Thompson Shanghai Expo has opened in the dynamic World Expo area, Shanghai’s revitalised business, culture and events district.
The hotel, the first Thompson in the city, features 254 stylish rooms and suites, steps from former Expo sites transformed into major event, performance, and art venues, including the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center, the Mercedes-Benz Arena, and the iconic China Art Museum.
Pavilion-inspired Design
Reflecting the district’s evolution from industrial stage to creative hub, the hotel’s architecture is bold and elemental. Designed by GP Architects New York, its distinctive curved tower is wrapped in a dynamic glass façade that captures the shimmer of the Huangpu River, creating an ever-shifting dialogue between nature and the city.
Inside, the interiors by SilverFox Studios of Singapore draw inspiration from the pavilions of the Expo 2010 Shanghai, evoking a “pavilion within a pavilion” experience through a dynamic interplay of volumes, textures, and stories. Exposed steel structures honour the site’s industrial legacy while providing a light, open framework for a bold yet harmonious juxtaposition of materials, a hallmark of the Thompson style. Steel contrasts with warm wood, concrete meets velvet, and vintage nods intertwine with contemporary design—all carefully composed to create a unique sensory experience, balancing cool and sophisticated, classic and modern.
Refined Accommodations
The blend of classic design with a modern industrial edge continues in the 254 guestrooms and suites, all featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the city or Huangpu River. Hardwood floors with hand-tufted rugs, custom furnishings in warm hues layered against exposed metal, and artworks inspired by the Expo Pavilion create havens of chic, residential-style comfort.
All rooms feature marble bathrooms equipped for spa-inspired relaxation, and thoughtful amenities like well-stocked minibars, Dyson hairdryers, and coffee machines. Guests can wind down at the end of a busy day with the hotel’s signature turndown service and in-room playlist curated to set the perfect mood for a restful night in the city.
Vibrant Dining and Club Destination
Thompson Shanghai Expo brings fresh excitement to Shanghai’s dining and social scene with three distinctive dining and nightlife venues. An indoor-outdoor space overlooking a lively square, BAOBAO Lounge offers a laidback, social atmosphere, with a menu featuring steamed delicacies, light bites, fresh brews, and local beverages.
All-day dining restaurant Fishermen’s Pavilion presents five regional cuisines from the Yangtze River Delta, interpreted with a creative, contemporary twist by Shanghai-born and -trained chefs. The menu of refined Chinese cuisine showcases seafood and freshwater fish in a celebration of the region’s rich culinary heritage and aquaculture. Located on the 19th floor, the restaurant elevates the dining experience with a panoramic view of the river and Shanghai skyline, while four private dining rooms cater for intimate and exclusive gatherings.
Perched on the 20th-floor rooftop, TOTS is an evening and nightlife destination, setting the tempo across three distinct zones: a bar, outdoor dining area, and cosy cabanas with tableside service. This social scene is the place to unwind and mingle, offering an extensive selection of drinks and speciality cocktails, Italian and Asian tapas to share, DJ beats, and live entertainment as the sun sets and the city reveals its after-dark energy.
Events and Celebrations
The hotel features eight versatile event venues, including Thompson Hall, one of the largest ballrooms in the Expo district. Spanning an impressive 1,100 square meters with a 7.2-meter-high ceiling, it can host up to 1,150 guests in a modern, sophisticated setting with architectural lines. For those who appreciate the unconventional, The Oval, an elliptical-shaped venue with a modern steel structure, is well-suited to creative and fashion-forward gatherings.
Together with elegant function and meeting rooms boasting natural light and state-of-the-art technology, Thompson Shanghai Expo provides an exceptional destination for any occasion on a grand or intimate scale.
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