Verdict Resplendent in detail and tailor-made for the guest. Prudence Lui
Small is beautiful. Straddled in between the 79th and 93rd floors of the 492m-high Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC), Park Hyatt sets itself apart from others with its lofty residence. It features the world’s highest hotel lobby, spa, pool, restaurants, bars and private dining. Opened last December, this premium property boasts intricate detail and personalised service supported by 700 staff.
From the ground floor, it took me nearly 60 seconds to reach the lobby on the 87th floor. In contrast to other large and busy establishments, I entered the high-ceiling lobby and walked into tranquil ambience that conveyed a homely feeling thanks to the Chinese residential concept which featured classical Chinese art.
As a female traveller, security is paramount. On the ground floor of SWFC, everyone entering the building has to go through a smooth and quick security check. Lifts from the ground floor do not have access to guest-room levels. When guests reach the lobby level, a separate lift lobby can be accessed using a keycard.
Guestrooms Following the “small is beautiful” concept, the 174 guestrooms guarantee a consistent and high level of service. What sets the hotel apart from others is the soaring height. Every room has an uninterrupted view over Huangpu River and Pudong. My room was on the 81st floor and I found another distinguishing feature was its massive size – the city’s largest room. The standard room measured 55m2 to 60m2 with 3.1-metre ceiling height.
With a large glass window panel, there is an abundance of natural daylight shining upon the monochromatic rooms. I especially enjoyed using the spacious workstation next to the window.
A US$1.6 million purifying system has been installed in all rooms to enable guests to safely drink tap water.
Meeting facilities With large-scale meeting facilities downstairs, this boutique property seeks small- to mid-scale MICE business. The meeting and banquet facilities are divided into two parts: Salons on the 86th floor and private dining at 100 Century Avenue on the 93rd floor.
The Salon on the 86th floor is home to eight private dining and meeting rooms, ranging from 65m2 to 150m2. Each salon features a breathtaking view of the city and abundant natural daylight. The largest room can accommodate 60 people. Unlike typical function rooms, the Salon has permanent fixtures such as cabinets and Chinese-style furniture to create a residential feeling.
For those who look for attention to detail and tailor-made services, there is an event studio on the same floor where staff can present versatile options, from flower arrangements, colour themes and menu styles to personalised stationery sets. Fancy a meeting in the city’s highest venue? There are three private dining rooms located on the hotel’s highest level – the 93rd floor. Two rooms can be combined together and a loft kitchen is also avaliable.
F&B Apart from the bar and two f&b outlets on the 87th floor, there is 100 Century Avenue, which spans the 91st to 93rd floors. Its 91st floor ‘tavern in the sky’ serves Western, Chinese and Japanese cuisines. This is a hotspot for locals and advance booking is recommended.
The 92nd floor has a western bar showcasing live music, a whisky cellar, private rooms and a Chinese bar.
Fact file Salons on Level 86 Minimum/maximum no. for meetings: 8/48 Minimum/maximum no. for banquets:8/80
Private dining on Level 93 Minimum/maximum no. for meetings: 8/90 Minimum/maximum no. for banquets: 8/150
Events handled: • Reception and gala dinner for Continental Airlines’ inaugural flight between New York and Shanghai • VIP lunch and dinner for Hermes Private Showcase • Press conference for Japanese World Expo Site
