LOCATION (THE EMBANKMENT BUILDING)

When the Embankment Building was first constructed by Palmer and Turner in 1932, it was famed for its style and size. At almost a quarter of a mile long, this Streamline Art Deco structure was the largest apartment building in the Far East, with wide balconies, eight elevators, an servants' quarters for most apartments. Today, it is rather dilapidated. Except in 20 serviced residences and studios renovated by Tucho Iglesias, founder of CHAI Living.
The owner of this building was Victor Sassoon - the same as the Peace Hotel and Hamilton House. He was one of the most successful businessmen in the 1930's. Actually, the Embankment Building was built for his employees of the other two companies, for the, let's say, management level.
The people who were living here were of many nationalities. Portuguese, Spanish, Japanese. There were a lot of foreigners. It was very interesting to see this. Sassoon thought this location was perfect because it was in front of the creek, and it was very open, you know, and it was facing south.

LIVING HERE

It's Shanghainese from the moment you walk in the building, you go up with them in the lift, you can see how they're dressed, what they're carrying. At seven in the morning, they do Tai Chi downstairs in the entrance. There's calligraphy classes. And then once you get into your room, have a lot of flavor of culture, but in a very refined way. It's all very well thought out.

ALL the residences are uniquely designed by ourselves. There's not one thing here bought in any shop. Either designed by us, or produced by us and designed by somebody we know. We are also cooperating with artists.

IS THERE A MINIMUM STAY?

There is only a three-night stay minimum, but we don't run ourselves like a hotel. It's more a community.

IS EMBANKMENT BUILDING’S AREA SAFE?

Shanghai is generally very safe and our area too. Embankment building is safe both day and night, and has security cameras in the lobby and elevators, as well as security at front and back door entrances 24/7

WHO ARE THE REST OD RESIDENTS IN THE EMBANKMENT BUILDING?

Many chinese local residents live in the embankment building, mainly teachers, students, retired government officials and a very cosmopolitan crowd of foreigners (spanish, british, french, finish and australian among others). At 7PM every night, old ladies practice tai-chi in the main entrance which is a really authentic experience to see! At 9pm every saturday you can join a free class of chinese calligraphy. If you are lucky you can even encounter a director shooting a movie somewhere around the building!

DO YOU ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS?

yes, we do. union pay and international credit cards Visa, Master, American express are all accepted.

WHAT IS THE CHAI HEALTHY-START BREAKFAST?

CHAI healthy breakfast includes whole wheat bread, jam & butter, organic fruit, yogurt, fresh organic eggs, cereals, different natural juices, imported milk, a selection of teas and Nespresso coffee.
If you want to try a traditional chinese breakfast we can also arrange it for you!
If you have any special request, please let us know in advance so that we can try our best to arrange it for you.

DO YOU HAVE ROOM SERVICE FROM WICH I CAN ORDER A MEAL?

In addition to the complementary breakfast upon arrival we provide complimentary seasonal fresh fruits arrangement and soft drinks. Although we don’t have room service, Sherpa’s food Delivery, offers a wide selection of dishes from 72 most popular restaurants in shanghai (chinese, japanese, western, and many others!). Your order will be delivered to you within one hour. Available from 10:30 am to 10:30 pm everyday.
If you are planning to stay for more than a few days, you can shop in one of the supermarkets or vegetables&fruits local markets and prepare your own meal in your residence or studio’s fully equipped kitchen.

HOW LONG IS CHAI LIVING FROM MAJOR AIRPORTS AND TRAIN STATIONS?

Hongqiao Airport: 25 minutes, 18 KM. Pudong International Airport: 60 Minutes, 45 KM.
Shanghai North Railway Station: Here is where the fast train form Beijing to Shanghai stops: 15 minutes.

CAN YOU ARRANGE AN AIRPORT PICK-UP SERVICE?

Yes, we can. If you need airport pick-up service, let us know upon making your reservation. We can arrange our driver to wait for you and drive you safety to CHAI Living.The rate for the airport pick-up from pudong’s airport is CNY400 and from Hongqiao’s airport CNY300.

WHAT TIME DO I NEED TO CHECK-IN AND CHECK-OUT?

We do not have fixed check-in or check-out times and we will not request any additional charges. However if you would like to check-in before 3pm or check-out after 2pm please inform us in advance when you make your reservation.

WILL BE SOMONE THERE TO GIVE ME RECOMMENDATIONS OR HELP ME WITH
RESERVATIONS?

Yes, we have a permanent team working in the embankment building, if you wish we will prepare for you a tailor-made list of recommendations so that you canhave the best possible shanghai living experience during the days you spend with us. Our Guest relations Manager will assist you with any reservations you may need.

DO YOU HAVE A GYM WHERE I CAN EXERCISE?
So far we don’t have our own private gym but we have a special daily rate od CNY200/ person at Hyatt on the Bund Hotel. You can enjoy: 25-metre indoor swimming pool, Steemroom, sauna and whirlpool bath. Fully equipped 24 hour fitness centre.

If you like jogging or cycling we have prepared a jogging and cycling map around the bund area: 


IS THERE A PARKING IN THE AREA?

Just behind Embankment building we have a parking open 24/7. we have a special rate of cny10 for 2 hours or cny120 per day.