Gran Melia Hotels and Resorts announces the expansion of its regional presence in Asia with its newest 5-star hotel, Gran Melia Shanghai, the brand's first property in China. The hotel is set to open on December 12, providing effortless access to the city's many cultural, entertainment and shopping attractions, accommodating discerning guests and business travelers from around the world.

The 686-room hotel will be located in the Lujiazui Financial & Trade Zone within the city's central Business District within walking distance to the famed Oriental Pearl Tower and the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium. The property will boast impressive views of the Huangpu River and the Puxi district and will reflect the modern and contemporary design movement of 21st century China, with a minimalist elegance, impressive high ceilings and elegant furnishings throughout.

The REDLevel, Gran Melia's premium room category, will serve as an exclusive retreat for guests seeking the ultimate VIP experience with 119 rooms, 12 suites, one Presidential Suite and one Imperial Suite. In addition to the standard deluxe amenities offered, REDLevel guests will enjoy a private check-in area, continental breakfast, complimentary happy hours with hors d'oeuvres, and access to The REDLevel Lounge - a private space for guests to relax in privacy.

For the business and corporate group traveler, the Gran Melia Shanghai will offer a range of meeting and convention facilities, including a Grand Ballroom with a cocktail reception capacity of up to 800 people. Additionally, there will be 17 meeting rooms which can accommodate groups from 20 to 150 people. Other business-focused services and amenities include WiFi throughout the building, fully-equipped business center offering secretarial and translation services, fax and email access, as well as two additional breakout rooms for up to 10 guests.

The property will also boast four world-class dining venues including a sumptuous traditional Cantonese restaurant "Suntime Century," an elegant Spanish restaurant "El Albero," and an a la carte Italian restaurant "Acqua," along with a breakfast buffet area and international coffee shop. Additionally, guests will be able to enjoy an energetic Cuban music bar "Havana Night" and a lobby bar, as well as the destination rooftop bar, "Red Passion," which will provide stunning views of the Huangpu River and the Puxi District set in an ultra modern setting.

Gran Melia Shanghai's guests will also have exclusive access to the on-property YHI Spa, Gran Melia's signature destination retreat. Named after the "Goddess of Light," the expansive spa will be dedicated to providing superior traditionally-inspired massage and beauty treatments as well as a series of pools containing revitalizing water ritual experiences. Adjacent to the spa, a full service Health Club will provide state-of-the-art fitness equipment to visitors.

The Gran Melia Shanghai's luxurious accommodations and world-class facilities will provide a modern retreat for travelers visiting this vibrant and energetic city of 20 million.