Waldorf-Astoria Shanghai on the Bund Fetes Grand Opening with a Gala

Yesterday saw the Grand Opening party of the latest luxury hotel in Shanghai: The Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund. Formerly an exclusive gentlemen's club in the 1920's, the heritage-listed building had fallen into disuse until Hilton Worldwide snatched it up and made some snazzy improvements. Some 600 guests attended the big gala, celebrating the opening of the Waldorf Astoria tower building. (The hotel already opened its 20-suite Waldorf Astoria Club last summer.) The two-building complex is connected by an outdoor courtyard that resembles Peacock Alley in the original Waldorf=Astoria New York. With six dining outlets, banqueting facilities, a gym and spa, the hotel easily snagged the "Best New Hotel in Shanghai" accolade at the recent TTG China Travel Awards 2011.