/ Reviews / Hotel
Fantasy Gardens
by Ruth Waldron
on Friday, March 25, 2011 12:00 AM
If you crave a super-luxurious, super-exclusive hide-out in Shanghai, look no further than the street formerly known as Rue Massenet, now SiNan Road, where Sinan Mansions and Hotel Massenet lie basking in all their glory.
Covering an area of 50,000 meters square, this redeveloped enclave of 1920s' elegance has been gutted and restored to its former magnificence. The 19 villas that make up the Hotel Massenet complex have been refitted, and every detail carefully researched and copied from the original plans to produce a finish that recreates the period features faithfully.
Security is high at the entrance, but once you gain access the noisy and smoggy streets of Shanghai, 2011 seem to fade into a distant future and you find yourself in a haven of old-world charm, where the birds sing on cue in the manicured gardens and the sun seems to shine brighter on the elegant café terrace.
Hotel Massenet is not run like your average glamorous, five-star hostelry, as they don't sell rooms, they sell the entire villa, complete with resident butler! With room for eight guests, these three-floor villas are rented at a cost of RMB38,000 per night or RMB300,000 per month. We know what you're thinking and, yes, that does include individual, private gardens. Decor is extremely luxurious and inviting: suitable for holidaying families, corporate group get-togethers or smart cocktail parties - as long as you are one of Shanghai's wealthy set.
Larger gathering for balls or events can be held in The Banquet Hall or The Exhibition Hall. The main banqueting building, bordering the property and facing ChongQing Road, was previously oriented 90 degrees in the other direction. Dismantled brick by brick and rebuilt, it now houses three private (and very grand) entertainment spaces seating 40, 60 or 100 guests: maybe not suitable for the average Chinese wedding but certainly an impressive location for a party.
Hotel Massenet is actually quite an expansive project once one gets beyond the gates and fences. Inside, serviced apartments, a French eatery (Aux Jardins), a Chinese restaurant (Sinan 55), a gym with a 20-meter pool and two health spas have been slotted into the property. In fact, the only thing missing is a golf course!
The Bottom Line: The myth and glamour of "Old Shanghai" can be exclusively yours - but at a price.