The anticipation of home crept up on me as I was approaching the elegant building situated around the corner of Jinling Road. As the taxi reached its destination, the dapper doorman promptly opened the door and greeted me with a friendly smile. I have arrived at Les Suites Orient, Shanghai – and I am glad.

Thankfully, the check-in was easy-breezy with assistance from the well-trained staff. I was, however, told that my room was not quite ready; but I was far from disappointed. And off I headed to the hotel’s lounge, Le Lounge.

Occupying two floors of the hotel’s public area, Le Lounge was full of lovely surprises. Here is a hotel lounge like no other: cozy and inviting; perfect for a little ‘me’ time. The designers had done a great job carving out private and intimate corners within large, public spaces. I spied a potential favourite corner, helped myself to a fresh brew, and sipped my first cup of coffee at Les Suites Orient. I was at home in Shanghai.

Le Lounge's interiors

Room 905’s door opened to reveal a beautiful room, completely packaged with a fantastic view of The Bund. The king-sized bed came with plush pillows clothed in crisp, white cotton. The seating area was a stand-out; armed with a two-seater sofa and a very comfortable rocking chair. The room had a calming lull to it that made me want to stay-in all day.

The hotel itself commands an enviable location just south of The Bund, where the rivers bend in a crescent curve. The view of The Bund in its entirety was nothing short of spectacular. And that was the tip of the iceberg. The interior décor of the hotel was a seamless marriage of Scandinavian styling and oriental touches. The original pieces of furniture were not only exquisite, but also tastefully put together.

The view out of a Bund Studio

The hotel has another secret. At the highest floor lies Horizen, a stylish club where gorgeous people mingle and have fun; all while being surrounded by a breathtaking panoramic vista of The Bund.

The true star feature of this hotel however, was neither its view nor its décor; it was their staff. No small attention was too detailed, and no request was too difficult. The staff was ever present, with a service attitude that was second to none.

Les Suites Orient was in fact, not only a boutique hotel; it was a hotel with the warmth of a home. I truly ‘heart’ Les Suites Orient.

- Shahrom Rashid

Images credit: Les Suites Orient

You visit Les Suites Orient at:
Les Suites Orient
1, East Jinling Road,
Huangpu District.
Shanghai
Tel: +86 21 63200088
Web: http://www.hotelsuitesorient.com