Shangri-La Hotel, Suzhou

Suzhou is about 40 minutes by train from Shanghai, making it a popular day- or overnight-trip from the major metropolis. The Suzhou location of luxe Asian chain Shangri-La is on the top floors of a 50-plus-story tower in the city’s new high-tech industrial development zone. Although this means you’ll be traveling about 20 minutes to and from the attractions in the old city, you’ll find the state-of-the-art design and amenities at this new hotel to be head and shoulders above most of its centrally located competition.

Dark wooden tables, wardrobes, and desks offset tan and cream upholstery in the Shangri-La’s comfortable, spacious rooms and suites. The lobby may be brimming with brightly colored baubles and patterns, but there’s nothing so flashy in the guest rooms to steal focus from the spectacular, unobstructed views of the city below. All rooms are equipped with Philips TVs, DVD players and broadband Internet connection. Wi-fi is available free of charge in the hotel’s public areas and in Horizon Club rooms. Club patrons can also access a bright lounge for complimentary cocktails, snacks, and that fantastic view.

Shang Palace, an expansive, banquet-style Cantonese restaurant, appears to cater to the business conferences that flock to the hotel; still, you should sample its popular dim sum menu. Otherwise, cozy up in the intimate Restaurant Suntory for sushi (also try the grilled miso cod). And although you’ll want to quaff several sakes on the menu, save room for a drink at Club Red. The décor lives up to its name in this night club that’s popular with locals. When I was there, two winsome Chinese singers wandered with wireless mikes through the hotel’s various venues.

Because of its size, the hotel is a popular wedding spot for those who want romantic Suzhou to be the backdrop for their special day. Either of the large Grand and Metropolitan Ballrooms could host your fete. A minimum of 20 tables is required for a booking, and packages include either a set or buffet menu of Chinese or Western cuisine, a cake, and one night’s stay for the couple in an Executive Suite.

Shangri-La, Suzhou doesn’t offer any specific packages for lovers, but there are certainly romantic spots on the premises. It’s worth splurging for access to the Horizon Club, where couples can sip complementary cocktails and wine while gazing out over downtown. A dark corner table at Club Red is also a nice spot for stealing kisses. And the pool is open until 11pm for night swimming.

Couples who like to stay active will enjoy the indoor tennis court, putting green, and dance studio inside the Shangri-La tower. These amenities are all available in addition to more standard ones, such as a gym (not 24hours), pool, and spa. Only same-sex couples will be able to snuggle in the Jacuzzi, sauna and steam rooms, as they’re nestled in the locker rooms. But any couple can receive spa treatments together in the treatment room for two. Get in the mood with the aromatherapy massage or clean out last night’s overindulgence with a detoxifying massage.

Since it’s in the new high-tech area, the hotel is surrounded mostly by office buildings. Suzhou Amusement Land is a few blocks away. But if you’re not merry-go-round hounds, you may enjoy that site more by watching it with a cocktail from the Horizon Club windows. Otherwise, grab one of the cheap taxis waiting outside and head downtown to explore the canals, intricately landscaped gardens, and ancient stone streets for which Suzhou is famous.

The hotel is large; its vast, open spaces and hallways felt a little empty. Then again, Suzhou gets so crowded during peak seasons—think, waiting in a line just to cross a bridge—that harried travelers might appreciate a respite from the claustrophobia.

Shangri-La mostly caters to business professionals. I did, however, spy several tourists and couples, many of whom were Chinese; Shangri-La is a very respected brand in Asia. If a central location is the most important thing to you, then you might consider one of the several hotels in the city center. But if you’re willing to travel a bit in exchange for luxe accommodations and a wide variety of on-property activities, Shangri-La Suzhou delivers.

Shangri-La Hotel, Suzhou
168 Ta Yuan Road
Suzhou National New & Hi-Tech Industrial Devt Zone
Suzhou 215011, China
Tel: +86 512 6808 0168

Check Rates Now

Search for a Flight to Shanghai

Official Hotel Web Site

As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary accommodation and meals for the purpose of reviewing those services. While it has not influenced this review, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.