What it is

A starchitect-designed, 111-room reprieve with unsurpassed service and a heated lap pool in the spa.

What it isn't

Cramped. Guest rooms start at 538 square feet; the Penthouse is a whopping 7,104 square feet.

What we think

The Middle House developers did an awesome thing when they tapped Italian architect Piero Lissoni to design their new hotel. The man has famously designed for everyone from Audi to Knoll International, putting their new project in extraordinary company. Rooms are both streamlined and tricked out, with Native Union x La Boite Bluetooth speakers, a Lululemon yoga mat, illy coffee and Jing Teas, and British toiletries from Bamford. Worth noting: Middle House is anything but mid-level. Luxurious amenities include a paperless check-in that can occur anywhere you like, even in your room; curated mini-bars in each room are gratis; and the hotel’s house cars—the Tesla X and BMW 7 Series—can get you from point A to point B in nonplussed style.

You're here because

In a city of more than 26 million, you’re desperate for a calm getaway, and the hotel’s Mi Xun Spa delivers, including a subterranean heated pool, sauna, steam room and cold-pressed juice bar.

The Moment

Chef Tony Ye—a local celeb—designed the menus at Sui Tang Shang, one of the hotel’s watering holes. Tonight, on the terrace, you let the wind dance in your hair and languidly order another martini and consider another plate of lotus root and cheese turnip puffs. Is there anything better after a day on your feet?

Restaurants & Bars

- Frasca - Authentic, regionally inspired dishes.

- Sui Tang Li - Creative and contemporary Chinese cuisine.

- Cafe Gray - Signature style of international cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Location

In central Shanghai, a quick stroll from People’s Square and the Shanghai Museum, home to age old bronze and jade artifacts. Pudong International Airport is 29 miles away.