Children sing at a Christmas lighting event at the Westin Bund Center Shanghai November 28. The hotel that opened the new Grand Tower adding 269 rooms and suites.[Photo by Shanghaidaily.com]

The Westin Bund Center Shanghai opened the new Grand Tower adding 269 rooms and suites and bringing the five-star hotel's full complement of rooms to 570.

The Grand Tower, which formerly housed serviced apartments, has been under refurbishment since January. There are 18 new executive suites many with spectacular views of the Pudong skyline and some with the view available from the bed.

"We now effectively have two hotels in one. This new Grand Tower is for the even more discerning guest and offers a slightly more residential and luxurious feel. The rooms are between three and four square meters larger," said hotel General Manager Peter Alatsas.

The ambience is kept sleek and airy with the use of light natural tones throughout and the rooms all have a range of 24-hour services from gym to IT butler.

"The success of our rooms persuaded us to investigate converting our serviced apartments. In the end it made sense. We are a very innovative brand. I'm sure the combination of our location, our clever use of design and the quality of the service we provide will ensure the Grand Tower continues the phenomenal success of the Westin Shanghai," said Alatsas.