AKE a pinch of mod Italian inspiration and a dash of New York chic. Fashion it all into an aromatic Chinese dim sum and you get a devilishly good treat. Twelve at Hengshan, the latest Luxury Collection hotel from Starwood in Shanghai, serves up a full course architectural treat combining contemporary chinoisserie with muted Zen minimalism. Located in low-rise, tree-lined Hengshan Road, this is an escape for connoisseurs like no other – an urban retreat in China’s biggest metropolis.

The entrance is at once imposing yet subtle with clean cubist lines and angles with a cutaway porte cochere leading to the tall glass lobby frontage. The façade is lined in terracotta tiles from Italy lending the place a regal, residential feel. Step in to a world of soft muted palettes with oriental screens and modern Chinese furnishings.

In keeping with the feel of this residential neighbourhood, Twelve at Hengshan is no monster hotel gorging on day-trippers. There are just 171 rooms starting at 40sq m going up to an expansive 338sq m Presidential Suite with enough room to swing a dragon by the tail. Courtyard rooms serve up balconies and picture windows welcoming of light.

Expect unobtrusive hi-tech with 46-inch flatscreen TVs in-room, iPod docks, Nesspresso machines for a morning cup of Joe, BOSE surround sound and, in Suites, Hermes toiletries and attentive butlers. WiFi and Broadband is complimentary. Dine Chinese, Mediterranean, or Asian. Take an inward journey at the verdant “Secret Garden” courtyard, or unwind at the 712sq m spa. And suits in need of a classy corporate meeting in Shanghai can avail of 906sq m of quality MICE space for secret handshakes. Check out Shanghai's new chic.