Today (October 14, 2015): Trip report: Finnair A350 Business Class Brussels (Belgium) to Helsinki (Finland).

I am very proud to present you today the very first Business Class trip report of Finnair’s new Airbus A350!

On October 12th 2015, I flew Business Class in a brand new Finnair Airbus A350-900 XWB (Extra Wide Body) from Brussels Aiport (BRU) in Belgium to Helsinki Vantaa Airport (HEL) in Finland. While Qatar Airways and Vietnam Airlines already operate the new Airbus A350 aircraft, Finnair is the first European airline to put the world’s most modern aircraft into service. The first Finnair A350 aircraft (registration OH-LWA) was delivered on October 7th 2015, and Finnair’s A350 fleet will become the backbone of the airline’s long-haul fleet, starting with the Helsinki-Shanghai route on November 21st. Prior to those long-haul flights, the A350 is rostered on crew familiarization flights within Europe, and Brussels was its 4th destination (after Amsterdam, Barcelona, Hamburg). I loved the brilliant A350 Finnair experience, and it’s clear that the new aircraft substantially raises the bar for passenger comfort as compared to Finnair’s Airbus A330 fleet (read here my Business Class trip report in a Finnair Airbus A330 from Bangkok to Helsinki).

Finnair features in my top 10 lists of the world’s best airline lounges, and the best Business Class amenity kits in the sky.

• Trip: BRU-HEL
• Airline: Finnair
• Aircraft type: Airbus A350-900 XWB
• Aircraft registration number: OH-LWA
• Flight Number: FIN812
• Date: October 12th, 2015
• On time departure: no (12.23 pm instead of the scheduled 11.40 am)
• On time arrival: no (3.35 pm instead of the scheduled 3.12 pm)
• Miles: 1026
• Flight time: 2 hours 12 minutes
• Seat: 8L
• Class: business (D)

In this review (more information & photos below my Youtube clip & the slideshow):

1. Facts & Figures about the A350
2. Business Class Cabin
3. Business Class Seat (& what seat to choose)
4. Amenities
5. Meal
6. Entertainment
7. Onboard internet (free!)
8. Other inflight experiences (crew, lavatory)
9. My verdict

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1. FACTS & FIGURES ABOUT THE AIRBUS A350 WXB

Here is some (fun) general information about the A350 XWB as provided by Airbus:

• The A350 XWB is the world’s most technologically advanced commercial aircraft, competing with both the Boeing 787 and the Boeing 777.

• 70% of the airframe is made of advanced materials combining composites (53%), titanium and modern aluminum alloys. Composite materials are corrosion and fatigue free resulting in easier maintenance, while titanium is a lightweight and corrosion-resistant substitute for steel.

• Eco-smart design brings more than 25% improvement in fuel efficiency compared to the previous generation of aircraft.

• Advanced pure air filtration system changes cabin air every 2–3 minutes.

• The A350 XWB is powered by the new Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, generating 25% lower CO2 emissions.

• The A350 XWB has been awarded Common Type Rating with the A330, and it takes only one week for a pilot to transit from the A330 to the A350.

• Draft-free air conditioning, adjustable temperature zones and the cabin air pressure, which is closer to the sea level air pressure, make the flight more enjoyable and less tiring for passengers.

• The total height of the Airbus A350 XWB is equivalent to the famous obelisk monument Place de la Concorde in Paris (17 meters or 55 feet).

• The length of an Airbus A350-900 is close to the width of a rugby field (around 67 meters or 219 feet).

• The wings of the A350 XWB cover more than 2 tennis courts (443 m2 or 4768 square feet) and – inspired by birds – change their shape while airborne to reduce fuel burn.

• IMHO, the most remarkable fact: the diameter of the A350 XWB Roll-Royce Trent XWB engine is the same as the diameter of the Concorde fuselage!

2. BUSINESS CLASS CABIN

It is a clear that a lot of thought has gone into the design of Finnair Airbus A350 XWB’s remarkably bright cabin (which should not come a surprise since Finland is a country where design can be seen everywhere). Created by Finnish design house dSign Vertti Kivi & Co, the cabin is dominated by calming white and grey colours with some subtle blue accents, reflecting a fresh Nordic style that is light and spacious. In addition, the large panoramic view windows allow a lot of natural light into the cabin, contributing to the overall bright atmosphere. A remarkable feature of the cabin is the dynamic mood LED lighting, which can be changed according to the time of day, destination or even season to create a relaxing flight experience. For example, a warm orange glow can be created to suggest an Asian ambience on flights to the Far East, while cool Nordic blue shades resembling the Northern lights will mostly set the mood as the plane approaches Helsinki. How cool is that!

The Finnair Airbus A350 XWB has 297 seats: 46 in Business Class, 43 in Economy Comfort Class, and 208 in Economy Class. The 46 Business Class seats are spread over 2 cabins: a large Business Class cabin with 32 seats (in 8 rows) is located behind the cockpit, while a smaller and more intimate Business Class cabin with only 14 seats (in 4 rows) is located in front of the Economy Comfort cabin. Both Business Class cabins are divided by the main boarding door, a galley and 2 lavatories.

Business Class seats are arranged in a 1-2-1 alignment ( a so-called herringbone layout), ensuring direct aisle access for all (no jumping over people’s feet here). The Business Class seats on the sides are angled toward the window (about 2 windows per seat, offering great views), while the seats in the middle are angled towards each other. The herringbone layout is great for privacy, so even if you’re traveling solo and end up in one of the middle seats, there’s nothing to worry about since you’ll barely see your neighbor.

Click here for the seat map of Finnair’s Airbus A350 XWB (and click the seat map for a larger image).

3. BUSINESS CLASS SEAT (& WHAT SEAT TO CHOOSE)

For its Airbus A350 XWB, Finnair choose the Zodiac Cirrus III fully lie-flat seats. These are the best Business Class seats in the skies. These days, similar seats can be found on Cathay Pacific (click here for a trip report in a Cathay Pacific B77W), American Airlines (click here for a trip report in an AA B77W), EVA Air and more recently Air France. Qatar Airways also uses a variant of this seat type on their Boeing 787s (click here for a trip report) and Airbus A380/350s. However, none of these airlines (with the exception of Qatar) combines these seats with a fresh, bright, and highly aesthetical cabin design like Finnair does. IMHO, with the introduction of its Airbus A350, Finnair is offering one of the best Business Class products in the skies.

All Business Class seats have the same characteristics: 192 cm (78 inches) in pitch, a width of 53 cm (21 inch), and a 180 degree recline. Each seat comes with plenty of storage space for your personal items (such as a rather large side cabinet with enough room for a smartphone, pen, passport, glasses, and other bits and pieces). Next to the seat, at eye level, are the seat and entertainment controls, a reading light, a universal power supply outlet, and a multi-port connector with an RCA port, an iPhone/iPod connector a USB port. The seats feature a large tray table in addition to a work surface so you can eat and work at the same time. There’s a large ottoman footrest in front of every seat.

When tired, you can recline the seat into a very comfortable, fully flat-bed. The flat-bed is just over 2 metres (82 inches) long and the side storage compartment offers extra knee space for sleeping on your side. For sleeping, you may choose to leave your armrest up for more privacy, or down for more space.

What are the best Business Class seats on Finnair’s Airbus A350 XWB? Click here for the seat map.

• The seats in row 9 to 12 are located in their own little private cabin and are therefore highly recommended.
• Solo travelers should go fo the window seats, while companions should choose the middle seats.

What are the worst Business Class seats on Finnair’s Airbus A350 XWB? Click here for the seat map.

• I suggest to avoid the seats in row 1, 8 and 10, since the proximity to the galley may be bothersome.
• I also suggest to avoid the last row of Business Class, row 12, which is in front of the Economy Comfort Class bassinet seats.

4. AMENITIES

This was a short flight (2 hours and 12 min) and no amenity kit was provided. However, to promote their first A350 flight to/from Brussels, Finnair displayed some amenity kits in Business Class. The ultra-environmentally-conscious kits are intentionally minimalist and  developed in partnership with Finnish design institution Marimekko. They feature the distinctive Marimekko prints and contain essential inflight goodies including an eye shade, earplugs, toothbrush and toothpaste, and Clarins moisturizer and lip balm.

Finnair features in our top 10 list of the best Business Class amenity kits in the skies.

5. MEAL

A lunch was served 30 minutes after take off. The starter and main course were served at once on a single tray. Food was actually quite delicious. The starter consisted of country paté with apple chutney, while the entrée was chicken with a delicious tomato/curry sauce. Dessert was a Finnish pastry filled with blueberry compote.

6. ENTERTAINMENT

IMHO, Finnair developed one of the most impressive inflight entertainment systems. The completely new state-of-the-art Nordic Sky entertainment system has a wide selection of Hollywood blockbusters, classic movies and unique branded channels from the BBC, the National Geographic Channel, and the Discovery Channel.  The Peace of Mind Channel eases passengers into a calm and relaxing flight. The cameras installed in the tail and belly of the new plane also offer some fun moments, especially at take-off and landing (watch my video). The flight tracking is superb: you can observe the plane from different angles (including cockpit view) along the flight route by touching the screen.

7. ONBOARD INTERNET 

This will please many frequent flyers!  Business Class passengers, Finnair Plus Gold and Platinum members, and Oneworld Sapphire and Emerald members enjoy full internet access FREE of charge, while Economy Class passengers can purchase it either by the hour or for the duration of the flight. Internet worked great during the flight.

8. OTHER INFLIGHT EXPERIENCES

# CREW: this was a familiarization flight aimed at training the cabin crew and make them familiar with the new plane. More than double the normal number of crew members was present onboard, and they all did a fantastic job. I found their stylish Nordic uniforms quite remarkable.

#LAVATORY: two lavatories for Business Class passengers are located in front of the plane (behind the cockpit), and another two are located in the galley between the two Business Class cabins. Both lavatories were kept very clean during the flight. Female passengers in Business Class can take advantage of the dedicated Ladies’ Room which is stocked with cosmetics and other supplies.

9. MY VERDICT

Finnair is offering a fantastic (and my new favorite) Business Class product on its Airbus A350.

• Seat : 9/10
• Food:  8/10
• Inflight entertainment : 9/10
• Amenity kit: 9/10
• Service: 9/10
• Cabin atmosphere: 9/10
• Overall experience: superb: 8.8/10

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Today (October 12, 2015): Top 10 most extravagant castles to stay in the UK & Ireland.

One of the greatest tourist attractions for visiting the UK & Ireland is the spectacular array of castles which spread from the very far north of Scotland to the heart of England. Originally built as defensive fortresses, as the centuries past and wars were fought in more open terrain, the castle slowly became a thing of beauty. This was particularly true in Scotland where the age of enlightenment ushered in hugely important architects like Sir William Bruce or Robert Adam who was commissioned to build beautiful castles like Culzean, which combine the masculinity of a traditional castle with modern day aesthetics. During the Georgian era a lot of fortified houses were built to give the impression of a castle but offered the comfort of a family home.

The Victorian era ushered in new architects like James Gillespie Graham (Ayton Castle), William Smith (Balmoral Castle) or the very famous David Bruce (Balfour Castle). This was a more ostentatious era and a lot of these castles did not survive the post war period, having been used as schools, hospitals and army billets and effectively trashed. Indeed in the 1960’s they were pulling down castles at the rate of two a week and particularly in Scotland & Ireland, many were lost. The scale of the Victorian castles was simply not sustainable and few could afford to keep them up. However somehow a lot did survive and there are some wonderful examples throughout Britain.

If you are looking to stay in a truly extravagant castle, here is my list of the top 10. Despite crippling costs and decades of punitive taxation many of these historic castles have thrived over the last twenty years and many embrace everything from weddings to rock festivals.  There are different avenues for making money but the running costs of these old buildings are huge and relentless, so their owners are to be commended for preserving such a vital part of the UK and Ireland’s heritage.

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10. BALFOUR CASTLE

Balfour Castle on Orkney, designed by David Bruce, is a fine example of a beautifully preserved, Scottish Baronial castle. Watching over a tiny island, 6 miles long, this castle is first and foremost a family home and it retains every bit of its Victorian splendour having been luxuriously renovated and decorated with every modern comfort. Once you have arrived at the castle, it gives the feeling of being exceedingly remote, however, it is relatively easy to get to by helicopter landing on the lawn or scheduled flights into Kirkwall followed by a short boat trip to the island. With a billiards room, private cinema and media room, golf room with golf simulator visitors aren’t short of things to do. For the more outdoorsy types there are wonderful walks, bird watching, tennis, trout fishing, seal watching, sea fishing trips and visits to local attractions.

• Website: Balfour Castle

9. BELVOIR CASTLE

In the heart of England you will find Belvoir Castle in Rutland.  Construction of the first castle to be built on this site started in 1067, by an ancestor of the current owners. However, both this castle and the next one that was built were both destroyed and the grand castle you see today, was designed as a family home by architect James Wyatt, and was built between 1801 and 1832.  It is now one of the most beautiful Regency houses in England and to stay here is a truly unique experience.

• Website: Belvoir Castle

8. BIRKHILL CASTLE

Birkhill Castle in Fife is a good example of a Georgian fortified house built to give the impression of a castle but with all the comforts of a family home.  Situated in a 2,000 acre estate on the shores of the Tay Estuary, the castle is steeped in history and has great charm and style. For those who stay here, they will enjoy the luxurious comfort of this family home with a heated outdoor pool, tennis court, croquet lawn, private beach and boat trips.

• Website: Birkhill Castle

7. MYRES CASTLE

Close by Myres Castle is a more traditional 16^th century structure, which has been cleverly modernised over the last few decades. It offers true luxury in ancient surroundings and every room has been decorated with huge care and is full of beautiful possessions making it enormously comfortable as well as both formal and cosy. There are delightful gardens and a tennis court which makes this a relaxing and fun place to base yourselves from to enjoy some of the well known golf courses nearby.

• Website: Myres Castle

6. FERNIEHIRST CASTLE

Ferniehirst Castle, further south, is more of a traditional Border keep and played a defensive role in the wars against England but it is now more of a castle style residence with large windows and rolling lawns. This is a wonderfully romantic setting and the rooms have been recently refurbished offering a very luxurious stay. With a magnificent banqueting hall, it is ideal for a party and along with the tennis court there is salmon fishing and wonderful river walks to enjoy.

• Website: Ferniehirst Castle

5. ALDOURI CASTLE

On the outskirts of Inverness and overlooking Loch Ness is the wonderfully romantic Victorian, Aldourie Castle. It is in a dream location on the banks of Loch Ness and offers the best in authentic Highland Estate living. It can also boast being the only habitable castle on Loch Ness. Having won the Historic Houses Restoration Award in 2011, guests can be assured of sleeping in luxurious state bedrooms, meticulously restored to their former splendour. Guests can also enjoy the majesty of the world famous Loch Ness by boat from the castle’s private marina.

• Website: Aldouri Castle

4. GORDON CASTLE

Close by is Gordon Castle which is an equally glamourous Georgian home with wonderful fishing on the River Spey. Within its 500 acre estate the castle offers exceptional comfort in recently renovated accommodation. With beautiful, large gardens, tennis court and fishing on the door step there is no need to travel further afield. However, there is much to see in this part of Scotland and so it does offer an ideal base for families wishing to explore.

• Website: Gordon Castle

3. KINCARDINE CASTLE

Across in Aberdeenshire, Kincardine Castle is another fine example of Victorian grandeur and of course families, mainly aristocrats, were inspired by Balmoral and were keen to be close to Queen Victoria during her long period of mourning. At this time, Sir Walter Scott of Abbotsford was also making Scotland fashionable through his books like Rob Roy and Waverley.  Set in the heart of Royal Deeside, this castle is the quintessential Scottish house party venue. It is a wonderful house decorated in period style and furnished with antiques.

• Website: Kincardine Castle

2. LISMORE CASTLE

Many of the Ducal families of course lived in castles and these included the magical Devonshire home, Lismore Castle on the Blackwater in Ireland.  It is hard to find anywhere in Ireland that can match this exceptionally grand home. The updated facilities appear to blend seamlessly with the more traditional grandeur and opulence of an earlier time. If you choose to venture out of the comfort of this wonderful castle, there is so much to see and do nearby including visiting the nearby Waterford crystal factory.

• Website: Lismore Castle

1. INVERARAY CASTLE

Inveraray Castle in Argyll, built in the 18^th Century, combines public access and private family use with the odd rental or corporate event. This is one of Scotland’s most historic houses and has been sumptuously renovated offering pure 5 star luxury. The architecture is remarkable incorporating Baroque, Palladian and Gothic styles. The castle features four imposing French influenced conical spires surmounting the stone castellated towers and was the first of its size and type to be built in this remote part of Scotland.

• Website: Inveraray Castle

Andrew Loyd at Loyd & Townsend Rose specialises in finding his clients spectacular private castles in which to stay.

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Today (May 4, 2015): Top 10 most luxurious hotel in Shanghai (China).

Once dubbed the “Paris of the East” for its unrivalled glamour and elegance, Shanghai is now the largest metropolis in world with over 24 million inhabitants. The fascinating city was traditionally a walled enclave but after opening up to foreign trade in the 19th century, the port spread and it became the eccentric blend of old and new as we know it today, a fascinating fusion of East and West. Shanghai is on track to become the world’s largest financial centre, and the globe’s tallest skyscrapers are popping up like mushrooms all over the city. Shanghai also houses a string of ultraluxurious hotels, with more to open in the future, and I hereby present you my top 10 of the city’s best luxury hotels.

There is more information below the slideshow. Think I missed one? Share your Shanghai hotel in the comments section, or take my poll abelow!

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10. THE PULI HOTEL & SPA

Created as China’s first urban resort, this stylish hotel is centrally located in Shanghai’s Jing’An district, making it a perfect enclave for travelers who want to be in midst of the action but based in a serene setting. The striking interiors—all polished tile floors, sumptuous silk wall coverings and contemporary furniture—are accented by reproductions of ancient Chinese household items. The Anantara Spa, which offers a series of tea-based treatments using green, white, rose and chrysanthemum teas that were developed especially for the hotel. The ambience of Zen prevails in the 193 guest rooms and 36 suites as well; many overlook leafy Jing’An Park, a green oasis in midst of Shanghai. The hotel is part of The Leading Hotels of the World‘s portfolio.

• Hotel website: The Puli Hotel & Spa
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast for 2, and afternoon tea set with a glass of champagne for up to 2 persons per room once per stay).

9. JUMEIRAH HIMALAYAS HOTEL

Designed by Arata Isozaki, this landmark hotel quickly established itself as a central feature of Shanghai’s Pudong District. Taking inspiration from a piece of jade, the artwork across the hotel’s 16-metre-high lobby tells a 5,000-year-old story. Each character in the ‘Thousand Character’ essay has a unique meaning, teaching the essence of moral virtues, cultural evolution, nobility and the pastoral life of common people.  The hotel has direct underground access to Shanghai’s new International Expo Centre (about 30 minutes from Downtown by metro). All 393 rooms and suites, including 16 residences, 45 suites and a Presidential Suite, come with fun extras like fast-fill deep soaking tubs and separate rain showers, a fully integrated connectivity desk panel, and a Chinese scholar’s work desk.

• Hotel website: Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel

8. GRAND HYATT SHANGHAI

Crowning the prestigious 88-storey Jin Mao Tower, this hotel begins on the 53rd floor and rises to the 87th floor, and as such is privileged with stunning views of the entire city.  The 548-room hotel is located in the center of Lujiazui, Pudong’s business and financial area.  As Hyatt International’s flagship property in China (but somewhat inferior to its Park Hyatt sibling, cf infra), the Grand Hyatt Shanghai caters to the international business traveler by offering a style of service and range of facilities that are second to none. The landmark hotel showcases one of the largest food and beverage operations within the Hyatt group with no less than 10 innovative restaurants and bars, bringing a refreshing style of dining to Shanghai.

• Hotel website: Grand Hyatt Shanghai

7. BANYAN TREE SHANGHAI ON THE BUND

Set on a prime location along Huangpu River in Shanghai’s Northern Bund area, this resort-within-a-city has sublime Bund views and an unhindered panorama of the famed Pudong skyline. Banyan Tree Shanghai On The Bund opened late 2012 and is part of the Above The Bund Urban Complex Resort. The resort features 130 handsomely appointed rooms that come in no less than 16 room categories, all of them featuring comfortable living areas, complimentary WiFi, and complimentary mini bar services. Some accommodations include a spacious in-room dipping pool to allow you the pleasure of watching the cityscape while resting in a pool of peace. The award-winning luxury Banyan Tree Spa, a peaceful sanctuary within this hectic city, spans three entire floors.

• Hotel website: Banyan Tree Shanghai on the Bund

6. FOUR SEASONS HOTEL SHANGHAI AT PUDONG

In a city gleaming with confidence, power and high-octane excitement, the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel group responds with glamour, bespoke experiences and a pulsating energy found only in today’s China. Serene, sexy and exclusive, the Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai at Pudong offers an ambience inspired by Shanghai moderne, dialled up for hip, 21st-century tastes. The 187-room luxury property in the bustling business district surprises with a surplus of leisurely pursuits, including a 41st-floor infinity-edge pool and a French restaurant with a secluded dining terrace. Exotic woods, luxe leathers and exclusive marble lend contemporary luxury to the hotel’s decor that is inspired by Shanghai’s Art Deco.

• Hotel website: Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai at Pudong
• Other top 10 accolades: Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai at Pudong features in my top 10 list of the world’s most stunning indoor hotel pools.
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast for 2, and $100 USD food & beverage credit).

5. THE RITZ-CARLTON SHANGHAI, PUDONG

Overlooking The Bund from the top of the IFC complex, The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong offers a unique opportunity to experience the glamour of 1930s Shanghai amid the modern-day buzz of the Lujiazui finance and trade zone. Coveted views of Shanghai are captured from points throughout the luxury hotel, including each of the 285 guest rooms and suites (featuring Art Deco-inspired interiors), and Flair, the highest rooftop bar in China. Moments from well-known Pudong destinations, including the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Yuyuan Garden and Bazaar and Shanghai Museum, the hotel offers a retro-inspired retreat surrounded by the energy of the city’s business, entertainment, dining and commercial centre.

• Hotel website: The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, and $100 USD food & beverage credit).

4. WALDORF ASTORIA SHANGHAI ON THE BUND

Combining the history and culture of the celebrated Shanghai Bund with a taste for 21st century sophistication, Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund offers a heritage ambiance, legendary service and timeless amenities to make your stay truly memorable and distinct. The two-building complex comprises a 100-year-old wing adjacent to a sparkly new tower, and houses 260 well-appointed rooms and suites, stylish environments for dining and lounging, extensive banquet facilities with stunning views, luxury spa, a fully-fitted gym  and more, all crafted onto a picture perfect setting that speaks volume of the grandeur and finesse that fits a Waldorf Astoria property.

• Hotel website: Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, and $100 USD food & beverage credit).

3. PARK HYATT, SHANGHAI

Occupying floors 79 to 93 of the Shanghai World Financial Center, otherwise known as “The Vertical Complex City”, makes the Park Hyatt hotel one of the highest hotels in the world. Soaring above this metropolis, guests can take in sweeping views of the city skyline and Huangpu River from any of the 174 luxury rooms & suites, or enjoy a choice of some of the most known Shanghai restaurants such as 100 Century Avenue Restaurant featuring Western, Japanese and Chinese cuisines, and Dining Room, popular for its European specialties. The hotel in Shanghai is also home to a renowned Spa, which features a beautiful indoor pool.

• Hotel website: Park Hyatt Shanghai
• Other top 10 accolades: The Park Hyatt Shanghai features in my top 10 lists of the world’s highest hotels and the best luxury hotels in China.
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, and $100 USD food & beverage credit).
• Review: to read my review of the Park Hyatt Shanghai, click here.

2. THE PENINSULA SHANGHAI

The Peninsula Shanghai opened in 2009 and offers an utopian level of luxury. Occupying a prime location with direct frontage on Shanghai’s historic Bund, The Peninsula’s flagship hotel is the first new building on the Bund in the last few decades. The intricately styled 235 guest rooms and suites have been designed to reminisce style from the glorious Art Deco era, incorporating an eclectic of traditional materials used in 1920’s Shanghai. Some of them have spectacular views of the Pudong skyline. With five restaurants, banquet facilities, a full Peninsula Spa, a stunning indoor swimming pool, a retail arcade with super-de-luxe shops, and boundless hospitality, there is no need at all to leave the hotel.

• Hotel website: The Peninsula Shanghai
• Other top 10 accolades: The Peninsula Shanghai features in my top 10 list of the best luxury hotels in China.
• Tip: enjoy exclusive VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, one complimentary lunch, a Virtuoso smart phone, and an exquisite lacquer soapbox per stay).
• Review: to read my review of The Peninsula Shanghai, click here.

1. MANDARIN ORIENTAL PUDONG

Surrounded by the gleaming skyscrapers of Lujiazui, this hotel offers a unique blend of style and comfort with a stunning, contemporary design, world-class restaurants, serene spa and Mandarin Oriental’s legendary service. If business has brought you here, you’ll be happy to learn that the hotel places guests minutes away from Shanghai IFC and the Shanghai World Financial Centre. As sophisticated as they are spacious, the 318 rooms and 44 suites offer a sublime blend of comfort and contemporary design, all of them with sweeping views over the Huangpu River. Lean back on plush pillows and relax, then prepare for the day with the convenience and comfort of high-tech surroundings.

• Hotel website: he Mandarin Oriental Pudong
• Other top 10 accolades: The Mandarin Oriental features in my top 10 list of the best luxury hotels in China.
• Review: to read my review of The Mandarin Oriental Pudong, click here.

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