Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts has announced the opening of its latest hotel in China in Hefei, a city founded as a county seat in the Qin Dynasty between China’s largest river, the Yangtze River, and the freshwater Chaohu Lake. Built to complement the striking structures which form the modern skyline of Hefei, the 27-storey Shangri-La hotel is centrally located on Suixi Road to both commercial areas and leisure attractions.
A new landmark in the city, Shangri-La Hotel, Hefei brings the group’s famous hospitality from the heart to Anhui province that is over 2,200 years old and home to the Huangshan Mountain Range — a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition, the hotel offers the brand’s guest-centred technology of free Wi-Fi in the property and its limousines and paperless check-in, while establishing a destination for the community to appreciate design elements and culinary creations inspired by the local Hui culture.
Welcoming guests are 401 guestrooms that afford expansive views of the urban landscape and range in size from 45 to 135 square metres. Full-length windows and elegant landscape features -namely mountains, flowers and streaming rivers – found typically in Chinese paintings, are fused with the room interior of soft beige tones. A well-appointed bathroom and large desk space enhance the convenience to entertain or enjoy the space at leisure.
Aside from panoramic views of Hefei, suite and Horizon Club guests can enjoy extra privileges at the Horizon Club Lounge on level 27 of the hotel including express check-in and check-out, complimentary breakfast buffet, all-day refreshments and evening cocktails, and full concierge service.
Dining at the hotel is an opportunity to try cuisines from talented chefs at the restaurants and lounge. Chinese restaurant Yang Zi Xuan (literally meaning a ‘dining hall in the Yangtze delta’) serves specialties from different provinces of China in a setting styled with lattice screens, cosy banquettes and murals. From Northern China dim sum to hot pot to family sharing dishes, the menu presents diners with the season’s freshest ingredients. Nine dining rooms are available for private gatherings.
At Café Wan, diners are treated to a food theatre-style concept serving Western, Chinese, Japanese, South East Asian and local cuisines, and choices from the à la carte menu. Chefs at work in the glass-encased kitchens provide all-day dining and a multi-sensory experience.
On the lobby level of the hotel, beautiful chandeliers set a relaxing scene at the Lobby Lounge with vast windows that look out onto a manicured garden. Comfortable seating cater for gatherings over snacks and afternoon tea, while live entertainment and cocktails change the pace in the evening.
An all-inclusive CHI, The Spa offers a range of wellness and massage remedies based on ancient healing philosophies. Guided by a personal therapist, each guest experiences a wellness journey within the sanctuary that is configured to maximise privacy and includes two double and five single spa suites, a spacious relaxation lounge for use pre or post treatment, as well as the comforts of a herbal steam and shower.
Whether guests are after a vigorous workout or an easy-paced regime, the multi-purpose equipment at the 24-hour Health Club suit all fitness levels. Personal training sessions, a 25-metre indoor pool, Jacuzzi, steam and sauna room, and a beauty salon are further offered.
Lavish weddings and banquets can be accommodated at the hotel’s 1,400 square-metre pillarless Grand Ballroom that exudes splendour in the finer details and crystal chandeliers. Capable of holding 900 persons, the space is the ultimate celebratory venue with natural daylight, exceptional technology and facilities to create bespoke events. Providing support are a well-equipped business centre and eight other function rooms, with city views, to host smaller-scale gatherings and meetings.
Visitors to Shangri-La Hotel, Hefei can arrive via the Xinqiao International Airport, Hefei Railway Station or the Hefei South Railway Station, which are approximately within a half hours’ drive to the hotel. The cities of Nanjing and Shanghai are an hour and three hours away respectively by high-speed train.
