The Middle House, Shanghai - hotel review

Building on the success of the other houses in their collective (The Upper House in Hong Kong, The Opposite House in Beijing and The Temple House in Chendgu), Swire Hotels have now debuted their particular art-centric, sophisticated and ultra cool brand in Shanghai, The Middle House.

This is why you should visit...

Where is it

In the heart of the city is the Jing’An district, which brims with high-end shopping malls, international businesses and an ancient Chinese Buddhist temple after which it is named. Within this, is the historic lanehouse neighbourhood of Dazhongli in which the Middle House Hotel sits (‘zhong’ means ‘middle’ in Chinese).

Style

Milan-based architect and designer Piero Lissoni has set a sophisticated tone here, with architecture by Lissoni Architettura and Wong and Ouyang. But the overall style is sealed by the outstanding works of art which run throughout the hotel, curated by Alison Pickett (responsible for all Swire’s House Collective art-centric interiors).

The theme in The Middle House is ‘I dream of China’ and over 670 pieces represent this: from the extraordinary Chinese robe which hangs in the lobby (inspired by the Wei Jin Nan Bei dynasty, covered in 12,000 ceramic butterflies created by Caroline Cheng) to the framed paper works with joss stick perforations by award-winning Chinese-Australian artist Lindy Lee, and the striking oil on canvas paintings in the Café Grey Deluxe by Richard Winkworth.

Behind the art works is an easy ‘your home, our house’ vibe; a kick off your heels, and relax in luxurious but always understated surroundings.

Facilities

A vast indoor swimming pool adjoins the Mi Xun Spa, with cold-pressed juices and snacks for after your dip. The 24-hour gym offers state-of-the-art facilities with a HYPOXI room and wellness studio classes of group yoga with lululemon.

At the spa, skin care comes courtesy of new brand Cha Ling, which draws on the anti-oxidant properties of Pu’er Tea. Manicures come from ColourMAD and makeup - an increasing presence in spas and such a good idea allowing you to leave looking presentable and not stripped bare - from Make Up For Ever.

Food and drink

Café Grey Deluxe, the popular contemporary European Café concept which Swire Hotels introduced at their acclaimed Upper House in Hong Kong, has been brought to Shanghai and sits within sleek surroundings designed by Lissoni.

An open kitchen runs along one side, with rooms divided to create the feeling of intimacy. The menu from New York-based chef Gray Kunz showcases seasonal ingredients as well as signature dishes like his famous Steak Tartare with gaufrette and Kuntz ketjap. Bon’t miss the delicious barley risotto with creamed porcini.

The Bar at the entrance to the restaurant (and spilling out on a pretty terrace) serves a carefully thought-out wine list and innovative cocktails from Spicy Lipstick (vodka infused with mushroom, aged vinegar, soy sauce, pepper oil, House chilli mix, House tomato mix, green pepper, Sichuan lotus root and cucumber) to an Umami Negroni (London dry gin infused with local dried shrimp, vermouth rosso, campari, rosemary and nori).

Two other restaurants are located in the neighbouring residential tower of The Middle House. Frasca, is a sunny, colourful, Italian restaurant, which extends into the courtyard outside. It serves a wide range of imported artisanal salamis and cheeses, alongside Calamari fritti, fresh pasta dishes and pinsa Romana (a thin pizza), as well as main dishes from the wood-char grill, like veal chop Milanese.

One floor up is the Chinese Sui Tang Li where the Shanghainese, Sichuan and Cantonese dishes are made for sharing. Such plates include: crispy fried duck, spring roll pancake, baked chicken with fresh ginger and barbecued Kurobuta pork with a honey glaze.

Which room

The 111 studios range from 50 sq. metres to the penthouse at 660 sq. metres. Blending contemporary design with elements of Chinese decor, whether in the bamboo painting or the latticed wooden screen behind the bed, they are stylish and warm in feel.

A glass wall divides bedroom from bathroom which has a carbonised oak floor, marble basins, a huge rain shower and free standing oval tubs.

Bathroom amenities come courtesy of Bamford. By the bed there is a huge bell pull which is called Mr Goodnight, an ingenious master switch that no one could fail to find. There are 102 residences for longer stays with kitchens and laundry facilities added to the modern bedrooms.

Extra-curricular

Whilst Beijing has the culture, Shanghai has the glamour and this is a city which pulses with excitement. Visit the Bund, once the centre of commercial Shanghai and now a high-end hub of gourmet dining, expensive hotels and glitzy nightlife.

Walk through the old concession neighbourhoods, where leafy lanes are full of Art Deco gems from the city’s heyday.

Explore the dynamic contemporary art scene or pay homage to the past in museums which straddle the dynasties displaying ceramics and bronzes. And don’t forget to dip into the parks to see locals doing Tai Chi or playing cards.

Best for

Business travellers and Sinophiles; art lovers and high-end travellers.

When to go

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best months to experience Shanghai, avoiding the extreme heat of summer and cold of winter.

Details

Doubles from $450 USD per night including breakfast.

No. 366 Shi Men Yi Road, Jing’An District, Shanghai 200041; +86 21 3216 8199; middlehousehotel.com