Capella Shanghai is a spectacular experience with two Michelin Keys that rounded off my trip

After speaking with a genius artist who is redefining the idea of jewellery, meeting a photographer whose project Mars on Earth feels almost unreal, and strolling through an intriguing art house by a renowned fashion brand, my journey through China was almost at an end. But as the sweetest things come last, I ended my stay on a high note with an overnight stay at one of Shanghai’s most spectacular hotels. The Michelin Guide thought so too, awarding it no fewer than two hospitality Keys this year for an outstanding experience, alongside the Michelin star already held by its French restaurant. Welcome to Capella Shanghai. I will take you through one of the most charming neighbourhoods of impressive Shanghai.

A historic neighbourhood as part of a top-tier experience

Located within the protected cultural heritage zone of the Jian Ye Li complex in the Xuhui district, Capella Shanghai is the only urban hotel in Shanghai composed exclusively of villas and one of the last remaining ensembles of Shikumen architecture, dating back to the 1930s. The complex comprises 55 Shikumen-style villas, 40 luxury residences, where you can live if you decide to stay in the city longer, the award-winning Auriga Spa, the exceptional restaurant Le Comptoir de Pierre Gagnaire, as well as The Gallery, a curated collection of exclusive retail and gastronomic brands backed by this successful Asian hotel group. In short, being here feels like stepping into a charming fragment of history that the hotel is dedicated to preserving, while the technological future the city serves up daily is quite literally in the palm of your hand, just steps away from this piece of the past.

Shikumen is a word I want to remember

Shikumen architecture is one of the most recognisable symbols of historic Shanghai. Emerging in the late 19th century, during a period of intense cultural and commercial growth, it represents a unique synthesis of traditional Chinese residential architecture and Western, primarily European, urban influences. The term Shikumen literally means “stone gate,” referring to the distinctive entrance element of these houses. The solid stone door frames combined with wooden doors symbolised security, privacy, and social status.

The houses were most often built of brick, arranged in rows along narrow alleyways known as longtang, creating intimate, enclosed communities within the bustling city. This entire framework and structural backbone of the experience awaits you here, while inside unfolds the design world of Jaya Ibrahim, the renowned Indonesian luxury interior designer. The bespoke interiors represent a thoughtful blend of classical Chinese elements and 19th-century French charm. Imagine spaces where custom-made furniture with French accents sits alongside artworks and details inspired by China, creating a harmonious interplay between East and West while preserving the original Shikumen structure, the hotel team told me as they guided me through this historic complex, and it was easy to picture it all in that moment. This truly unique, residential setting offers a welcome respite for travellers who wish to step into the past without giving up the comfort of contemporary luxury, they concluded, in the manner of a luxury hotel that delivers the very best in a restrained yet unmistakably present way.

Capella Shangai

The charming villas within the Jian Ye Li complex, with one to three bedrooms and sizes starting from 111 square metres, are equipped with a private courtyard, a guest reception lounge, and an entertainment room featuring a BOSE sound system and a 55-inch flat-screen television. The bedrooms are designed in soothing shades of light green and dark wood, with a work desk and a walk-in wardrobe. Custom-made furniture further enhances the sense of luxury, tailored to the original Shikumen structure to maximise both spatial efficiency and aesthetics.

Additional features include spacious marble-clad bathrooms with a separate bathtub and shower, luxurious Frédéric Malle bath amenities, and a rooftop terrace. The greatest value of this luxury resort lies in the preserved historical character it represents. The conservation of the original architecture, street layout, and authentic details allows visitors to experience the atmosphere of Shanghai’s romantic past. I found myself fully agreeing as I listened to stories of what the neighbourhood once looked like. Today, preserved Shikumen villas are rare and exceptionally valuable, standing as a precious testament to the city’s urban history and a symbol of its timeless elegance.

Le Comptoir de Pierre Gagnaire, the French restaurant

When it comes to elegance, French cuisine, refined as it is, naturally finds its place in a complex like this. Le Comptoir de Pierre Gagnaire is a one Michelin star French restaurant and the only restaurant in China operating according to the original concept of the celebrated French chef Pierre Gagnaire, one of the most influential culinary visionaries of contemporary gastronomy.

Opened in 2017, the restaurant embraces a philosophy of simplicity, sincerity, and elegance, with a focus on exceptional seasonal ingredients and refined French culinary techniques. The menu changes regularly, designed to offer guests a subtle gastronomic journey that connects classic French flavours with the spirit of historic Shanghai.

The restaurant’s interior embodies classic French charm, evoking the glamour of old Shanghai, while a carefully curated wine list and signature cocktails complete the fine dining experience. Le Comptoir de Pierre Gagnaire serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, offering an equally exceptional experience for everyday meals and special occasions. I can personally confirm that the à la carte breakfast was fantastic, served in small portions across several memorable courses that perfectly blend European and Asian flavours.

Everything else you will find at Capella Shanghai

The legendary The Living Room is a haven for exploring Chinese and European art and literature, while guests can enjoy coffee, tea, and light bites all day at La Boulangerie, a French bakery renowned for its exceptional croissants and pastries. For personalized experiences, Capella Culturists are on hand to help discover Shanghai through gastronomy, shopping, and lesser-known routes. At the heart of the urban resort lies the Secret Garden, a tranquil oasis of lush greenery with loungers and a fountain, perfect for relaxation. The hotel’s event spaces, approximately 200 square metres, offer intimate indoor and outdoor locations for small and medium-sized gatherings, with catering by Le Comptoir de Pierre Gagnaire and support from an experienced organisational team. For shopping, Capella Boutique presents an exclusive selection of lifestyle products and a refined retail experience.

While experiencing modern Shanghai is delightful, it is even more rewarding to explore it through preserved historical corners, which are rare. What remains, like this hotel, is worth every memory.