Jumeirah Himalayas Shanghai

BACKGROUND This design-led business hotel was originally intended to be a Venu property – Jumeirah’s “contemporary lifestyle” brand, which is still to be launched. It opened in 2011.

WHAT’S IT LIKE? The hotel is part of the large Himalayas Centre designed by Arata Isozaki (architect of the Barcelona Olympic stadium). It has a latticework façade and a central courtyard open to the elements, and is designed to look like an urban forest with dramatically sculpted columns. The centre also opened in 2011 and, despite having a museum and gallery, seems empty, although the surrounding district has grown since I last stayed here five years ago in the neighbouring Kerry hotel.

From the outside, the property is striking and a little alien, with a red canopy and a water feature with statues of water buffalo. Inside, all seems dark at first but as your eyes adjust, it’s an arresting sight – a 16-metre-high square central atrium with tables and chairs gathered around a raised platform where Chinese folk dance performances take place, and on the ceilings are projected everything from giant moons to comets burning through the sky. Across the walls is a 1,000-character Chinese poem in the calligraphy of ancient scholar Huai Su.

WHERE IS IT? Next to Shanghai New International Expo Centre. It is convenient for the airport, as the high-speed Maglev train terminates one metro stop from the hotel’s nearest station (Huamu Road, Line 7), although there’s quite a walk between the two, so try to get a taxi. Central Shanghai is a 30-minute metro ride away (similar in a taxi) and involves at least one change (normally on to Line 2 if you want to go shopping on East Nanjing Road or visit the Bund or People’s Square).

ROOMS There are 401 rooms, including 62 suites and residences. The most common categories are Deluxe and Grand Deluxe (105 and 100 rooms, respectively). Next up are Premier and Grand Premier. All are contemporary with dark wood furniture, hardwood floors and modern Chinese art. Wifi is fast and free, and there is a 42-inch HD LCD TV, a good workdesk, a laptop safe, a minibar, tea facilities and an Illy coffee machine. Bathrooms are semi-open with a separate bath, shower and L’Occitane toiletries. Upper floors offer good views of the Pudong district. One side of the hotel overlooks the Expo Centre. Club floors are 18, 19 and 20, with the executive lounge located on the 21st, offering alcoholic drinks in the evening and soft drinks throughout the day.

RESTAURANTS AND BARS On the ground floor is the lobby bar and Arte Café and Lounge, where a buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner are served – the breakfast was good, with lots of international choices. On the upper floors are Shang High, Japanese restaurant J-Mix, and the Grill Room.

MEETING FACILITIES The hotel has two ballrooms – the Grand, holding 800 delegates, and the Himalayas, accommodating 350. Other options include a 5,000 sqm infinity garden on the sixth floor.

LEISURE FACILITIES There is a gym and an indoor pool, although local memberships are sold, so this was the only busy part of the hotel at the weekend. Tom Otley

VERDICT The location won’t suit everyone, but if your work is in Pudong or accessible via metro Line 7, it’s a top-class business hotel, recognisably a Jumeirah but with distinctive Chinese design and helpful staff with good English skills.

From the outside, the property is striking and a little alien, with a red canopy and a water feature with statues of water buffalo