Extended Concierge Services at URBN Hotels Shanghai

The new URBN Hotels Shanghai, has launched extended concierge services encouraging guests to embrace the city's "urban lifestyle".

Beyond traditional concierge advice and assistance are such localized extras as tai chi and yoga classes, bike and walking tours, Chinese cooking classes and lessons in Mandarin Chinese.

In-room beauty and health treatments including acupuncture, herbal baths, exercise kits, therapeutic massage, manicures and pedicures also set a new benchmark in guest services.

The 26-room boutique hotel opened in December 2007 on Jiao Zhou Road, close to the premium shopping and entertainment district of Nanjing Road and the famous former French Concession district.

Converted from a former 1970s factory turned post office, it was conceived by developers Scott Barrack and Jules Kwan of URBN Hotels & Resorts to provide a "uniquely Shanghainese experience".

"Our vision is to immerse guests deeply into their surroundings, offering activities beyond the traditional hotel experience so they become part of the urban lifestyle," said Mr. Barrack. "Our job is to cater for every whim and offer services above and beyond the norm."

URBN's vision is to expand its concierge concept to other cities in China, providing guests unique experiences reflecting the diversity of the destinations they visit. 

There are plans to develop 20 URBN hotels and resorts in tourist and business cities throughout the country in the next 3 years.

The company is currently negotiating to open hotels in Beijing, Hangzhou, Dalian and Suzhou.

Key features of the brand also include business services, wireless broadband internet, airport transfers, DVD and Gaming library and mobile phone rental with local sim card.

The flagship property in Shanghai is also one of China's first carbon neutral hotels.

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