The hotel has a distinct character; we wanted to move away from simply replicating the ambience of 1930’s Shanghai and instead create a more varied environment that represents the diversity and very best of old and new Shanghai,” said Bruce Ryde, general manager of the hotel.

Featuring 182 rooms, including 21 River View Suites and two spacious Garden Terrace Suites with extensive private terraces, each individually designed room at Hotel Indigo Shanghai on the Bund provides all of the creature comforts expected from an upscale boutique property. Maximizing the views and combining traditional and modern Chinese design and bespoke pieces, each room provides an intimate haven and unexpected details – be it the bathroom with an oversized wet room and walk in “shell shower”, the reclaimed Shikumen brick feature wall or the hidden refreshment bar with individually designed tea sets.

All rooms feature complimentary wifi, internet telephone, a 42” flat screen TV with DVD, a Bose music sound system, iron and ironing board, a ‘lap top’ safe, a fully stocked mini-bar complete with locally sourced luxuries, a complimentary traditional tea service, an espresso machine and fresh, home baked treats. A selection of pillows is available to suit every guest’s preference and in-room dining service is available 24 hours offering a selected choice of home-style cooked dishes and Shanghai favorites.

For guests wishing to unwind, work, meet friends or conduct casual business meetings out of their room, the Sanctuary awaits them. Complete with dedicated relaxation areas, work spaces and social corners, refreshments and a Café menu, guests can make themselves at home and find sanctuary whatever their agenda. For those needing to work or connect with the outside world, complimentary internet access is available throughout the area and wider hotel, while dedicated work stations and seating areas provide more comfortable business spaces. Or if it is simply escapism and relaxation guests crave, then massage chairs and reading areas in the library offer quiet solitude from the bustling City.

For the more active, the hotel also features a state-of-the-art gym using the latest equipment, with private tai-chi and yoga classes available on request. It is the glass fronted infinity swimming pool, however, that steals the show. Situated on the 7th floor overlooking the Huangpu River, the swimming pool floats above the South Bund, offering guests a fascinating viewpoint of the working river as they swim their lengths.

And when the day is over, with an exclusive setting on the 29th and 30th floors of the hotel overlooking the river, Char aims to become one of Shanghai’s top dining and social spots. From Char’s open grill kitchen, the chef will delight with signature dishes and international classics. While the Bar will feature an enticing cocktail selection and an extensive wine list, most available by the glass, so guests can sit back, take in the spectacular views and unwind to the relaxing compilations from Char’s resident DJ.

Hotel Indigo Shanghai on the Bund offers a full compliment of business services and contemporary meeting/conference rooms equipped with the latest technology. All rooms feature views over the river and across to the Pudong skyline.

Shiliupu Dock is a place that has been testimony to the ebb and flow of Shanghai’s history and is now shaping into a commercial and retail destination that will be recognized for its stunning views, open green areas and extensive shopping and dining options. Stepping out of the hotel, guests can either explore the delights and energy of the Old Town or take a leisurely stroll along the river front to enjoy the grandeur of The Bund. Alternatively turn left out of the door and a five minutes ferry ride from Shiliupu Dock will take them directly to modern Pudong and the heart of the Expo village. With ferries running every 15 minutes throughout the day and costing a mere 0.5 RMB, it makes commuting not only easy and affordable, but an experience.

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