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This is a tale of two Kerrys - and a tale of two cities. Kerry Hotels is a new five-star brand from the sophisticated Shangri-La family, it was launched in Shanghai 2011 and Beijing in 2012 and we're so impressed with the brand we're looking forward to more hotels under the Kerry flag soon. While Shangri-La offers more traditional luxury, the Kerry Hotels are like Shangri-La's younger sisters, just as five-star but a little funkier; with a vibrant lively feel.
The Kerry sisters love fitness which is why the spa and sports facilities in both Shanghai and Beijing are the largest of any five-star hotel in either city. At the Kerry Beijing there is even a roof top outdoor running track and indoor tennis courts.
The Kerry Hotels mix traditional ideas of luxury with a modern touch. Hotel fusion at its best.
In Kerry Hotel Pudong in Shanghai the gym area is so large it really is like having your own personal fitness centre on site. Not for Kerry the poky gym with a few machines lined up in the basement. Oh, goodness me, no. Kerry Sports is far and away the largest hotel health club, spa and recreation facility in Shanghai covering a vast 8,000 square metres over three impressive floors. There are aerobics and exercise studios, an outdoor basket ball court, an outdoor tennis court, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi and 50 metre swimming pool -all open from 6am until 11pm, so there is no excuse not to stay healthy at the Kerry.
It is no wonder that the well-healed families in the luxurious houses in the leafy suburbs around the hotel love to come here to stay fit. Especially when you consider that the hotel is also a paradise for families since it has its own children's adventure zone with a three storey slide, toddlers play area and themed party rooms.
The Spa offers a well-rounded approach to holistic wellbeing with massage, body treatments and physiotherapy inspired by Wudang Wushu (an ancient form of Chinese martial arts) and a range of all-natural skin care.
There is a new kind of eating on offer at Kerry Hotel Pudong too. The food is still Shangri-La fabulous but there is a fun, lively vibe about the place. The main restaurant, COOK, is a huge round-the-world affair with 11 open kitchens from Chinese and Japanese to a butcher's bloc and patisserie. There is also an impressive temperature controlled cheese vault with a range of rare cheeses. Another reason for the hotel's popularity is BREW, a microbrewery offering award winning home-brewed beers and music. On Sunday afternoons the adjoining outdoor eating space is has live music and a definite buzz. The Luxury Travel Bible's personal favourite is the MEET steakhouse upstairs with a modern take on a traditional a la carte restaurant. There is an elegant fireplace and furniture teamed with designer bull horn touches, trust us it works. And did we mention a state of the art meat smoking room?
Now if all this talk of its neighbourhood popularity makes you think the hotel might seem crowded, think again; clever design means there are plenty of seclude corners as well light and air and expansive spaces. Not to mention the fact that guest rooms this large are rare in city locations. The 574 guestrooms come complete with sleek and contemporary furnishings, 40-inch flat-screen televisions, iPod docking stations and free Wi-Fi and (huge brownie points here). Those who like a little extra pampering will be glad to know that seven floors are dedicated to the Club accommodation including 33 luxurious suites, where guests can enjoy a round the clock butler, Club concierge services, and exclusive access to the spacious with Club Lounge.
We're so impressed with the brand we're looking forward to more hotels under the Kerry flag soon.
From my wide guest room windows I look down on a vast expanse of emerald. One of the best things about the Kerry Hotel Pudong is that it is on the edge of one of Shanghai's largest green spaces, Century Park. However, it is not just the park that offers the chance to get away from it all. Early one morning I hire a bike from the concierge and take a cycle along the nearby river bank, over little arched bridges, past traditional villages with their narrow streets and early morning markets. I also pass some modern mega-mansions; with columns and porticos and gated gardens. The tower blocks of Pudong are a silvery shimmer in the distance.
To me this is the perfect microcosm of Shanghai; a city which is such a heady mix of old and new. The Kerry Hotels too mix traditional ideas of luxury with a modern touch.
Hotel fusion at its best.
Check in: Kerry Hotel Beijing, No 1 Guanghua Road, Beijing, 100020, China
Kerry Hotel Pudong, Shanghai, No.1388 Hua Mu Road, Pudong, Shanghai, 201204, China |
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Ultimate Luxury: The 29th floor,Presidential Suite kerry Hotel Pudong,
The newly renovated Presidential Suite at the Kerry Hotel, Beijing
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| Most Indulgent Moment: Having a Signature Wushu Body Wisdom Massage |
| The Little Things: Staff mirror the hotels will a slightly more modern, relaxed yet efficient feel |
| Junior Luxies: Welcome. You may lose them in both hotels' sports and play areas - perfect |
| Dress code: Smart, modern ,stylish Lucikly in Shanghai you have the upmarket Parkside Mall for designer purchases right next door |
Dent in the platinum:
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Hilary Doling 22/9/12. Update 1/3/13
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