The Shanghai Edition

Scoring an enviable location on one of Shanghai’s busiest thoroughfares, The Shanghai Edition feels more hub than hotel. Spread across the 1929 art deco former headquarters of the Shanghai Power Company and an adjoining tower built in the 1980s, Ian Schrager’s vision of new-age hospitality features 145 guest rooms accompanied by a whopping nine dining and entertainment venues, including several cool local collaborations. Even if you aren’t a staying guest, there are plenty of reasons to end up at the Edition, which has quickly become a social hot spot. Chef Jason Atherton oversees English brasserie Shanghai Tavern and izakaya- inspired HIYA on the 27th floor, while Jowett Yu (of Hong Kong’s Ho Lee Fook) brings his irreverent take on Cantonese cuisine to the very loud Canton Disco. A slew of bars and clubs — including Electric Circus, which riffs off Schrager’s notorious 1970s New York City nightclub Studio 54 — draw Shanghai’s party set. Another favorite is the aptly named rooftop lounge ROOF, whose whimsical ivy grotto opens out to one of the city’s most dazzling riverfront vistas. Compared to the public spaces, the lightoak guest rooms feel rather low-key, though luxe touches like Le Labo bath products and Anichini bed linens ensure that if you really must rest, you can do so in style. — 86-21/ 5368-9999; editionhotels.com; doubles from US$280