The Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund Celebrates its Grand Opening by Winning "Best New Hotel in Shanghai" Designation at TTG China Travel Awards 2011.

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

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.

Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund has been recognized 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.

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.

Hotel Profile: Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund