Somewhere in between heaven and earth lies this chic urban contemporary abode for luxury accommodation in the “Middle” of the vibrant city of Shanghai that offers an unrivalled hospitality “House” staycation and revolves around the staying guests for an understated quiet luxury experience that is truly memorable and unforgettable. From “Our House Your Home” as their marketing slogan, The Middle House has its own story to tell. mylifestylenews writes.
The House Collective by the Swire Hotels Group is a stunning group of refined, highly individual properties that defy comparison - it can either be in a historic building or something very urban contemporary. From the Upper House in Hong Kong, The Temple House in Chengdu, each of their properties is uniquely imagined that embraces the spirit of its home city.
Being the 4th hotel in The House Collective, The Middle House was not only chosen to create a stunning edition in a vibrant location that is a shining example of contemporary architecture and lush interiors that exemplifies modern-day Shanghai, but also references the Chinese heritage. The sophistication is here to find.
Nestled in the bustling Jiang’an district, the cultural and geographical heart of Shanghai and the city’s trendy Nanjing West Road within the HKRI Taikoo Hui in the neighbourhood of Dazhongli (‘zhong’ meaning the middle), this artistic très chic “maison” not only offers modern and stylish spaces yet opens the door to a myraid of various event possibilities and special occasions such as editorial photo shoots, pop-up boutiques, press launches, dinner parties and social soirees that has become one of the most sought after venues to be at and to be seen……discreetly yet stylishly.
The brand is masterful at combining key elements that create a home vibe embracing the spirit of the city they are in as well as its vibrant art, fashion and food scenes. While each house is a sophisticated, singular piece of design, elegantly created by talented architects and designers that reflect the unique qualities of their surroundings, The Middle House enlisted Italian designer and architect Piero Lissoni by bringing his signature mix of bold and clean silhouettes into every detail, with unique features including an expansive outdoor space with terraces that offer a calm oasis amidst the dynamic city skyline.
Famed for his luxurious minimalism and atmospheric interiors, the Italian visionary has a modernist aesthetic with touches of both modern and local cultural elements in its design and furnishings. Fascinating contrasts intentionally created those characterful spaces, gaining inspiration from local artisans to craft the historical Chinese elements that add intricate layers to his contemporary, bold and sleek aesthetic.
Known for his use of sleek, bold lines and clean silhouettes to redefine modern spaces, Lissoni’s design efforts extend to The Middle House’s exterior façade as well as the interiors of all its public spaces, guest rooms and serviced apartments. The outside is a modern blend of minimalist architecture featuring a series of round aluminum louvers with their functional, uniform slats that are a familiar sight in Shanghainese architecture, and by using round frames gives them a refreshing new spin.
It also further provides the shade and privacy for guest rooms while creating a textured aesthetic that visually distinguishes the hotel’s two towers from surrounding developments in a chic style that belies what is hidden within, using a mixture of Chinese materials like porcelain, ceramic, bamboo and lacquered textures to create an impeccable sense of style. It is an ode to modern-day Shanghai in the middle of the historic Dazhongli that showcases an eclectic art collection and a flair for dramatic entrances.
For the interior spaces, Lissoni took inspiration from Shanghai’s rich heritage of craftsmanship and culture, marrying his minimalist style with classical Shanghainese elements. While his signature is apparent in the subtle yet impactful combinations of bold lines, materials and colours, the overall theme is enhanced by décor and custom furnishings inspired by Shanghai’s culture of art and craftsmanship, providing an intriguing marriage of the old and new.
Also by showcasing regional artwork, culturally inspired decor, and design elements reflective of the surrounding community, The Middle House offers a deeper connection to the local environment. Hence, every house from The House Collective experience is unique and one of a kind. You’re better get invited to witness the truth and the whole truth of this stunning historical premise that inspires. Never a dull moment!
This luxury boutique design hotel is all about “less is more”, with the belief that incredible creativity comes from crossing cultures and blends minimalist design in dark atmospheric colours and bold jewel-tones which awaken your senses with a playful art collection inspired by the theme “I Dream of China” that is gorgeously composed.
The creative quote that you see in the guest lift is rather fitting – “Our House Your Home” – and this typifies the ethos of The House Collective evidently, so to let you enjoy their house as your home. The dramatic entrance to the hotel lobby which is such a stunning and captivating first impression. The vivid and enormous elaborate glass chandelier hanging from a double height ceiling and library like wall niches with Chinese artefacts is rather impressive, well adorned with the graceful and colourful flower arrangement.
The lobby interior is so chic and not overly wrought stylish floor tiles, carefully chosen pieces of furniture, a fireplace, a bookshelf and more, as if every detail has been carefully chosen and thought through with such attention to detail. The “Fire over Fire” art pieces above the fire place softly illuminated the lobby lounge area and on the left as you enter, the larger than life and remarkable “Prosperity 福 ” Chinese robe with sewn on embellishments that is so arresting to the eye. All resonate as one unified art direction to create that “WOW” moment and you know you are in for a sleek memorable stay.
Lewis Kim, the well groomed and cheerful Assistant Director of Guest Experience greeted us and promptly escorted us to our Studio 60 room for a personalized check-in which is always a nice touch. Kim knowledgeably gave us a quick tour of the room and its amenities to ensure we were well acquainted with all that the room has to offer.
With 111 modern studios varying from 50sqm to 90sqm and a Penthouse, our 60sqm studio was more than we anticipated with its minimalist design and Chinese accents embodying modern-day Shanghai. Drawing from Lissoni’s decades of experience reshaping contemporary Italian furniture, he has created modern reinterpretations of traditional Chinese furniture for the guest rooms, including oriental-style nightstands, contemporary table lamps and wall-to-wall benches in the living area.
Given all the natural light flooding into the room, the interior design colour scheme is all dark wood to offer a calm feeling. The walls of floor-to-ceiling plate glass windows afford panoramic views over a dynamic urban landscape, while transparent room dividers serve to brighten up the room and create a natural sense of space.
The spacious studio, which has more than enough space to spread yourselves out for a very long stay, also features the luxe comforts of down bedding, contemporary light fixtures, a walk-in wardrobe and a lush spa-like bathroom with a huge walk-in shower looking out to the urban landscape. Backlit walls and glazed screens are also used to lighten the otherwise secluded bathroom areas that comes with a deep soaking bathtub, a long double vanity bench and separate toilet.
The fabulous Bamford bathroom amenities which we quickly fell in love with give you an indulgent sense after each shower. The minibar offers soft drinks and beers, great quality coffee and tea selections that are complimentary and refreshed daily, so that was an added bonus. For the perfect finishing touch, each room also features exquisite Chinese artwork.
We particularly liked the signature “Mr. Goodnight” bell-pull blue tassel hanging from the ceiling which is the light “master switch” – such a quirky touch! Additionally, it is always a nice touch to have blinds operate by the flick of a switch, as it saves any unnecessary manual work that quite often is not very neat or easy to get at.
Architecturally, it is incredible and has got a wow factor.
The next major discovery was the lower ground wellness centre featuring a huge underground like bunker with a large 25-metre indoor heated swimming pool and vitality pool with day beds to relax on, a unisex sauna on the pool deck itself, a 24 hour fitness centre, yoga studio, the tranquil Mi Xun Spa and then the his and hers change rooms with the additional facilities to use such as a steam room.
The pool deck also has plenty of space to exercise on, so a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Shanghai just outside the hotel environs.
Mi Xun Spa
Naturally dining is high on the agenda and The Middle House has food and beverage covered in spades. There is the Italian Frasca for classic Italian and Mediterranean enthusiasts, the Shanghainese Sui Tang Li which has been receiving the Black Pearl One Diamond recognition for six years and a Cafe Gray Deluxe outpost that boasts an alfresco terrace, intimate dining room and handsome cocktail lounge, serving breakfast, lunch, weekend brunch, afternoon tea, happy hour and dinner.
It is a European inspired grand cafe that is sophisticated, buzzy in a bold dining space serving modern continental cuisine with local Asian influences and seasonal ingredients.
Breakfast was the first port of call for us and this turned out to be the highlight of our day. A semi-buffet setting of pastries, fresh juices, homemade yoghurt and healthy snackers are well displayed for you to enjoy and at your disposal. The all-you-can-eat and order crafted menu given will not be short of excitement for the taste buds.
From Dan Dan Noodles, Shanghainese Xiao Long Bao, Dumplings, Laksa to the Western favourites such as poached egg on avocado toast, eggs Benedict, freshly baked waffles and the list goes on all a-la-minute cooked to your liking was always quick to arrive and fresh as from the kitchen when we ordered. The attentive service was always spot on, thanks to Maliko and Mattia’s eagle eyes in assisting every guest of all needs, including us of course.
Across the street will lead you to a foodie paradise on Wujiang road and iconic stand-alone restaurants, cafes, teahouses set in the recently opened and refurbished shopping precinct including renovated historic buildings and laneways, which is a diverse area to shop and enjoy a stroll during the day and night.
Shanghai is saturated with all the luxury hotel brands, but without question, The Middle House is at the forefront of our preferred accommodation of choice, not only for its aesthetic architectural design, but also for the great passion displayed by every team member in making our stay memorable, fun and comfortably luxurious.
For a staycation with an experience and lifestyle balancing taste-making innovation design, this new generation of luxury displaying the best of dining, entertainment, attentive services and state-of-the-art amenities is all under one roof. The amenities are with a long list of luxe inclusions and it is smart as well as stylish, with a floor plan that ticks that sought-after mulltigenerational box. You can’t beat this prestige location for an urban staycation with the surrounding amenities and facilities, highlights of local sourcing and a strong sense of place. Let The “House” speak for itself and The Middle House is totally an intimate and urban sanctuary, especially for those who seek a luxurious, unique and personalized experience in luxury and sophisticated travel and of course, an alluring staycation.
Tried & Tested:
Location: 5/5
Design & Decor: 5/5
Housekeeping: 5/5
Food & Beverage: 5/5
Service: 5/5
Value For Money: 5/5
Experience: 5/5
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