Mid-city garden get-away: Ruijin Hotel

The famous Morris family estate (owners of the once important but now defunct English publication "The North-China Daily News"), now turned villa, is one of Shanghai’s best unkept secrets for an inner city escape. Whether it's with friends, a lover or perhaps just some long overdue time with yourself, this place provides. 

The Ruijin Hotel was built 90 years ago and everyone from Mao Zedong to Richard Nixon have enjoyed the grounds. Tranquil, gorgeous and green -- no other place in town can match its nearly 100 acres of come-roam gardens. Barring a random horn, siren or noisy pup, there’s an almost eerie calm about the place (still-grieving FACE fans will be able to relate).

Guests have several options from basic rooms to elaborate suites -- a mix of old and new but spacious with modern comforts including free Internet (for the ultimate e-addicts). If your budget allows, go for the luxury of old-time mansion living with an Executive Room stay. Gorgeous and classic with traditional 1920s British decor, it oozes romance and history. 

And you won’t go hungry with two resident restaurants within reach (South east Asian Colours and local Jing Yi Xuan), room service and one of the city’s top steak houses right outside the gates (Roosevelt Prime Steakhouse). Nearby sister property Tai Yuan Villa’s gym and pool are also at your disposal to help ease any bouts of gluttony (and any associated pangs of guilt). 

Unfortunately, with all getaways comes the impending reality of check-out. But even a few days of serious recharge can make all the difference.

February deals: RMB 888 per night (includes tax and breakfast for two); from RMB 1,620 for an Executive Room ("executive" = fabulous old buildings; also includes tax and breakfast for two)

getting there

Ruijin Hotel
118 Ruijin Er Lu, near Fuxing Zhong Lu
瑞金二路118号, 近复兴中路
tel +86 21 6472 5222
www.ruijinhotelsh.com