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Area: The PuLi is sandwiched between the busy Yan'an and Nanjing Lu's, but inside the green and tranquil . Situated right at the meridian of the French Concessions and Jing'an districts, it's a stone’s throw from one of the city’s architectural icons, Jing'an Temple, and it's also close to some of Shanghai’s most luxurious high-end retail outlets: Louis Vuitton, Zegna, Gucci et al.

Located right next door to Exit 9 of Jing'an Temple station on lines and 7, at also at the Yan'an Elevated Road, the PuLi benefits from a central location, with easy access to the rest of the city.

Atmosphere: Oozing tranquility. The interiors come courtesy of Layan Design Group and feature dark wood and textiles in beiges and greys – it’s far from somber though, thanks to an abundance of natural light from the wall of windows and clever lighting design by The Flaming Beacon. The vibe is trendy, contemporary Chinese: there's abstract canvases and vases in the lobby space, and your room might feature lacquer accessories, incense burners, foo dogs or porcelain plates.

Everything is finished with considerate touches, from the sunken staff area at check-in (a small detail, but one that means when standing, receptionists are at eye-level with sitting guests), through to the adjacent non-smoking Long Bar (an outdoor terrace will open later this year to accommodate smokers). The Long Bar, as the name suggests, is very long – 32m – and well-stocked with an impressive, if pricey, range of wines by the glass.

Should you be craving a more intimate space, head to the Library, fittingly lined with thousands upon thousands of books -- both English and Chinese -- for guests to peruse. Order one of the bar's impressive and unusual collection of single malt whiskeys, cozy up with a good read and imagine you're in some aristocratic sitting room of a remote Scottish castle.

Now booking: Seven room categories are available, from a perfectly comfortable 45sqm through to a gargantuan 130sqm. Rates include breakfast and start from 4,080rmb (plus that pesky 15% surcharge) for a Double Deluxe. Things change, though, depending on occupancy, and there's always special stay and spa combos available.

Rooms are tasteful, understated and generous in terms of accouterments. All come with Nespresso machines, free mini-bar and a handy Technology Kit comprising cables and USBs to suit pretty much any gadget you care to name. Crisp white linen, an abundance of fluffy towels and gorgeous orchid provide homely touches, whilst a wide-screen television on an expendable arm is a clever one. All rooms feature a wall-length and height window, some two, complete with electric blinds and shutters. The views are nothing to write home about, but they are very ‘Shanghai’ -- a building site on one side and Yan'an elevated highway on the other. When night falls, though, and you're soaking in the pristine bath watching the blur of brake lights far below it’s exhilarating, and, depending how high up you’re staying, wonderfully removed from the chaos below.

Amenities: One of the hotel's biggest draws is its spa, run by Anatara who have come up with a range of PuLi-specific treats based around tea. Some of the five, dimly-lit, heavenly scented rooms are suitable for couples, featuring twin massage beds and an enormous rose-petal strewn bath. Room rates include use of the 25m pool, jacuzzi and fitness suite, all boasting green views across Jing'an Park.

Food & Beverage: Unlike some of the city’s other luxury destinations, the PuLi has only one restaurant, . Led by chef célèbre Dane Clouston, the menu is European in flavour, and bursting with reinvented classics – bouillabaisse of a rich, red broth, dotted with salmon ravioli – as well as avant-garde experimentations: foie gras and chocolate, anyone? A selection of tempting cold cuts alongside goodies such as olives, anchovies and an elegant take on the simple Caesar Salad offer lighter fare, or else check the bar/ room service menu for more grounded choices: burgers, sandwiches and soups.

Don't come here expecting exotic Chinese cuisine. There's a few simple choices on the bar menu – wontons, fried rice and so on – or else breakfast options include jiaozi, congee and youtiao. Alongside that there's a buffet table, groaning under the weight of home-made pastries, fresh fruit, cereals and breads. Tempting as it is to overload on all these goodies, the savvy guest will save themselves for the hot choices -- eggs Benedict, pancakes, porridge and all the usual fry-up suspects. Breakfast is included in room rates and can be taken in the restaurant, lobby, room or else order a packed meal to go.

Who's staying? The PuLi is in the business of relaxing. Thus, you see a fair number of high-flying-looking executive types decompressing after whatever stresses work has thrown their way. It's elegant and quietly trendy -- cue beautiful people sipping signature martinis in impeccably glamorous fashion. Tasteful down to the tiniest details, the place is neither overstated nor ostentatious and is therefore a pretty safe -- albeit expensive -- bet for just about anyone seeking grown-up sophistication in Shanghai.