Asia’s First Thompson Hotel Opens in Shanghai

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced the opening of Thompson Shanghai Expo, marking the debut of the Thompson Hotels brand in the Asia Pacific region. Thompson Shanghai Expo is located in the World Expo area—Shanghai’s revitalized business, culture and events district.

The 254-key Thompson Shanghai Expo is an integral part of Expo Place—part landmark commercial complex, part vibrant hub of art, retail and leisure, set along the riverfront with extensive urban links. This prime location is steps from former Expo sites transformed into major event, performance, and art venues, including the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center, the Mercedes-Benz Arena, and the China Art Museum. Additionally, the hotel is moments from the Shanghai Expo Culture Park, upscale shopping centers, and metro stations.

Reflecting the district’s evolution from industrial stage to creative hub, the hotel’s architecture is bold and elemental. Designed by Chicago-based Goettsch Partners (GP), its distinctive curved tower is wrapped in a glass façade that captures the shimmer of the Huangpu River, creating an ever-shifting dialogue between nature and the city.

Interiors by Singapore-based SilverFox Studios draw inspiration from the pavilions of the Expo 2010 Shanghai, evoking a “pavilion within a pavilion” experience through an interplay of volumes, textures, and stories. Exposed steel structures honor the site’s industrial legacy while providing a light, open framework for a bold yet harmonious juxtaposition of materials, a hallmark of the Thompson style.

Accommodations

The blend of classic design with a modern industrial edge continues in the 254 guestrooms and suites, all featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the city or Huangpu River. All rooms feature marble bathrooms equipped for spa-inspired relaxation, and thoughtful amenities like well-stocked minibars, hairdryers and coffee machines. Guests can wind down at the end of a busy day with the hotel’s signature turndown service an in-room playlist curated to set the perfect mood for a restful night in the city.

F&B Outlets

Thompson Shanghai Expo features three distinctive dining and nightlife venues. An indoor-outdoor space overlooking a lively square, BAOBAO Lounge offers a laidback, social atmosphere, with a menu featuring steamed delicacies, light bites, fresh brews, and local beverages.

All-day dining restaurant Fishermen’s Pavilion presents five regional cuisines from the Yangtze River Delta, interpreted with a creative, contemporary twist by Shanghai-born and -trained chefs. The menu of refined Chinese cuisine showcases seafood and freshwater fish in a celebration of the region’s rich culinary heritage and aquaculture. Located on the 19th floor, the restaurant elevates the dining experience with a panoramic view of the river and Shanghai skyline, while four private dining rooms cater for exclusive gatherings.

Perched on the 20th floor rooftop, TOTS is an evening and nightlife destination, setting the tempo across three distinct zones: a bar, outdoor dining area, and cabanas with tableside service. This social scene is the place to unwind and mingle, offering an extensive selection of drinks and specialty cocktails, Italian and Asian tapas to share, DJ beats, and live entertainment as the sun sets.

Bespoke Programming and Local Collaborations

Hotel guests can engage in innovative arts programs developed in collaboration with the local creative community. Those keen to combine fitness with exploration can take in cultural and architectural landmarks on a scenic EXPO riverside run, with local running collectives. Clink & Connect is TOTS’ signature social experience, designed to break the ice and inspire connections between global travelers. Meanwhile, every Saturday, BAOBAO Lounge hosts Beats and Connect, transforming into a social hotspot for music-loving trendsetters to connect over playlists.

Events and Celebrations

The hotel features eight versatile event venues, including Thompson Hall, one of the largest ballrooms in the Expo district. Spanning 11,840 square feet, it can host up to 1,150 guests in a modern, sophisticated setting. For those who appreciate the unconventional, The Oval, an elliptical-shaped venue with a modern steel structure, is well suited to creative and fashion-forward gatherings. Together with elegant function and meeting rooms with natural light and state-of-the-art technology, Thompson Shanghai Expo provides an exceptional destination for any occasion on a grand or intimate scale.

Inaugural Offer

In celebration of the hotel’s opening, guests who book their stay via Hyatt.com and World of Hyatt app until November 30, 2025, will have the chance to engage in programs specially curated to enhance their culture experience, including a City Pulse Run with Dark Runner, a leading Shanghai running collective. For the first three months post-opening, Thompson Shanghai Expo will also be hosting an art exhibition in collaboration with CASETiFY TRAVEL, with its dining destinations serving as touchpoints for an immersive showcase of travel, culture, and lifestyle inspired by iconic urban Thompson destinations.

World of Hyatt members can earn 500 bonus points for qualifying nights at Thompson Shanghai Expo until January 31, 2026.

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