STAMFORD, CT—Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has signed an agreement with Shanghai Hongtai Industry Development Co., Ltd. to debut its Aloft brand in Shanghai. Slated to open in 2018, Aloft Shanghai Nanxiang will be centrally located in the Jiading district, joining Starwood’s currently operating Sheraton Shanghai Jiading Hotel and Le Méridien Shanghai Jiading, slated to open in 2017.
“The signing of Aloft Shanghai Nanxiang marks a significant milestone for Starwood, as we bring the innovative Aloft brand for today’s hyper-connected global traveler to the vibrant city of Shanghai,” said Vincent Ong, senior director, brand management, Asia-Pacific, Starwood Hotels & Resorts.
“Aloft boasts the company’s second largest hotel development pipeline, and this significant signing paves the way for future development of the Aloft brand in first-tier cities,” said Nong Xia, SVP, head of acquisitions and development for Greater China, Starwood Hotels & Resorts. “We look forward to partnering with Shanghai Hongtai Industry Development Co., Ltd. to debut our forward-thinking design and distinctive Aloft experience to Shanghai business and leisure guests alike.”
The hotel will feature 210 loft-inspired guestrooms and suites, and will be located in a mixed-use development consisting of offices and retail establishments. Amenities will include meeting rooms; free WiFi throughout the hotel; W XYZ bar; and re:fuel, a 24-hour gourmet grab-and-go market.
“We firmly believe that Aloft Shanghai Nanxiang will meet the needs of today’s domestic and foreign visitors in pursuit of a smart travel experience, and will breathe new life into the staid traditional mid-market hotel services,” said Mengyu Hong, director of Shanghai Hongtai Industry Development Co., Ltd. “The ‘Tech 50’ Intelligent Hardware Base, combined with the surrounding tourism resources of the ancient town and its traditions, manifests as a beautiful blend of Nanxiang’s cultural heritage with modern technology.”