One-of-a-kind amenities

A corner of THE ONE's room, which offers a good view of Shanghai. Photos provided to China Daily

Hotel profile | Shanghai

The One sets itself a part as bastion for business travelers. Yang Yijun reports in Shanghai.

While frequent business travelers may feel bored with five-star hotels in big cities, THE ONE Executive Suites Shanghai, a property managed by Kempinski, offers an alternative, with a larger spaces and a home-like atmosphere with a European touch.

"We would like to name ourselves as an all-suite hotel and residence. THE ONE is created to offer a different option for corporate guests in a city abundant with cookie-cutter luxury hotels: a spacious, home-like space where the guest can relax without sacrificing the comfort of a five-star hotel," says Karina Ansos, general manager of the hotel.

All the 244 rooms are spacious suites with separate bedrooms, living rooms and kitchens. "Spacious" means the minimum size of the suite is 62 square meters. Among them, 40 are 112-sq-m business suites with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, and four are 311-sq-m to 600-sq-m executive suites with three bedrooms and a balcony. All the electronic devices and cooking utensils are internationally renowned brands, and the shower systems are imported from Europe.

Designed by HBA, one of the world's top interior design firms, THE ONE is an elegant sanctuary that creates harmony and balance within the vibrant cityscape of Shanghai. The 26-story building is done in art deco style both inside and outside, and is fused with Chinese details that reflect the complex splendor of urban lifestyles and cultural influences.

"Inspired by its location, THE ONE Executive Suites property soars to its expectation, manifesting the concept of sophisticated living and bespoken lifestyle, expressing a magnificent sense of presence as truly THE ONE," Ansos says.

Located next to the Nanjing Xilu, the upscale center of the city, THE ONE is close to the city's business and entertainment destinations. Many are walking distance.

The hotel offers full range of facilities, including a health club with a swimming pool, spa and three restaurants, offering Chinese, Japanese and Western cuisines.

"We do not have huge MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) facilities and big ballrooms like others normally have, which makes us focus more on individual service for individuals and corporate guests," she says.

For example, guests can request private Internet access, a private phone line and IPTV set up in their own suites. The hotel also offers butler service upon request to assist the guest to pack or unpack.

The hotel will be the third in the city to switch to iPad check-in so that the guests can check in with their iPad even at the airport.

In addition, the hotel is working with several supermarkets to allow the guests to place orders at the hotel front desk. If they place the orders before 9 am, all the goods will be in their room and fridge after 5 pm.

"For residences, the long term market is quite stable. And the demand in Shanghai is still high," Ansos says.

"We're a Kempinski hotel. More than 100 year of history and vast experience in hotel management with a European flair makes us different and unique. I believe professionalisom and successful history make the difference.

"As an art deco European residence and suite hotel, we are the only one in Shanghai. Our premium location and great associates will also contribute to our success."