Hyatt brings culture and lifestyle brand to Shanghai’s legends-steeped World Expo district.
Hyatt Hotels Corporation has unveiled Thompson Shanghai Expo, marking the Asia-Pacific debut of its design-forward lifestyle brand.
Thompson Shanghai Expo forms part of the Expo Place mixed-use riverfront development, placing it steps away from former World Expo sites turned events and cultural venues: Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center, the Mercedes-Benz Arena, and the China Art Museum.
Blending business and lifestyle
The 254-key property features eight event venues including Thompson Hall, a 1,100-sqm ballroom with a 7.2-m ceiling that can host up to 1,150 guests. Another standout is The Oval, an elliptical steel-framed space suited to creative showcases and fashion-forward gatherings.
Guestrooms and suites feature floor-to-ceiling river views, a modern industrial aesthetic and curated in-room playlists.
The hotel also houses three signature venues: Fishermen’s Pavilion, serving refined regional Chinese cuisine with skyline views; BAOBAO Lounge, an all-day social space; and TOTS, a rooftop club with cabanas, cocktails and live entertainment overlooking the Huangpu River.
Thompson DNA
In true Thompson Hotels fashion, the hotel wants to be a catalyst for social connections, inviting guests to engage in arts programmes developed in collaboration with the local community. Those keen to combine fitness with exploration can join local running collectives on scenic EXPO riverside runs.
Clink & Connect is TOTS’ signature social experience, while BAOBAO Lounge hosts Beats and Connect, transforming into a social hotspot for music-loving guests.
Thompson’s design-forward DNA is also reflected. Inspired by the pavilions of the 2010 Shanghai World Expo, the hotel’s interiors feature exposed steel structures to hark back to the site’s industrial legacy, blended with contrasting materials such as wood, concrete and velvet.