Shanghai’s ‘Quarry’ hotel set to tap growing taste for luxury, high-end business travel

After a marathon construction process marred by technical setbacks, a luxury hotel built on an abandoned quarry near Shanghai has opened to the public – and so far the rush of bookings seems to vindicate the efforts by one of China’s riches men to create a local landmark.

After 12 years of development, the 2 billion yuan (US$288.2 million) hotel, developed by Shimao Group, officially opened on Tuesday.

Expectations are the luxury concept, branded as the InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland Hotel, will tap growing interest among mainland consumers for a taste of luxury. The 336-room hotel is located in southwestern Songjiang district in Shanghai.

Basic rooms are listed at 3,888 yuan per night, or nearly half of the average local monthly income.

“It is a high price, but we think it’s worth spending because this is a one of a kind hotel you cannot see anywhere else,” said Bao Lihua, a senior Shanghai resident who was among the first batch of guests during a soft opening last week. “People of my age think it’s a unique place that we need to visit during one’s lifetime.”

Rooms were completely booked out during the week of the official opening, according to Ctrip. The hotel declined to disclose occupancy figures.