Hilton Worldwide formally opened the Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund with a gala for the iconic two-tower luxury hotel.

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The event was graced by nearly 600 guests including leading representatives from Shanghai’s high society, corporate world and government agencies, as well as Hilton Worldwide senior executives led by Christopher J. Nassetta, President & Chief Executive Officer.
“2010/2011 Best Contemporary Cuisine Restaurants in Shanghai”
“We have chosen Shanghai for our first Waldorf Astoria hotel in China as it is one of the world’s leading cities, with a strong influence over finance, commerce, fashion and culture. The continuing flow of international arrivals into Shanghai and growing sophistication of local travellers have also created a huge appetite for world-class luxury accommodations in China’s most populous city,” said Christopher J. Nassetta, President & Chief Executive Officer, Hilton Worldwide.

Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund opened the Waldorf Astoria Club, comprising 20 luxurious suites in the hotel’s century-old heritage building, in August last year. Today, the new Waldorf Astoria Tower building, comprising an additional 252 well-appointed rooms and suites, was formally inaugurated thereby completing the timeless luxury and legendary heritage of Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund.

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Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund has been recognised as the benchmark for luxury hotels in several aspects including hotel design, branding, and food and beverage. The “Best New Hotel in Shanghai” recognition from TTG China Travel Awards 2011 was presented to Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund at the awards ceremony on 14th April, held in conjunction with the annual Incentive Travel and Conventions, Meetings China (IT&CM China) trade show. It adds to other accolades including the “2010 Best Hotel Design” award by Bund Magazine for the exemplary restoration effort and design of its century-old heritage building; the “Overall Luxury Hotel Brand Best New Arrival" award from the influential Hurun Report 2011; a coveted listing in Modern Weekly/Martell Cognac for the “2010/2011 Best Contemporary Cuisine Restaurants in Shanghai” in recognition of the hotel’s signature restaurant, Pelham’s New York Cuisine; and the “China Hotel Development of the Year” award presented by China Tourist Hotels Association, Horwath HTL and STR Global at the 7th Annual China Hotel Development and Financing Conference held in March.

“We started taking reservations for Waldorf Astoria Club’s 20 luxury suites last summer. The various awards that Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund has already been presented within this short period of time, speaks volumes about our distinctive service and our success in bringing back the historical charm and sophistication of this legendary gem,” said Martin Rinck, Area President, Asia Pacific, Hilton Worldwide.

“Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund will set the standard for Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts growth in China. This hotel is destined to create the special moments that will make for lasting memories and leave guests yearning to return. The Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund will build on the success of its namesake, the renowned Waldorf=Astoria in New York, and its legacy of timeless luxury and personalised experiences,” said John Vanderslice, Global Head, Luxury and Lifestyle Brands, Hilton Worldwide.

Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund is a two-building hotel complex with a century-old heritage building dubbed the “Waldorf Astoria Club” (in remembrance of the building’s original historical identity as the Shanghai Club), and the Waldorf Astoria Tower, a newly-built annex building that rises to elevated vantage of the Huang Pu River. An outdoor courtyard joins the two buildings much like the famed “Peacock Alley” walkway that linked spaces in the original structure of the brand’s icon – the Waldorf=Astoria New York.

Complementing the 272 well-appointed rooms and suites are six food and beverage outlets in stylish dining and lounging environments; extensive banquet facilities with stunning views including a grand ballroom, two function rooms and six meeting rooms; a fully-fitted gym and a luxury spa.

The architecture of Waldorf Astoria Club is based on a grand neo-Classical style. The contemporary interior and furnishings, with Chinese accent, complement the heritage wing and the design of the new high-rise tower. The sparkling new tower – Waldorf Astoria Tower – has been seamlessly incorporated into the architecture of the entire complex through inspired multi-level visual entry points.

As guests walk through the two buildings, they will notice the intricate similarities between both buildings, through design motifs, patterned textiles and even the uncannily aplenty cushions donning beautifully crafted armchairs and couches. There is a seamless progression in ambience and design that is both heritage nostalgia and modern classics.

Hilton Worldwide currently operates 17 hotels and resorts under four brands in China; Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts and DoubleTree by Hilton. It also has more than 60 properties under various stages of development across its portfolio of brands in China.