The One Executive Suites

Compound
With a legacy stretching back to 1897, Kempinski Hotels is Europe's oldest luxury hotel group. Today, it operates around 75 five-star hotels and residences in 30 countries worldwide. Kempinski’s The One Executive Suites Shanghai is an all-suite hotel and residence that caters to both short-term visitors looking for home-like hotel stay, as well as long-term residents.

In total, The One has 244 guest suites and residences, spanning from 62 to 600 square meters. Layouts range from studios to three-bedroom suites. Each suite comes with wireless internet, a flat screen TV (with satellite TV channels), a separate bathtub and shower, a washer/dryer, and a fully-equipped kitchenette. The larger, three-bedroom suites include luxurious additions such as a state-of-the-art home audio and video system, Europe-imported kitchenware, and private terraces.

As a hotel-run serviced apartment, residents have access to a wide selection of services and facilities. Their standard offerings include an airport transfer service, access to the onsite Tera Wellness Gym & Pool, continental breakfast, twice-a-week housekeeping, maintenance, concierge services, etc. The One also advertises other additional, “a-la-carte” services that staff is able to provide on demand, including: party service, rent-a-chef, shopping, in-residence massage, babysitting, and more.

Long-term residents – i.e. those who stay longer than one month – generally pay a less-inclusive rental fee. That is to say, utilities are charged separately and breakfast is not included. Staff members stress, however, that any tenant concerns or requirements can be discussed and negotiated during the reservation process. This includes other concerns as well, such as the inclusion of an in-room air purifier.

Aside from their 311-600 square meter ‘Three Times One Executive Suite’ layout, the residences only include a small kitchenette, rather than a full kitchen. As many guests have an “on-the-go” lifestyle, the kitchenette does not usually detract from their living experience at The One. However, those with children or those wishing to stay for an extensive period of time may need to take this factor into consideration.

Complaints by previous tenants have ranged from comments about its dated furnishings and limited breakfast offerings (which have now been updated) to mixed reviews about the Terra Wellness branded gym. Nonetheless, the benefits of living in a high-end international hotel, not to mention its fantastic location have swayed most guests in favor of the residence.

Neighborhood
The One Executive Suites is located in the trendy, urban district of Jing’an. Known for its namesake, Jing’an Temple, and upscale shopping malls, Jing’an District is highly popular among expats wanting to live in inner Shanghai. With its wide range of imported goods and English speaking services, the area makes for an easy transition into life in Shanghai.

Jing’an Temple marks the cultural center, if not the geographic center, of the district. Although the temple has been heavily modified since its construction in 247 AD – the original temple was relocated to its current place, converted into a plastics factory, and then nearly destroyed by a fire – it still remains as a popular tourist attraction and a beautiful juxtaposition against the modern-style buildings that surround it. The district’s other attractions are equally fascinating, including everything from a 1930s Art Deco dancehall (The Paramount) to the Shanghai Natural History Museum and the Shanghai Circus.

With Jing’an District occupying a major portion of Nanjing Road, Shanghai’s premier shopping street, there is virtually no end of shopping malls, many of which offer more than just clothing stores and fine dining; the American consular office, Parkway Health (international health clinic), and City Shop (international supermarket) can all be found along this stretch of malls. Also of interest is the cluster of streets near Changping Road metro station – Yanping Road, Kangding Road, and Wuding Road – which have risen in popularity as a number of foreign-oriented eateries have cropped up.

In 2015, the more northern Zhabei District was absorbed into Jing’an District. Apart from the Shanghai Railway Station and the Shanghai Circus, the Zhabei area is known as a largely residential area, while Old Jing’an is more commercial and centrally located. The combined areas of Old Jing’an and Zhabei cover a wide expanse of land that includes an extensive number of metro stations, a railway station, and several key expressways: the North-South Elevated Road, the Inner Ring Elevated Road, and Yan’an Elevated Road.

For residents of The One, many of the city’s top sites are within easy reach by car, metro, or even, in some cases, by bike or on foot. The Shanghai Museum, People’s Square, the Wujiang Pedestrian Street, and the Shanghai Concert hall are just a few of the places within walking distance. Other, major sites, including the Bund, Xintiandi, Jing’an Temple, Lujiazui, and Tianzifang all take less than 30 minutes by car.