The Middlehouse, Shanghai
Welcome to act three of The House Collective's journey. Refined and effortlessly sleek, The Middle House Shanghai radiates a contemporary glow, resembling a modern-day lantern in the heart of the Da Zhong Li district. True to its name - ‘zhong’ meaning "middle" - the House sits at the cultural and geographical core of Shanghai, embodying new-wave luxury with a signature touch.
The property is rooted in the same DNA as those that came before it – again blending Lissoni Casal Ribeiro’s modern riff on traditional Chinese aesthetics with an Italian edge. Yet it shines bright with its own identity – from its bamboo facade and gleaming gold, balanced with serene swathes of black.
The lobby
As the majority shareholder of Cathay Pacific Airways, the Swire Group has recently doubled down on its commitment to luxury hospitality through its trio of House Collective hotels. From the Upper House in Hong Kong and the Temple House in Chengdu, each property fuses modern design with Chinese cultural influences, placing a strong emphasis on contemporary art. To capture a boutique-like intimacy within expansive hotel spaces, the group enlisted the renowned Milanese architect and designer Piero Lissoni, whose vision masterfully bridges scale with sophistication.
The lobby
The Rooms
The Middle House features 111 rooms categorised by size, ranging from 50 to 90 square meters. While the layout remains consistent across the categories, the sense of space varies, offering different experiences within a unified design language.
This expansive suite exudes understated luxury, with warm hardwood floors, a dedicated walk-in closet, floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with natural light, and automatic blackout shutters to ensure restful sleep. Guests are treated to a complimentary in-room maxi bar and Bamford amenities.
The standout feature? Without question, the harmonious interior design - contemporary, calming, and accented by the generous natural light and sweeping skyline views. There’s something undeniably serene about admiring the cityscape from the plush bedding, enveloped by soft, neutral tones and high-spec details. My personal favourite is the huge bedside curtain rope that switches off all the lights when pulled.
The bathroom is equally impressive: a deep, oval bathtub paired with soothing Bamford bath products invites a moment of tranquility, while the dual vanities and oversized rain shower elevate the experience further. It’s a sanctuary of its own - designed for indulgence and complete relaxation. Oh, and the gleaming city below makes the perfect backdrop to a long soak.
It’s refreshing to see the House Collective are taking meaningful steps toward sustainability. This goes beyond the standard “Help us save water” card left by the sink. Instead, sustainability is thoughtfully woven into the guest experience: from the spa’s eco-friendly swimwear made from recycled materials, to Café Gray Deluxe’s à la carte breakfast service, which helps minimise food waste typically associated with buffets.
The hotel’s commitment to conscious living even extends to the finer details. The General Manager has opened discussions around phasing out in-room slippers - an often-overlooked amenity that poses recycling challenges. While small, these kinds of shifts reflect a broader ethos: that luxury and sustainability can coexist through mindful, intentional choices.
Facilities
No stay at The Middle House is complete without a visit to its serene in-house spa, Mi Xun. Located underground, the space offers a true sense of escapism - zen minimalism brought to life through cool concrete tones, bamboo accents, and thoughtfully curated lighting and sculpture.
I’d recommend booking the signature facial, which stands out not only for its relaxing ritual but also as the first in China to use Cha Ling products - a luxurious skincare line by LVMH. The hour-long treatment begins with a gentle cleanse, followed by exfoliation, a nourishing mask, and a finishing touch of tailored serums and moisturiser, leaving your skin visibly refreshed.
After your treatment, take a dip in the 33-metre heated indoor pool, or unwind in the steam room and sauna. Whether you’re visiting for business or leisure, Mi Xun is the perfect urban retreat.
Dining
When it comes to dining, The Middle House certainly delivers, with three distinct restaurants catering to every palate. Café Gray Deluxe offers elegant all-day dining, Frasca serves up rustic Italian fare, and Sui Tang Li - my top pick - celebrating bold Sichuan, Cantonese, and Shanghainese flavours with a modern twist.
Breakfast at Café Gray Deluxe
For an unforgettable taste of regional Chinese cuisine, don’t miss the pork xiao long bao, which rival those of the famed Din Tai Fung. The stir-fried Angus beef and caramelised prawns, laced with just the right amount of Sichuan spice, are also must-tries.
Sui Lin Tang
Breakfast at Café Gray Deluxe is served daily from 7:30 to 10:30, offering a curated selection of English, American, and Chinese options. Guests can choose a full set menu or order à la carte - a thoughtful alternative to the typical buffet, helping reduce waste and elevate the experience.
Dinner at Frasca
And so?
The Middlehouse is a cool addition to the Shanghai hotel scene. Is it worth it, you ask. For a warm, deep and intimate taste of old-meets-edgy-new Shanghai, with a sharp contemporary twist (plus time-travelling punch cocktails, buzzy restaurant and scene-stealing roof terrace) – it’s a yes.
Address: China, Shanghai, Jing'An, No. 366 Shi Men Yi Road 邮政编码: 200041