A decade after it disrupted the luxury hotel market with The Opposite House in Beijing, Swire Hotels introduces the fourth property to join the prestigious House Collective: The Middle House. Italian design maestro Piero Lissoni oversees the entire project—from the striking exterior, the interiors of the hotel and residences, down to the custom-made furnishings. Round aluminium louvers decorate the building’s façade, referencing architectural elements found elsewhere in Shanghai. While Lissoni employs his signature streamlined style, he layered it with local touches, especially noticeable in the modern iterations of traditional Chinese furniture in the guest rooms. Hotel aside, The Middle House also has 102 residences on offer, which comes with expansive outdoor areas for the sophisticated urbanite. 

Tatler Tip: If you're looking for more design inspriation, time your visit to these events: Design Shanghai (March) or Salone del Mobile - Shanghai (November). 

There’s much to expect from a brand helmed by the inventor of the boutique hotel category himself, Ian Schrager. A collaborative endeavor with Marriott International, the Edition line of lifestyle hotels is aggressively expanding this year, with 8 properties in the pipeline including this one in Shanghai opening in March. The central location is a statement in itself—setting up in Nanjing Road East and Henan Road in Puxi, west of Huangpu river, just a 5-minute walk from The Bund. Envisioned as an “all-in-one” venue, Shanghai Edition occupies two towers with 147 guest rooms, 10 floors of public spaces, and myriad entertainment options including a Japanese restaurant, a member’s club bar as well as an indoor nightlife venue.

Tatler Tip: Even if it's not art week in Shanghai, there are plenty of ways to immerse yourself in art given Shanghai Edition's proximity to the Bund. 

Step back in time to the French Concession in the 1930s as you walk through the narrow lanes separating this hotel’s 55 one to three-bedroom villas and 40 serviced residences. Located in the last remaining cluster of shikumen (stone gate) townhouses in Xuhui District’s cultural preservation zone, Capella Shanghai exudes effortless chic with interior designer Jaya Ibrahim’s signature Indonesian panelling blending seamlessly with the original structure to create a contemporary European-Oriental look. Relax in the common spaces decorated with 1950s-themed paintings and rooms dressed in neutral palettes and lush fabrics. 

Tatler Tip: Authentic cultural experiences is within reach at the Xuhui district, but you'll find even more intel with Tatler's insider guide to Shanghai.

Additional Text by Grace Ma