By Tom Ledwidge: Shanghai is a bustling, creative and dynamic metropolis, however its frenetic nature can be overwhelming. The newly re-invigorated URBN hotel is a minimalist haven which offers guests a modern yet authentic boutique home-away-from home.

Greeted by a suitcase-clad reception and an uber-cool danish modern restaurant, URBN playfully exploits the east-meets-west aesthetic. With only 26 rooms and a top-floor private bar, URBN offers compact yet spacious studio rooms to lavish “dj-ready” penthouses complete with roof-top terraces.

Although not an eco-tourist hotel, URBN have set a great example by offsetting the carbon emissions of guests and staff, which in such a centre of unfetted capitalism is a welcome example of how emission trading is a “great march forward” in our approach to climate change.

Recycled materials are used throughout the hotel from the slate bathrooms to the brick-lined corridors proudly displaying brick-maker’s marks. These subtle references to the past and the contemporary Marc Newson-esque curved forms are a tasteful example of the past and future which URBN embodies.

Finally I can recommend the “Son of a peach” from the cocktail menu.

URBN Hotel TEL (8621) 5153 4600 Email URBN

Hotel Chatter on URBN
PSFK on URBN
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