A Legend Returns! Grand Opening of Hilton Shanghai City Center

By That's Shanghai, September 20, 2024

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Hilton Group will celebrate its grand opening of the new Hilton Shanghai City Center along Yan’an Xi Lu on September 20, marking the return of the award-winning flagship brand, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, to the heart of the city.

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Image courtesy of Hilton Shanghai City Center

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Image courtesy of Hilton Shanghai City Center

Located at the bustling junction of Jing'an and Changning districts, the new Hilton Shanghai City Center blends the rich heritage of the brand with modern, stylish elements  reviving classic elegance while also delivering a trendy vibe. 

Taste Authentic Italian Flavors at Osteria Twelve 16

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Image by Sophie Steiner/That's

The hotel offers diverse dining options, including Osteria Twelve 16, an Italian restaurant on the first floor that resembles an elegant Italian garden, with more than 100 seats.

The contours of Shanghai's eclectic architectural heritage are simplified and used in the interior design, blending the charm of international architecture into the space.

Guests can enjoy a culinary journey in a space that combines Italian warmth with the charm of Shanghai.

The name of the restaurant comes from the Italian word for 'tavern,' and traditional Italian osteria typically have 12 to 16 tables.

The restaurant's layout follows this classic arrangement, creating a cozy and relaxed dining atmosphere by dividing up the venue  into three main areas for guests to enjoy throughout the day. 

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Image courtesy of Hilton Shanghai City Center

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Image courtesy of Hilton Shanghai City Center

The main dining area, Al Forno, features a large forno (‘oven’ in Italian) plus an open kitchen where guests can watch the chefs in action. 

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Image by Sophie Steiner/That's

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Image courtesy of Hilton Shanghai City Center

The baking and dessert area, Mascarpone, is named after the creamy Italian cheese, offering freshly made bread, pastries, and gelato in flavors like chocolate, strawberry, vanilla, tiramisu, and pistachio. 

Pastries span their homemade signature brioche buns to marble cheesecake, matcha white chocolate cake, fruit tart, walnut chestnut tart, chocolate brownie and macarons. 

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Image courtesy of Hilton Shanghai City Center

Finally, the bar and coffee area, The Espresso Bar, serves a variety of Italian espresso and cocktails, providing a space for guests to enjoy light conversations and drinks, from morning coffee to afternoon tea to cocktails at night. 

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Image courtesy of Hilton Shanghai City Center

Additionally, the private dining area, named after two classic Italian liqueurs, Amaretto & Limoncello, creates an exclusive and refined space for guests.

Guests can also enjoy garden views while dining, experiencing the romance and nostalgia unique to Shanghai at all hours as the restaurant offers a breakfast buffet, a la carte lunch, and a la carte dinner with an optional set menu. 

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Image courtesy of Hilton Shanghai City Center

The kitchen is helmed by Milan-native chef Marco Erba, who cut his teeth working at numerous Michelin-starred restaurants in Italy, including La Madia, La Cassolette at Mont Blanc Hotel Village, and Al Pont de Ferr Restaurant.

Since then, Erba has honed his culinary skills in Australia, Qatar, and Seoul  ultimately arriving in Shanghai to help open Hilton Shanghai City Center.

Let’s take a look at some of the tasty offerings at Osteria Twelve 16...

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To begin, the Burrata e Anguria (RMB158) sees locally produced fresh (and never frozen) burrata perimetered by a watermelon panzanella salad sans bread.

Sweet cherry tomatoes and cucumber are dribbled with basil oil and a dusting of black olive powder for balanced salinity.

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Image by Sophie Steiner/That's

Thinly sliced beef tenderloin is smothered in a smarmy mayonnaise-based Cipriani sauce and arugula pesto as the Roast Beef Carpaccio (RMB168), garnished with a generous shaving of parmesan and a drizzle of truffle oil. 

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Image by Sophie Steiner/That's

An ample main for two, the Spaghetti Carbonara all’ Astice (RMB398) is all about homemade chitarra spaghetti, cut using an actual chitarra (a square, wooden box with metal wires running lengthwise, similar in appearance to a guitar) that affords these noodles their name.

The pasta is tossed in a classic carbonara sauce – crispy guanciale, egg yolk, parmesan and black pepper – with the added bonus of lobster bisque and a whole lobster’s worth of supple meat.

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Image by Sophie Steiner/That's

Even better, an order of the housemade Focaccia – Chef Erba’s secret recipe for over 15 years that uses mashed potato for added fluff – makes for ideal dipping fodder, perfect for sopping up every last drop of that rich lobster carbonara sauce.

The crackly focaccia crust is evenly caramelized, owed to an olive oil emulsion spray that ensures each centimeter boasts the requisite crunch. 

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Image by Sophie Steiner/That's

An Italian comfort food, the Ossobuco e Gremolata (RMB298) showcases braised veal shank cooked for four hours in a red wine, tomato paste, and aromatic vegetable beef stock.

Finished with a sticky beef jus, the fat-laden meat is anchored to the plate by a dense swipe of truffled mashed potatoes.

The meat is sprinkled with a gremolata crumble  a requisite Milan seasoning made from parsley, lemon, and garlic  that helps cut through the richness of the dish. 

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Image by Sophie Steiner/That's

For dessert, the Bonet al Cioccolato (RMB88) is based on the flavor profile of a typical almond cookie from Piemonte, using Amaretto and chocolate to make a velvety pudding.

Chocolate cookie crumble, treacly caramel sauce, and vanilla ice cream play a supporting, yet necessary, role.

Along with Osteria Twelve 16, the Hilton Shanghai City Center also offers an executive lounge, offering guests a delightful fusion of Eastern and Western flavors.

Hilton Shanghai City Center
A Hidden Retreat in a Bustling City 

Past & Future

In 1988, the Hilton Jing'an Shanghai Hotel opened on Huashan Lu, becoming the first Hilton hotel on the Chinese mainland, and the first five-star hotel in Shanghai. 

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Image courtesy of Hilton Shanghai City Center

City Center Location 

Hilton Shanghai City Center is located in the heart of Shanghai, on the prime stretch of Yan'an Xi Lu, adjacent to major transportation hubs, the CBD, and city landmarks like Jing'an Temple Commercial Center, Wukang Mansion, People's Square, and Shanghai Exhibition Center – making it a convenient choice for business and leisure travelers.

Guests can stroll through the historic Yuyuan Lu nearby or visit stylish shopping centers that combine dining and entertainment, merging classic architecture with modern art spaces.

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Image courtesy of Hilton Shanghai City Center

Interior Design

The overall design of the Hilton Shanghai City Center draws inspiration from the East-meets-West style of Shanghai's historic shikumen-style houses, combining elements of historical elegance with contemporary urban living spaces, creating a modern touch of understated luxury and refined sophistication. 

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Image courtesy of Hilton Shanghai City Center

The hotel's original pipe organ elements have been preserved, providing guests with an audiovisual feast for the senses.

The Hilton Shanghai City Center also connects guests with the memory of Shanghai through scent—upon check-in, guests will receive a 'One Hour Stroll through Shanghai' map, with the fragrance of magnolia, allowing them to explore the rich local culture, natural beauty, and landmarks while walking through Shanghai with the light floral aroma.

Guests can then redeem this flower at Osteria Twelve 16 restaurant for a complimentary welcome drink.

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Image courtesy of Hilton Shanghai City Center

The hotel also incorporates local touches into traditional welcome drinks and desserts, such as adding the iconic White Rabbit candy to the Margarita cocktail, offering guests a local flavor experience. 

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Image courtesy of Hilton Shanghai City Center

The hotel has 381 rooms and suites, all designed with elegance and a fusion of Western private residences and Shanghai's cultural essence.

The modern and classical elements of the interior design complement each other, with soft furnishings and harmonious colors creating an elegant and cozy atmosphere.

Here, guests can enjoy a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the city. 

Room Details

All rooms are equipped with 55-inch flat-screen TVs and high-speed wireless internet, ensuring a high-quality stay for every guest. 

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Image courtesy of Hilton Shanghai City Center

The curved design of the bathtubs reflects delicate and elegant aesthetics, while the use of mirrored surfaces adds a sense of depth, immersing guests in comfort and tranquility.

The floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows offer expansive views and limitless comfort.

Amenities

Additionally, the hotel features 1,050 square meters of multifunctional meeting and banquet space, an advanced fitness center, and an indoor heated pool, ensuring guests can easily meet their business, social, and leisure needs while enjoying the cityscape.

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Image courtesy of Hilton Shanghai City Center

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Image courtesy of Hilton Shanghai City Center

Loyalty Program

Hilton Shanghai City Center has joined Hilton's award-winning guest loyalty program, Hilton Honors.

Hilton Honors members can book directly through Hilton's official channels to enjoy instant benefits, including flexible points and cash options, exclusive discounts, and free high-speed wireless internet. 

Members can also use the industry-leading Hilton Honors app to select rooms and access rooms with digital keys.

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Image courtesy of Hilton Shanghai City Center

To celebrate the hotel's opening, from now until December 10, 2024, Hilton Honors members who book and stay for two or more consecutive nights through Hilton's official channels will receive an additional 5,000 bonus points per stay.

Hilton Shanghai City Center, 488 Yan'an Xi Lu, by Zhenning Lu 延安西路488号, 近镇宁路, 021 3211 9999 


[Cover image by Sophie Steiner/That's]

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