China Showcases Shanghai Growth
<B> China Showcases Shanghai Growth</B>
By Robert Selwitz
Pudong, the heart of Shanghai's booming development, now boasts two modern luxury hotels. Where less than five years ago, rice paddies dominated the scene, Pudong today is marked by soaring high-rise buildings, the 10-month old, 612-room Pudong Shangri-La and the 550-room Grand Hyatt Shanghai.
With these two new properties, travelers now have comfortable options, right in the midst of China's most dynamic sector.
"In five years, Shanghai will be knocking on Hong Kong's door. This may be the last 'Asian tiger' still roaring and the government is committed to making Pudong the center of the city's growth," said Michael Cottan, general manager of the Shangri-La--located a short walk away from Shanghai's new 40,000-sq.-ft. convention center, set to open in August, and its new exposition center, which is about to start construction.
Cottan said occupancies at the Shangri-La have been running at 70 percent, with single rates in the $140 range. And "within months, guests will be able to board the Shanghai subway at a brand new nearby station, literally walk under the Huangpu River via a new people mover that will connect Pudong with the city's main shopping street, and be much closer to the new international airport that is under construction on this side of the river."
Less than a quarter-mile away, the Grand Hyatt sits atop the tallest building in China, the 88-story Jin Mao building. Among the advantages of staying there, said director of marketing Brendan Inns, "is that you'll never lose your hotel! The Hyatt can be seen from everywhere--to instruct taxi drivers, just point."
Occupying the 53rd through 87th floors, the property, which officially debuts in July, offers rooms with dual phone lines and an infrared keyboard to operate the Internet off the TV set. Furthermore, the property employs round-the-clock cyber technicians who will help guests access their e-mail or favorite Web sites.
"We know international travelers are on a wide variety of timeframes. When they're having trouble making critical communication links, it's our responsibility to help them," said Inns.
As for Pudong's future, he said, "everything is building up to the Oct. 1 celebration of the 50th anniversary of the formation of the People's Republic of China. The government is showcasing Pudong as a symbol of its growth, and they regard it as the newest area of what they consider China's own city, as opposed to Hong Kong with its heavy British lineage."
En route, Inns said "numerous financial concerns are moving their Shanghai offices to this side of the river. And when the new convention center debuts, that meeting traffic influx will focus even more attention on Pudong."
The Grand Hyatt Shanghai will feature a dozen restaurants/food outlets, and an observation deck on the 88th floor. In addition to its standard deluxe rooms, the hotel will have 10 business suites, 24 executive suites, eight diplomatic suites, two presidential suites and one chairman's suite.
There also will be seven Regency Club floors offering daily breakfast, evening cocktails served with hors d'oeuvres, and all-day coffee/tea service. Other Hyatt features will include a business center, fitness club and free shuttle service to Pudong addresses as well as to the business heart of old Shanghai on the opposite side of the river.