ザ セントレジス 成都

Chengdu’s nickname, “city of abundance,” initially referred to the wealth of temples, monasteries, and dynasties’ worth of architectural talking points; may as well throw business hotels under that moniker, too. With this 29-story behemoth — opened 110 years to the day after the New York original — the St. Regis flag takes its place among the Sichuan capital’s jostling business-district hotels. As expected, it hits all the keynotes: an easy walk from Mao-dominated Tianfu Square in one direction, just as close to Chunxi Road in the other, and centrally located within China’s answer to Silicon Valley.

Those who know St. Regis will know what to expect: like any well-trodden formula, the rooms and public spaces radiate a just-so comfort that’s there because it works. DiLeonardo Design brings an Art Deco veneer to the public spaces — there’s something of a chandelier theme — an effort all the more welcome for staying out of the way of handier modern fixtures in the rooms proper. Which is to say, crisp linen paired with gleaming surfaces and an inoffensive color scheme is just fine, but you’ll derive considerably more pleasure out of the iPad controls, docking station, free wi-fi, integrated surround sound, and Nespresso machine. Floor-to-ceiling views don’t hurt, either, and you really can’t go wrong with an oversize marble bathroom; Remède toiletries and a separate rainforest shower make it even more worthwhile. For an immersive, cleansing follow-up, head to neon-bedecked Iridium Spa to enjoy two pools, steam rooms, on-site personal training, and Thalgo spa amenities.

In fact, “staying out of the way while empowering guests” could be the (admittedly clunky) motto of the St. Regis staff, known as they are for unobtrusive, 24-hour butler service. All those little touches — flowers on request, suit pressing, daily delivery of coffee with newspaper — do much to grease the wheels, preserving the sense of quietly efficient routine that often goes overlooked in edgier enterprises. It’ll put you in the mood for at least one of the hotel’s six restaurant and lounge options, surely. Vantage XXVII is the requisite rooftop bar with nightly entertainment, right next door to Yun Fu, offering lavish and private dining for the discerning suit.