Lifestyle hotel The Sukhothai Shanghai exudes ethos of excellence

The Sukhothai Hotels & Resorts, a luxury hotel group owned by Hong Kong-listed property developer Hong Kong Resort International, began its journey in China on April 28 with the opening of The Sukhothai Shanghai, a contemporary lifestyle hotel in the glittering coastal metropolis.

Located in the business and tourism hotspot of Nanjing Xilu in Jing'an district, the new Shanghai market player is the second Sukhothai-branded hotel in the world.

The first Sukhothai opened in Thailand's capital, Bangkok, in 1991. The word Sukhothai means dawn of happiness in Sanskrit. It is also the name of the first capital of Thailand during a thriving era in the country's history.

The new hotel, a member of the celebrated list of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, comprises 170 guest rooms and 31 suites. Ranging from 44 to 172 square meters, its rooms are among the largest in the city, according to the hotel.

Its design, created by Shanghai design firm Neri&Hu Design and Research Office, draws inspiration from the concept of "a place apart" - reflecting a reconnection with nature, amid the hustle and bustle of city life, according to hotel management.

Characterized by originality, simplicity and functionality, the hotel's decor features an alluring collection of materials and textures such as natural stones, fine woods, delicate silks and polished brass, a well-balanced yet stylish color scheme, and meticulously designed details, while incorporating sustainable practice in architectural design and in the selection of materials to reduce environmental impact.

Natural materials, such as environmentally friendly diatom-silica clay walls, are used to create a healthy and peaceful environment to satisfy the preferences of urbanites.

"Every Sukhothai in the world should be individually designed, based on the character of the destination," said Marcel N.A. Holman, general manager of The Sukhothai Shanghai.

"The Sukhothai Shanghai has a unique, individual character inspired by the dynamics of the city, authentically reflected in the design and amenities thoughtfully crafted by our dedicated team," Holman said.

The hotel features five inspiring lifestyle dining venues and well-being facilities. In addition, some 30 artworks created by artists from both home and abroad - in digital, painted and handmade form - are scattered in every corner of the complex to reflect the modern character of Shanghai.

Crafted for important social and corporate events, conferences and exhibitions of all sizes, the Grand Shanghai Ballroom and six multipurpose rooms occupy a spacious 450 sq m area on the hotel's second floor.

The design of The Sukhothai Shanghai is not a copy of the first hotel opened in Thailand. But its personalized quality services, a hospitality philosophy that has been promoted since the original establishment, represent a continuing of the ethos of excellence in Shanghai, according to Holman.

He said the hotel will create "tailor-made experiences" to differentiate itself from its competitors in Shanghai.

"People nowadays come for an experience. The real travelers do not look for how big a hotel is, they look for experiences," Holman said.

"The experience itself is the people, the way we do things and our attention to details."

Five bamboo-framed bicycles allow guests to glide through and explore a city shaped by modernity, while also exploring its beauty and tradition.

The hotel reached out to the local community by collaborating with the Raffles Design Institute Shanghai, to design uniforms for its staff members. Local students from the institute were invited to participate in the design project with real working life concerns such as deadlines and budgets.

"I believe that it is a way to give back to the local community and to give opportunities to the future leaders," Holman said.

Holman stressed that the hotel takes a service style "approachable".

In The Sukhothai Shanghai, staff offer welcome drinks as guests wait to check in. The bar menu will be changed frequently to satisfy people's varying tastes.

Looking ahead, Sukhothai has a positive attitude towards its development.

"We are fortunate; Shanghai is a powerhouse globally. The occupancy is healthy and it is still growing," Holman said.

"The business influx is still there. I think what we need to do is to make sure we constantly surprise people, constantly innovate and do things differently.

"I am confident The Sukhothai Shanghai will become 'a place apart' in the energetic city of Shanghai," he added.

The Sukhothai Hotels & Resorts will continue to expand its footprint in China and Asia. It is looking for locations in cities such as Hangzhou, in the eastern province of Zhejiang.

tangzhihao@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 05/14/2018 page15)