City Guides: Shanghai, San Francisco, Bangkok - Wayne Arnold

Wayne Arnold, global CEO at Lowe Profero Global gives us his insider tips on Shanghai, San Francisco and Bangkok.

SHANGHAI

Best hotel for pleasure?
The PuLi hotel in Shanhai has the best hotel swimming pool anywhere in Asia and no one seems to use it, so it is the best private swimming pool in Asia as well. Combine the pool with the long hotel bar and the outdoor terrace and you’ve got an oasis in the heart of the city.

Best bar for celebrating?
In general, I recommend the suburb of Xintiandi – where you can eat, walk around nature, go back in history and party. It’s also a good place in the middle of town to relax between meetings.

Best place to eat, drink and meet?
Located near the Bund, The Nest created by Grey Goose is great for dinner and drinks before 10pm, after 10pm, it becomes Shanghai’s latest hot spot for partying into the small hours.

Best bar for business drinks?
No better way to celebrate a new working relationship than rocking out to old hits or new pop songs. King Party Karaoke offers amazingly decked out rooms for larger celebrations. They can accommodate anywhere from 10 - 100 people. I have seen a different side to many team members in this place, it is the quiet reserved ones that always surprise you with their rock and roll prowess.

Best restaurant for a business lunch?
For the risk averse, a guaranteed satisfying dinner experience is at Lost Heaven on the Bund. Specialising in authentic Yunnan food. Great atmosphere and interior décor, including a rooftop bar with a view of the bund, makes it ideal for pre or post-dinner drinks.

For the daring, hit the corner of Fumin Road and Changle Lu. They won’t be there during the day. There’s no walls, ceiling or signage but you’ll know when you see it. Fried rice, wonton soup, bbq meats and vegetables are all made right in front of you.

For quality local food, Rui Fu Yuan, have been doing home style Shanghai cuisine for over 20 years. Watch out for the yellow croaker wonton soup that will have you coming back for more.

Lovers of spice should head to Di Shui Dong on Maoming Lu. From pork chops to turtle, chicken wings to frog legs, enjoy different delicacies seasoned with varying levels of authentic Asian spice.

How to spend an hour in between meetings?
Head to any breakfast street food stall and grab a Tang gao, these deep fried wonders are essentially Shanhai’s answer to the donut. Make sure you get a fresh one for the complete, steaming, diet-be-damned experience.

If you only have time to do one thing in this city, do this...
This may be unusual but I recommend a late night run or stroll through the French Concession. It has a vibe unlike the rest of Shanghai and late at night with no cars, tree-lined streets and cool weather, it’s a break from the big-city freneticism. If you’re a runner, this area certainly beats a workout in the hotel gym.

SAN FRANCISCO

Best hotel for pleasure?
Hotel Vitale. With its location on the Embarcadero and overlooks the San Francisco Bay. Is has a modern, yet calm and inviting design and is one of the best-located hotels in the city. The Embarcadero is lined with restaurants and bars where you can watch ships and sailboats pass by as you sip your wine from nearby Napa Valley. But before you head out for the night be sure to stop into Hotel Vitale’s 'Americano' outside bar and patio. Should you happen to catch one of the rare warm San Francisco evenings, this is a very popular spot. Book as early as possible though, I have been caught out far too many times with lack of availability in this city that is actually pretty small with fewer good hotel options that you would think.

Best bar for celebrating?
Redwood Room. You don’t need to drive to Muir Woods to experience California Redwoods. The Redwood Room, located inside of the Clift Hotel is one of the most popular late night venues in San Francisco. Its eclectic and modern, with a design that is softened by it’s natural redwood elements – legend has it that the entire bar is carved from a single redwood tree. It is the kind of place you always seem to find your self in at some point in the trip taking a selfie in their oversized lobby chair.

Best bar for a business drink?
Top of the Mark. Located in the Nob Hill neighborhood of San Francisco, and on the 19th flood of the InterContinental, the Top of the Mark provides a rare 360 panoramic view of the city’s skyline, The Bay Bridge and the Golden Gate Bridge. If you’re able to take your eyes off the view, Top of the Mark’s lounge is an ideal setting to discuss your business expansion into the San Francisco market.  

Best restaurant for a business lunch?
Royal Exchange. For a less formal business lunch in the heart of San Francisco’s business district, check out Royal Exchange. It’s been a landmark restaurant since it’s opening in 1972. Plan on an early lunch to get a table, and make sure your entire party is ready to be seated – or you’ll go to the back of the line.  

How to spend an hour in-between meetings?
Ferry Building. Walk east on Market Street towards the Bay and you’ll find the Ferry Building. While you won’t have time to take a Ferry to Larkspur or Sausalito and back, you will have time to browse the newly renovated building. It contains an all-appealing variety of oyster bars, artisan cheese and meat shops, wine stores, cafes and several desert options.  

If you only have time to do one thing in this city, do this...
San Francisco Giants Baseball Game. With three World Series wins in the last 5 years, the Giants have been the most dominant baseball team this decade. Not a baseball fan? No matter. AT&T Park is one of the most beautiful sports stadiums in the country – located in one of the most beautiful settings in the world. And you’ll surely be hungry and thirsty at the park – there is no shortage of gourmet food, beer and wine that even rival the many restaurants that surround the park.

BANGKOK

Best hotel for pleasure?
Siam Kempinski is the ultimate in luxury in the heart of Bangkok. With a resort feeling and contemporary design, it’s the perfect place to retreat after a day of eating and shopping in the nearby retail precincts.

Best bar for celebrating?
The ultimate destination bar is Sirroco, incredible views of the city made famous in Hangover Part 2. If there was a 7 wonders of the world for bars this would be in it. Over the road is Maggie Choos, Bangkok’s hippest speakeasy complete.

Best bar for a business drink?
Try the new Vogue Lounge in the heart of the business district Sathorn, great décor, atmosphere and balcony area. Special mention should be made of 3 Michelin-star chef Vincent Thierry’s outstanding French inspired menu.

Best restaurant for a business lunch?
For local Thai Cuisine I recommend Nahm, its formidable reputation is well-deserved. For an international flavor head to Eat Me, offering daring ingredient combinations from around the globe. Both restaurants can be found in in Sathorn.

How to spend an hour in-between meetings?
Thailand’s vibrant contemporary art scene is on full display at the Bangkok Art & Culture Centre in Siam. Expect bright colours and a pleasant, open-plan environment.

If you only have time to do one thing in this city, do this…
Go to the Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Po) and get a guided tour for a couple of hours. You’ll get an insight into Thai culture, history, buddhism and you can finish off with a traditional massage as this is also the centre for learning of traditional Thai massage.

(A personal thanks to the Lowe Profero teams around the world for ensuring I get to discover these places - Wayne Arnold.)

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