The Shangr-La, Tianjin - a doorway to the city of Tianjin

From the grand lobby, opulent chandeliers in the expansive lounge and the magnificent floor to ceiling widows, there is no mistaking the quintessential Shangri-La touches to its Tianjin property. I have had the pleasure of staying here a few times now but every tome I walk in, that 'Shangri-Laness' that washes over me is as inescapable as the permeating sunrise as I open the blinds in my bedroom. 

After a relaxed check-in in the Club Lounge, I cannot help but wonder if I will do something different on this stay. Or will I hang on to my routine much like a 5 year old clings to her comfort item? Let's see. 

My Room

On this occasion, I stayed in a one-bedroom apartment, designed for long term guests and offering extra space and the comforts of home. The room is a generous 96 SQM, much like the executive suite I stayed in on a previous visit: Executive Suite stay The apartment features a fully fitted kitchen with everything you need for a longer stay, including a rice cooker and water cooler!

The bedroom has extra closet space, an added bonus while the rest of the room and bathroom are pretty standard with the regular L'Occitane toiletries, but they are full size. Lastly, the living room, in addition to a comfortable sitting area, also features a dining table that can seat 4 people.

A real treat during my stay was a couple international newspapers. Anyone who has been in China during Covid-19 can tell you how hard these have been to come by because of various restrictions on hotels in terms of importing non-essentials. For a surcharge, check on availability. There is something about the feel of newsprint in this digital age!

Regular Shangri-La Tianjin Club services are still available including a small laundry allowance - pretty much covered the pressing of two garments, perfect for evening cocktails and breakfast. I also made use of the complimentary shoe shine service. Lastly, asI mentioned in my previous post, a wake up call comes with your choice of tea or coffee. Why not? All the little extras certainly add up to making a good stay a great stay. 

Chi, The Spa

This is an institution as part of the Shangri-La brand and with my visit, I was reminded why that is so. I think spas can be pretentious from the moment you walk in to the moment you leave because it has become such a big business, so gimmicks and flowery language is the order of the day as spas fight for the monetary souls of guests. Chi,  The Spa is the antithesis of what I have just described. Moreover, this is underscored by the very accessible price list. Did you know, for instance, that you can have a nail treatment for 180 RMB? 

I opted for a Refresher facial - 60 minutes of sinful pleasure, with minimal intrusion by my therapist, Lucy Lei, who had that perfect balance between making me feel welcome but not engaging in meaningless banter. Soft and assured hands. Magical. 

On a side note, the bathrobe and slippers are what angels wear - sooo plush. 

The Club Lounge

I never tire of the lounge. Maybe it is the consistency of service by the lounge staff who have come to know my preferences, so when I am greeted by Club Lounge manager Serena and Sophia, I know that my bottle of Perrier is on its way. It could be incredible views from the lounge which perches on the 32nd floor of the hotel. Maybe it is the to-die for corner sofa and table that affords one close to a 270 degree view of the Tianjin River, Hai He. Or could it be that one is able to drink tea from Narumi bone china in the afternoon followed by cocktails and all the time note how light changes outside? Oh wait, it might be the champagne breakfast  I have at 8am when the city is just about awakening from its slumber? (Order a well-priced Veuve Clicquot NV from the hotel menu and have staff set it up). Mmm. I know. The lounge has that take-off-my-shoes and relax vibe that recalls home, not that I would do that, but I think this metaphor encapsulates what this spacious oasis is to me and I am sure to many guests who keep coming back here. On reflection, all the aforementioned reasons certainly come into play to make it an obvious choice for me to have the Club experience. 

A City made for Walking

Tianjin is incredibly walker-friendly and on this stay, I finally left the haven that is the hotel and ventured out - I am notoriously hotel-bound when I stay at a Shangri-La property. I was able to walk some of the streets and avenues I looked at from the 32nd floor Club Lounge - it really is a wonderfully different perspective. One of the things this city boy loves about Tianjin is the architecture reflected in countless colonial buildings from the 19th and early 20th century. Add to this neoclassical examples pf architecture and combine all of these with Chinese elements and you have something quite unique in the context of China. On my short walk of about 60 minutes, I was able to get a glimpse; yes, just a glimpse of what the city has to offer, and I am not even mentioning Little Italy! However, if you could not care less about architecture, a walk down the Hai He is a must. It is not as crowded as you would expect, making for a very pleasant evening of introspection and nowness. Leaving my comfort zone turned out to be a boon!

The next morning... some pics

My morning tea served with my wake-up call

Champagne breakfast 

Part of a 10-dish breakfast menu that complements the buffet area - Club Lounge

Mimosas with a view

Verdict

Whether you choose to ensconce yourself in the comfort of the hard product or the staff, or go out and explore the city, this property is ideal in so many ways. Firstly, it offers unparalleled value for money in Tianjin when compared to other 5* properties. Secondly, the location is fantastic, adjacent to a mall, subway and of course the iconic river. Exploring the city after dinner seems like a great idea, with the air filled with romance as you walk and appreciate the architecture. There is also something alluring about the historical nature of many of these buildings, as time present comes together with time past, creating a timeless architectural tapestry. Overall,  an obvious choice on your visit to Tianjin. 

Details

The Shangri-La Hotel,

328 Haihe East Road,

Hedong District,

Tianjin, China

e: sltj@shangri-la.com

Brandon Stoltenkamp

I: bmstoltenkamp