Le Royal Meridien Shanghai

In Shanghai these days they don’t make anything small, least of all the luxury hotels. Just as in Beijing, there’s a construction boom going on, with tall cranes dotting the skyline. And while we tend to prefer fun and funky little boutique hotels, we make exceptions for anything that’s as well-done as the monstrous 66-story skyscraper that is home to the Royal Méridien Shanghai.

With just shy of 800 rooms it’s on another scale entirely. A place like this only makes sense right at the heart of the city, and that’s where it is, on Nanjing Road East, towering over the People’s Park, the Shanghai Museum and the Grand Theater. It’s perfectly situated for business or pleasure, and the design will appeal to both groups as well: Art Deco is a style that appeals to traditionalists and fans of modern design alike.

Rooms are all spacious, as they had better be in a new build, and they lack for no conceivable luxury: 42-inch televisions, rain showers, deep soaking tubs, all standard. And you don’t have to book the presidential suite, spanning the entire 63rd floor, to get the presidential treatment — everyone benefits from the Royal Méridien’s seven restaurants, day spa, indoor pool and comprehensive 24-hour business services.