ULAANBAATAR (Ulan Bator), Mongolia
Recently opened in the heart of Ulaanbaatar is Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts' latest luxury hotel – Shangri-La Hotel, Ulaanbaatar.
Visitors arriving in Mongolia's capital and largest city will find the property within walking distance to the famous Government House and Great Chinggis Khaan Square, and centrally accessible to the country's landscape of picturesque steppes, historic monasteries and grasslands teeming with wildlife.
The hotel is connected to Ulaanbaatar's only luxury mixed-use development, the Shangri-La Centre. The 28-story center, which debuts in 2016, encompasses exclusive apartments, four floors of retail and 19 floors of upscale commercial space. Other features include a 7,200-square-meter (about 77,500-square-foot) sports club with an indoor swimming pool, gym, Jacuzzi and sauna, as well as a separate two-level Kids Zone for children to enjoy dedicated entertainment.
The 290-room Shangri-La hotel is the latest arrival to Ulaanbaatar's evolving scene and embraces the rich nomadic culture of Mongolia. Travelers are greeted with touches of the local culture upon arrival, met by traditionally dressed doormen at the porte cochere, which is decorated with dramatic, double-tier crystal lights forming an auspicious geometric pattern with ethnic copper and brass fittings.
Inside, the hotel's lobby contains crystal chandeliers measuring three meters (about 10 feet) in width—an impressive sight not to be found elsewhere in the city. The use of textured stone walls and decorative glass lights in the shape of hunting horns complement the interior and represent the warrior spirit of Mongolia.
Overlooking Nayramdal Park to the south or the Great Chinggis Khaan Square to the north, the guestrooms are Ulaanbaatar's largest and start from 42 square meters (about 452 square feet). Elegantly appointed in natural tones and light colored wood, each room is furnished with complimentary Wi-Fi, an executive desk, marble bathroom and a window seating area to admire the vistas and snow-capped mountain ranges. Luxurious interiors continue in the suites that are spaciously sized at 84 square meters (about 904 square feet) and configured with a separate master bedroom and living area for an entourage or family traveling together.
Providing an even higher level of personalized service on the hotel's uppermost floors is the Horizon Club, due to be revealed in July. Guests enjoying access to the Horizon Club Lounge, which overlooks Nayramdal Park, are also entitled to express check-in and check-out service, complimentary breakfast, all day beverages, cocktails and canapés in the evening, and use of the meeting room daily.
Dining options at Shangri-La Hotel, Ulaanbaatar begin with the all-day dining Cafe Park. Using copper motif inlay on pillars and multiple cooking stations to create a focal point, diners can experience a multi-cultural feast and the chefs' signature dishes at either breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Naadam – named after Mongolia's largest summer sporting festival – is a pub bar and grill featuring a collaborative experience of western food, music and entertainment, and the city's finest vodka menu. Local artifacts infuse charming elements to the restaurant, which opens onto an outdoor terrace for 50 people.
Opening in August is Hutong, a restaurant that will serve a variety of Chinese cuisine, including Beijing Duck, clay pot stews and dishes typical of Northern China, alongside an extensive collection of wines. Muted lighting and a color palette of burgundy and charcoal gray combine with dark wood to create a contemporary feel.
Guests looking for a gathering point for conversation and casual meetings will be catered for with light meals and beverages at the Lobby Lounge. Large windows let in plenty of light to the corner area adorned with local copper and brass artworks.
Specifically designed to host conference and celebratory events, Shangri-La Hotel, Ulaanbaatar has the city's largest portfolio of meeting space, which totals 2,643 square meters (about 28,449 square feet). Eight rooms, including the 1,300-square-meter (about 13,993-square-foot) pillar-free Grand Ballroom capable of accommodating more than 800 guests, complete the multi-purpose function rooms.
The fully-equipped Health Club allows guests to stay in shape or relax with gym, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam facilities, and massage options.
Limousine transportation, with complimentary Wi-Fi, may be reserved at a fee for travel from the international airport or train station to Shangri-La Hotel, Ulaanbaatar. The journey time is 40 minutes and 20 minutes per trip, respectively.
