Call it social travel, short-term letting, peer-to-peer holidaying or just the new, new thing, sites like Airbnb and Roomorama appear to have reached something of a tipping point; worldwide bookings through the former alone are set to exceed those at Hilton Hotels (some 600,000) this year. Renting a property instead of a hotel room when you travel abroad is nothing new; but these sites, which connect hosts with spare rooms, empty apartments, tents and even castles to guests looking for something a little different on their next trip, have revolutionized the market. Gone are the cumbersome classified ads, the exorbitant agency fees and the need to book a year in advance. Gone, too, is the hype surrounding their scuzzy progenitors, Craigslist and Couchsurfing**—both we and the Web have grown up in the last few years. Now you really can do this kind of thing not only on a whim and on a budget but in real style.

**Top of Google’s ‘related searches’ for “couchsurfing”: “couchsurfing bad experience.” Then “couchsurfing horror stories.” That’s one reason why the next gen sites have placed such a premium on identity verification.

From Door to Door

These sites, though, have themselves already been around a couple of years; so what’s new, and what difference does that make here in Singapore? Well, for one thing, there’s now a vast inventory in Asia, especially on the two sites already namechecked, meaning you can find awesome options almost anywhere you want to go. For another, many of them have big plans for the local market and, in several cases, know it pretty well already. Both industry poster boy Airbnb and the previously Euro-focused 9flats (whose VP, Wei Leen Ng, is an NUS alumni) say they’re opening offices in Singapore before year-end, to better service those of us on this side of the world. Roomorama founders Federico Folcia and Jia En Teo (also a Singaporean) are one step ahead of them, having relocated their headquarters from NYC last year to focus on operations here. Despite widely voiced concerns that Asians might not be quite so comfortable in throwing open their doors to strangers, they’re all confident this is only the beginning.

The space is evolving, too. Indeed, the notion that this is all about sketchy spare rooms has gone out the (grubby-paned) window. Roomorama, in particular, focuses on premium properties, including villas and even serviced apartments; 90% of their inventory is private and not all of it comes cheap (Teo tells us they recently had a single booking to the value of US$17,000). Airbnb, meanwhile, curate their vast collection so that instead of looking at a bunk bed, you can look at villas near vineyards, or only apartments featuring original design works by the Eames brothers (seriously—they have 53 of those). Sure, you can still find some less-than-stellar studios, but this is all a far cry from what sites like this were first known for. Indeed, those that haven’t seen fit to filter or finesse, including unabashed Airbnb clone Wimdu, look horribly out of step.

The Paradox of Choice

Where to start, though, when there are so many of these sites out there? The overwhelming number of sites can undoubtedly be a turn-off, especially when the concept of renting peer-to-peer is still new to so many. But it’s a problem that is, for the most part, disappearing; another reason why now’s such a good time to start thinking seriously about this kind of holiday, if you haven’t already.

The biggest players in the market are buying or tying up with the (reputable) competition—earlier this year Roomorama merged with European site Lofty, while Airbnb acquired the UK’s Crashpadder (the names of the two being pretty indicative of the different markets they’re going after)—meaning it’s less and less intimating when you start doing your research. There are other big players, such as the somewhat more traditional and whole lot less sexy HomeAway, which lists more than 300,000 properties, but there’s a reason we keep mentioning the other two; if you’ve an eye for design, money to spare but not to burn and an interest in offbeat and plain awesome places, then you don’t really need to look beyond them; particularly if you’re holidaying around Asia. (See Battle of the Bedrooms for a comparison of the key differences between the biggest players.)

In any case, this being the Web, there are various aggregator tools that make browsing inventory from several sites simultaneously a breeze, and curators (so 2012, darling) choosing their favorites. Late last year, Tripping launched a Kayak-style discovery engine for some 500,000+ listings on sites like Roomorama, 9flats and HomeAway; though not Airbnb. Rentmix, is a map mashup created by an ex-Google engineer that plots all the different properties for super-intuitive viewing. And the likes of WelcomeBeyond, which acts like a Mr and Mrs Smith for the rental market by handpicking properties, are a great alternative if you prefer someone else doing your gem hunting for you; though, frankly, where’s the fun in that? (They currently have only one property listed in all of SE Asia, anyway.)

Booking is getting easier, too. In April, Airbnb launched Match, a slick booking process that automates the process of messaging hosts so that guests can find the kind of property they’re looking for quicker and at the last minute; and they already have their own app. Roomorama’s ShoutOuts post messages to the whole community for faster response times, their merger with Lofty was driven in part by a desire to use their back-end to implement truly instant booking (one area the industry’s still playing catch-up with hotels) and they have an app of their own launching in the next couple of months (along with Thai and Bahasa versions of the site). User feedback—a key driver of this space from the beginning—is getting more sophisticated as the mere novelty of staying in someone else’s apartment wears off, meaning more confidence when booking. Security, specifically lack of comeback for both hosts and guests, dominated the headlines for sites like these last year, when an unlucky host had her house trashed in what became known as “the Airbnb incident”; but that triggered a wave of improvements and assurances and now 9flats, for example, trumpet their host protection plan, which runs to €900,000, as their biggest selling point and assures guests that they meet all hosts face-to-face.

Ultimately, of course, you get what you pay for—you can’t run to Reception like you can at the Ritz-Carlton, but if that’s what you expect then you’re on the wrong webpage.

5 Ways to a Pain-free Vacation Rental Experience

Long-term Lease on Life

What with all this hype and all these clones, you’d be forgiven for thinking this carries more than a whiff of Groupon about it (remember them? Check your junk folder if not). But the speed with which the market leaders have evolved (even hotels are now looking to get their suites listed) and the fact that the model is so eminently scalable (you have a room? You can make money!) suggests the travel industry’s old way of doing things really has been overturned for good.

It’s a safe bet that the space is set to grow a whole lot more, especially here, where we’re still at the surface-scratching stage. And if there are bumps ahead, they’re more likely to be regulatory than because people are bored of the concept; city councils around the world have queried the legality of tenants subletting their apartments for short-term stays, and in some cases, changed the law to prohibit it, but none of the sites has found (or necessarily tried to find) a way to police all their listings. In Singapore, the rule seems to be that you can only sublet for six months or more, though there’s some confusion about which properties that applies to.

So, while Airbnb’s revelation that hosts in NYC are now making US$21,000 a year on average might be rather envy-inducing, it’s where you can go, not how much can make, that’s truly exciting about all this. Don’t believe it? Maybe it’s time you took a look for yourself.

Battle of the Bedrooms

Not all peer-to-peer rental sites are exactly alike. While aggregators can help you navigate by location, going direct to the sites offers a greater degree of functionality. Here’s how the big players measure up, so you don’t waste your time looking in the wrong place.

 See also:

Luxurious Home Rentals around Asia
Asia's Best Villa Rental Agencies
Quirky Ideas for Budget Travel
What Readers Think About Vacation Rental Sites
 

American Tourister—Maximum Volume Plus
With its extra thick design, this bag has 30 percent more space than other luggage of the same length. There’s also a vertical opening on the side, allowing you to grab stuff within even when the bag’s stowed. Construction’s solid, too: it’s sealed with an inbuilt TSA combination lock, which has been tested 15,000 times in quick succession. Find it in three sizes, with an upright height of 50cm, 68cm or 78cm. From $140.

Samsonite—Black Label Cubelite
Strong and light, the Cubelite is made with Samsonite’s patented CURV material—thin sheets of polypropylene which are stretched, layered then hot compressed to make a shiny shell. It also boasts a four wheel hub for extra stability, an integrated TSA combination lock and palladium zippers. From $790.

Tumi—Tegra-Lite
The stylish Tegra-Lite collection comes highly recommended for its durability and impact resistance features. Each piece is created using Tegris, a thermoplastic composite material that’s usually used in lifesaving armor and NASCAR race cars, and is intricately lined throughout. The full collection comprises two-wheeled and four-wheeled carry-ons, as well as four-wheeled packing cases. $1,060 upwards.

You’ve probably tried molecular gastronomy, with its flavored foams and bead-shaped jellies, but how about infusing your cocktails with a little quaffable chemistry? The trend, although a few years old worldwide, is just starting to pick up real steam in Bangkok—and mixologists are already doubting its future.

W XYZ Bar is one of a new breed of places that apply scientific smoke and mirrors, not to your food but your drinks, all in the name of molecular mixology. Perhaps Bangkok’s first dedicated molecular cocktail bar, it’s manned by the youthful Passapong Phetpradit who designs the drinks himself. His signature drink, Heaven on Earth, is served in a Champagne flute, smoking like a wizard’s potion. It’s served with a strawberry coated in candy that pops in your mouth. Bite into the strawberry, sip and let your senses go into overload.

“Science brings something new to cocktails,” says Passapong. “For me, a cocktail is like a painting and molecular mixology just gives another dimension to the art. Molecular techniques interact with all five of our senses.”

These high-wire acts come with more issues than just fixing a decent martini, though. Even pros like Karn Liangsrisuk, who took second place in the 2012 Bacardi Bartending Contest representing the Shangri La Hotel and reached the top 10 contestants in the Diageo Reserve World Class Thailand 2011, would rather avoid them altogether.

“I like my cocktails to be simple. Molecular cocktails are too strong and too scientific for me,” he says. “The idea of bringing in the science just seems to eliminate the classic elements and charm of every ingredient. Change is good but molecular mixology requires such precise measures and is very technical—it’s just not for me.”
Ronnaporn Kanivichaporn, the man behind the cocktails at Roof by Muse Thonglor, thinks molecular cocktails are fun, but mostly just a question of appearances.

“Molecular mixology provides a wealth of options when it comes to drink presentation. But it’s probably just another fad. How long it stays around depends on how well mixologists can keep pushing the boundaries without losing the original character of a particular cocktail,” Ronnaporn says. “It’s not just about adopting new techniques. You have to make things more delicious.”

Even Passapong, of W XYZ, agrees it will be challenging to keep people hooked. “Molecular mixology is just like any other trend. It won’t stay fashionable without constant reinvention. So you have to keep striving for more,” he says.

Ronnaporn sees the future in using unique ingredients that haven’t been seen in cocktails before, like Indian gooseberry cough medicine. Karn, too, is focusing on flavor. His recipes for restaurants like Whale’s Belly, Bouchot and The Local use ingredients like safflower and the pungent sator bean. He’s also been keeping an eye on the worldwide mixology trends replacing molecular techniques.

“Right now,” he says, “it’s all about barrel aged-cocktails and I’ve been running around Bangkok in search of woods that will give different notes and flavors.”

Whatever comes next, barmen are clearly going to stay in the spotlight, as their research and hard work is the one thing that will never get tired. “Sometimes even having the finest ingredients doesn’t mean something will work. You’ve got to keep learning. Study others but don’t copy, as trends always come and go,”
says Karn.

Expert Advice: Drinks that Can’t Go (Too) Wrong

Passapong Phetpradit

Manager on Duty at W XYZ Bar

“I’ll admit that I don’t really like drinking cocktails that often, but if I find myself at an awful bar then gin and tonic, vodka with Kahlua, or rum and coke are all at the top of my list.”

Karn Liangsrisuk

Escapade Burgers & Shakes co-owner

“Beer is the safest option, but if you want to look cool then maybe ask the bartender to drop some cranberry juice in vodka.”

Ronnaporn Kanivichaporn

Business Development Director and Mixologist at Maven Company

“I’d say a Mai Tai is the safest but if that’s not your thing, take a look at the liquor shelf. Maybe go for something like Malibu with pineapple juice. You’ll probably end up crying about the tiny amount of alcohol in your drink, anyway.”

Essentials

W XYZ Bar Aloft Hotel, 35 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 02-207-7000. Open Sun-Wed 12pm-midnight; Thu-Sat 12pm-2am
Escapade Burgers & Shakes, 112 Phra Artit Rd., 081-406-3773.  Open daily 11am-midnight
Roof by Muse, 159/8 Thonglor Soi 10, 089-988-5995. Open Tue-Sun 6pm-2am

Awesome Villas
Rated “Excellent” by TripAdvisor for its coverage of Phuket’s Kamala beach, this high-end villa rental and sales site’s USP is that the founder, Joanne Baylis, personally stays and checks on each listed property. The focus is on ultra swank spots like the three-bedroom Villa Chi (just a five-minute walk from Kamala Beach) featuring incredible sea views and a 16-meter infinity swimming pool, which goes from $750 per night.

Bali Tropical Villas
In operation for more than 17 years, this Bali specialist has over 500 properties across the island. Expect diverse options from remote beaches or mountains to better known spots in Seminyak, Kerobokan and Sanur. A luxe pick is Taman Ahimsa Retreat, a seven-bedroom eco-getaway built using recycled iron, tamarind and teak woods. Dedicated chefs are also on hand, serving organic, macrobiotic and ayurvedic meals. The rate’s the same through the site or direct at www.taman-ahimsa.com: US$2,700 ($3,476) for the peak season from June 1-September 15.

The Villa Guide
Covering Indonesia, The Philippines, Sri Lanka and Thailand, The Villa Guide offers a cute, irreverent voice, an easy-to-navigate site and a carefully curated selection of properties. Among the highlights is Suralai, high in the hills overlooking Koh Samui’s Bophut Bay. This kick-ass spot sleeps 12 and comes with its own private chef. It goes from US$1,530 ($1,965) through the site, versus US$1,200 ($1,540) when booking direct through www.suralai.com.

China: Castle on the Bund, US$190 ($245)/night
A two-bedroom penthouse in Shanghai’s famed waterfront district, the Bund, this place has a private balcony with 360 degree views and castle-like furnishings such as latticed window grilles, wrought iron chandeliers and arched wooden doors.

Indonesia: Villa Sunset with Private Boat, €515 ($820)/night
Just 20 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport, this three-bedroom villa in southern Bali is right by an ocean lagoon, and boasts a 20-meter swimming pool and pier with private boat ($170 for four hours). Kayaks and three bikes are free to use.

Malaysia: Guesthouse, $428/night
A 1941 pre-war art deco building, sleeping up to four and furnished with both antique and contemporary pieces (right down to the Lavazza espresso maker). Other highlights include a lap pool and a bougainvillea-covered rooftop patio boasting panaromic views of Old Malacca.

The Philippines: Coco’s Garden, $70/night
Housing up to six people, this vintage home in the historic Paco District of Old Manila has a traditional Filipino dipping bath, airy patio and lush green garden. Foodies take note: Local grub, including vegetarian and organic options, can be arranged (from $5 per meal).

Sri Lanka: Bird Sanctuary Villa by the Lake, US$50 ($64)/night
Less than half an hour from Colombo city, this villa is next to a bird sanctuary and boasts clear lakeside views. A swimming pool with jacuzzi, and rooftop terrace are also part of the four-bedroom space.

Thailand: Cave House, $141/night
Held up by two imposing sandalwood poles salvaged from a sailboat is this rugged chic abode on Southeastern Thai island Koh Phangan. It sleeps four (one double, two singles), boasts an impressive kitchen with a wood-fired brick pizza oven and is entirely solar-powered.

Camp In My Garden
This outdoor housing specialist provides a range of private garden options, from the bare basics to glamping. Most locations are in the UK (snag a bargain for the Olympics!), with some regional spots in Thailand and Indonesia. Places are sorted by area events (from music fests to sports competitions).

Homestay Malaysia
The Malaysian Ministry of Tourism partners with kampong (village) dwellers to offer stays at communal longhouses all over the country. Harvest and cook local produce and learn about traditional handicrafts like batik and woodcarving firsthand.

Warm Showers
Long distance bikers know the plight well: You’ve been on the road for hours and are in dire need of a good scrub. Enter Warm Showers. The online community allows you to use hosts’ home bathrooms and potentially negotiate overnight stays.
 

Nikon Coolpix AW100

• 16 megapixels

Waterproof: 10 meters
Freeze-proof: 10 degrees Celsius
Shock-resistant: 1.5 meters
The Coolpix AW100 is the latest waterproof model from Nikon. In addition to a 28-140mm lens and vibration reduction for clearer images, travelers should appreciate that it’s GPS is capable of not only recording the location of each shot, but also tracking the user’s movements and looking up routes with a new built-in world map display. There’s also full-HD recording with slow-motion and macro modes. The effects may be limited, but Nikon makes up for that with the model’s fast shutter speed button. Available in orange, black and military green for B11,800.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC TX20

• 16.2 megapixels

Waterproof: 5 meters
Freeze-proof: 10 degrees Celsius
Shock-resistant: 1.5 meters
Sony’s new DSC TX20 model is almost identical to the last, the DSX TX10, with the same slim and sleek design, shutter buttons, and touch screen. What’s new is a more stylish sliding cover, a 25-100mm lens, a high-resolution Exmor R CMOS sensor and advanced BIONZ image processor, which improves low-light performance. And the 16.2 megapixel camera sure is impressive for a waterproof camera. Available in pink, yellow, black, silver and green for B12,900.

FujiFilm FinePix XP100

• 14.4 megapixels

Waterproof: 10 meters
Freeze-proof: 10 degrees Celsius
Shock-resistant: 2 meters
After a prolonged absence, Japanese manufacturer Fuji returns with a new model for outdoor types, the FinePix XP100. The various rubber ridges and grooves facilitate one-handed shooting, while the battery/memory slot comes with a double-lock design for better protection. The model also offers a 14 megapixel CMOS sensor, 5x 28-140mm zoom lens with an aperture of f3.9-4.9. Available in black, blue, orange, silver and green for B10,499.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT4

• 12.1 megapixels
Waterproof: 12 meters
Freeze-proof: 10 degrees Celsius
Shock-resistant: 2 meters
Just when we hadn’t heard from them in a while, Panasonic rolls out their Lumix DMC-FT4, the upgrade on last year’s FT3 incarnation. Not much has changed, but its waterproof capabilities still leave many of the rivals gasping for air, while it also comes with a barometer to measure atmospheric pressure. The Full-HD recording, 28-128mm lens, built-in GPS and tough exterior make for fine company on any trip. Available in blue, orange and silver at B13,990.

Olympus TG-820

• 12 megapixels

Waterproof: 10 meters
Freeze-proof: 10 degrees Celsius
Shock-resistant: 2 meters
Forget flashy design, the Olympus TG 820 is as rugged as any rough n’ tumble waterproof camera should be. It has Tough written on the front for starters! Complete with 28-140mm lens, an aperture of f3.9-5.9, and fast shutter speeds, the real highlight is the ISO setting of 6400 that allows you to capture photos of fast moving objects and in limited light. So whether it’s cliff diving or any other high-adrenaline act, the TG 820 is most likely able to handle the ride (it’s also crushproof to 100kg). Available in grey at B12,990.

Coming Clickers

Canon PowerShot D20

This new waterproof model, an upgrade on the three-year-old Powershot D10, is not scheduled to go on sale until mid-next year for approximately B10,500.

Olympus Tough TG-1

This recently-announced model, an improved version of the TG-820, will come with built-in GPS and an f2.0 aperture, and retail for approximately B12,000.

FujiFilm FinePix XP150

Designed for the most adventurous of users, this waterproof model will come with a geo-tagging GPS that shows the distance and directions from the current location to the exact spot of the tagged photo. Sales date TBA for approximately B8,900.

Essentials

FujiFilm Fine Pix XP100 & Nikon Coolpix AW100. AV Camera, Charoenkrung Soi 50 next to Robinson Bangrak, Charoenkrung Rd., 02-237-1041-2.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT4, Olympus TG 820. 3/F, Big Camera, MBK Shopping Center, Phayathai Rd., 02-686-3503. BTS National Stadium.
Sony Cyber-shot DSC TX20. 4/F, Central Plaza Rama 9, Ratchadapisek Rd., 02-108-1061. MRT Rama 9.

Hotels in The Bund

Fairmont Peace Hotel

The Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai

The Peace Hotel was one of Shanghai's most famous landmarks during the glory days of the Bund. Now re-opened, it is home to the legendary Jazz Bar as well as the Jasmine Lounge tea house, Dragon Phoenix Restaurant, and a shopping arcade.

Hotel Indigo

Hotel Indigo Shanghai

This South Bund boutique hotel blends luxury with boho chic.

Hyatt on the Bund

Hyatt on the Bund, Shanghai

This is the best testimony of understated luxury in Shanghai. Hyatt on the Bund might be the cheapest in terms of room rates compared to the other two Hyatts in the city but it is nonetheless excellent, with top-notch rooms and great service. Located at the far end of The Bund, this Hyatt enjoys a unique view of both sides of Huangpu River. Check out the rooftop restaurant Vue for a late night drink, or head to Yuan Spa for some much needed pampering.

Les Suites Orient

Les Suites Orient, Shanghai

This beautiful hotel fuses Art Deco design with traditional Oriental style. A true boutique hotel, Les Suites Orient Bund Shanghai Hotel is located close to the Bund, offering views over the Huangpu River and the Pudong District.

The Peninsula

The Peninsula Shanghai

The Peninsula Shanghai is something of a glorious return to China by the Hong Kong-based five-star hotel chain. The Peninsula's location at the top end of the Bund puts it on a level with the high-class establishments that line the Shanghai waterfront.

Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund

Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund

Revisit the glamor and luxury of old Shanghai at this uber-pricey hotel on the Bund. With the Long Bar, Pelham's restaurant, and a tea house, you don't have to be a guest to enjoy its charms.

The Waterhouse Hotel

The Waterhouse Hotel, Shanghai

The Waterhouse is a trendy boutique hotel containing Jason Atherton's Table No. 1 restaurant, and a rooftop bar.

Hotels in French Concession

City Hotel

A decent four-star business hotel with a good location and top services. Home to Pinnacle Peak steakhouse and Misato restaurant.

Jin Jiang Hotel Shanghai

Jin Jiang Hotel Shanghai

Okura Garden Hotel

Radisson Plaza Xingguo

Radisson Plaza Xingguo

A luxurious Radisson property set among verdant lawns in the former French Concession.

Hotels in People's Square

Langham Yangtze

Langham Yangtze

Check into old Shanghai at The Langham. Renovated from a 1930s Art Deco building right by the People’s Square, The Langham brings you back to the golden era with its antique furniture, tinted glass ceilings and classic metal stair rails at the lobby. The 96 rooms are similarly decorated, and are extremely spacious at 40m². The hotel has also imported its Chinese restaurant, T’ang Court, from Hong Kong to Shanghai. Complete your stay with a massage at Chuan Spa.

Le Royal Meridien

Le Royal Meridien hotel, Shanghai

Park Hotel

Hungarian architect László Hudec built more than 60 Art Deco buildings in Shanghai from 1918 to 1945 and most of them are still intact today. His masterpiece is the Park Hotel, built in 1934. Right across from the People’s Square, the 22-storey building was the tallest building in the city until the 1980s.

Radisson New World

Radisson New World hotel, Shanghai

Hotels in Pudong

Grand Hyatt

Grand Hyatt hotel Shanghai

Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel

Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel, Shanghai

A luxury hotel in Pudong opened by Dubai's Jumeirah group.

Kerry Hotel

Kerry Hotel, Shanghai

Park Hyatt

Park Hyatt hotel Shanghai

At least until Dubai decides otherwise, the new Park Hyatt will be in the record books as the tallest hotel in the world. Occupying floors 79 through 93 in the World Financial Center in Lujiazui, the Park Hyatt completes a trifecta for Hyatt in Shanghai, adding to their pre-existing Grand Hyatt and newly opened Hyatt on the Bund. As one would expect from both the “Park” moniker and a hotel occupying what is without a doubt the city’s most tantalizing real estate, the Hyatt is sparing no expense to impress. The 174 guest rooms, including 34 suites, have all been created by New York-based designer Tony Chi, and attempt to incorporate elements of Chinese tradition. The top three floors will be dedicated to F&B, including a restaurant with 25 meter floor-to-ceiling windows.

Pudong Shangri-La

Pudong Shangri-La hotel Shanghai

Radisson Blu

St. Regis

Hotels in Hongqiao

Hilton Hongqiao

Renaissance Yangtze

A business-oriented hotel in the Hongqiao commercial district.

Sheraton Shanghai Hongqiao

Hotels in Jing'an

Hilton Shanghai

Hilton Shanghai hotel

JC Mandarin Hotel

JIA Boutique Hotel

JIA Boutique Hotel, Shanghai

From the outside, it looks like a 1920s residential building—it’s so low key that you might even miss the entrance at first. But once you walk in, it’s a completely different world: bold colors, contemporary artworks and über-chic décor make up the boutique hotel JIA Shanghai. The hotel has just 55 rooms (with two penthouses), all with stylish designs that make you feel as if you’ve stepped into a magazine spread.

PuLi Hotel & Spa

PuLi Hotel & Spa Shanghai

Pu li” means "beautiful uncut jade." Looking at the design of the PuLi Hotel and Spa, you might be left guessing what the connection is, except for the fact that the 22 floor, 209 room, and 20 suite hotel doesn't fail to impress when it comes to luxury. All of the hotel’s rooms feature flat screen TVs, and DVD players. The 120 seat restaurant serves a Western menu for lunch and dinner, and their first floor bar is adorned with a fireplace.

URBN Hotel

URBN Hotel, Shanghai

Shanghai's first carbon neutral hotel.

Little Drom Store
Old memories come rushing back as you step into The Little Dröm Store: Tin toys, vintage fashion, retro knick knacks, old cameras, mini pots of glue from your old school bookshop and more. Prices range from $8 for its oh-so-cute knick knacks to $65 and above for books, fashion and cameras. For those with a sweet tooth, the store shares space with k-ki which offers some heavenly sweets.

Oakham Market
This is literally an underground vintage boutique, open only on Saturdays and Sundays from noon, and located just below Little Drom Store. Green and white walls, parquet floors and neatly arranged racks of apparel bathed in warm lighting greet you at the bottom of two flights of stairs. The spacious layout of the store makes for a pleasant shopping experience, where items are conveniently sorted into three categories—Thrift, Premium and Vintage. All thrift goods are priced at a pocket‑friendly $16.95 onwards.

Stevie General Store
You will find loads of arts and antiques, such as books, eyewear, lamps, tin toys, watches, silverware and every other item imaginable in this very special place founded by store owner Hwee Yee who sourced for the various collectibles from Singapore to Japan to the US. Highlights here include vintage Levi’s jackets (from $90) and quaint table lamps (from $200).
 

Balzac Brasserie
Chef Jean-Charles' three-course brunch menu ($68++) includes coffee or tea and has a second option with free flow Lenoble Champagne ($128++). Expect hot favorites such as the Oeuf cocotte with lobster emulsion, roasted Wagyu beef steak and a dessert buffet. All fathers also get a free glass of beer.

Barnacles Restaurant
If dad's a beer guzzler, check out the restaurant's Father's Day 2012 Garden Party by the Sea on June 17, 12-3pm. At $128++ per adult, this seafood buffet features Fine de Claire oysters and activities for the kids.

Buyan
Enjoy an exotic brunch (June 17, 11am-3pm; $55++ per person) featuring blinis (a thin Russian breakfast pancake) with assorted fillings such as pirozhki, pelmeni, vareniki or beef stroganoff. Dad will get to enjoy a complimentary Abrau Durso Sparkling. 

Café Brio
Specially for Father's Day 2012, the cafe has introduced a lunch slash high tea buffet (June 16-17, 12-4:30pm; $52++ per person, $92++ with free flow of sparkling wine, house wine, beer, juice or soft drinks). Highlights include turkey émincé with button mushrooms and heart-shaped raspberry passion cake for dessert.

Carousel
If the family gets hungry whilst shopping along Orchard Road this Father’s Day, drop by this buffet for some rotisserie Prime rib and seafood. Lunch ($58++, 12-2pm), dinner ($68++, 6:30-10:30pm) and high tea ($40++, 3:30-5:30pm) are available. Dad will get a complimentary Troika keyring and the chance to win a Calvin Klein watch.

Charly T's
Head down for their signature beef burger from June 11-17 and watch the old man enjoy his free Budweiser (and yours too, if you're nice).

Chinois
A family of four can opt for this Chinese restaurant, which infuse a bit of Western influence into their offerings. Their Father’s Day 2012 menu ($60-80 per person), for example, features crispy kurobuta pork and braised chicken with black truffle and lotus leaf. Available from June 1-17.

The Cliff
Enjoy some boozy bonding time with your dad at their Father’s Day 2012 Beer Pairing six-course set dinner on June 17 (6:30-12am, last order at 9:30pm) for $180++. Belgian beers with intriguing names (heard of La Trappe Double or Delirium Nocturnum anyone?) will be paired with delectables such as pan-seared foie gras and an 80% Guanaja Black Forest mud cake.

Fat Cow
Voted Best New Restaurant at our Reader’s Choice Awards 2012, Fat Cow is offering a six-course degustation menu at $180++ from June 11-16, 6 -10:30pm, specially for Father's Day 2012. The star item here is Wagyu, which features in dishes such as their ox tendon with foie gras and charcoal grilled Snake River farms ribeye. 

My Humble House
This establishment offers a fine dining Chinese experience with their Father's Day 2012 menu (available up till June 17; $288-368 per person), which includes winter melon braised with Bird’s Nest and ‘Jin Hua’ ham or claypot braised pork belly with baby potatoes.

il Lido
From June 16-17, large families of 10-24 people can enjoy an Italian luncheon in one of their private rooms. At $88++ per person for their four-course Father’s Day 2012 weekend lunch menu, start off with a complimentary glass of Italian sparkling Lambrusco before moving on to goose liver with butternut cake and marsala wine. Their mains feature a crab cappelletti with prosecco and basil foam or a Wagyu beef cheek with truffle mousseline.

Osia
A decadent Dad will be well satisfied with this award-winning restaurant's set menus (three-course for $95++, four-course for $125++, five-course for $150++) and wine pairings ($75++ per person) created just for June 17. The menu includes polenta crumbled foie gras, grainge black angus beef tenderloin and Valrhona hot chocolate soup.

Palio
Palio does a mean 1.2kg flame-grilled Tomahawk steak for their Father’s Day 2012 a la carte menu (as well as other items ranging from $16-180++). Some Birra Moretti Italian beer would go nicely with that, plus a side of deep fried potato risotto dumplings.

Pantry at The Stables
If dad's a nature lover, a Father's Day lunch amidst lush greenery may be a good idea. Try their three-course dinner set menu from June 12-17 ($49++, 6-10:30pm), which includes items like linguine Aglio Olio with crispy pork belly.

Princess Terrace Café
Their Penang buffet rarely disappoints, with delights such as double-boiled whole duck with Ten Treasures herbal soup and duck thigh mee sua. Available on June 9, 10, 16 and 27 for both lunch and dinner at up to $58++ per adult and $38++ per child.

Spices Café
Available June 16-17 are their weekend afternoon tea buffet (12-4:30pm; $48++ per adult, $24++ per child) and international seafood buffet dinner (6:30-10:00pm, $60++ per adult, $30++ per child). If you like what you see (or have), make sure to participate in their Father's Day 2012 lucky draw, where you can win buffet vouchers worth up to $96++. 

Sque Rotisserie & Alehouse
Fans of the rotisserie should definitely reserve a spot at their weekend Father's Day 2012 buffet (12-3pm, $38++ per adult, $18++ per child). Sque also offers happy hour prices on all draught beers from 11:30am-7pm and 9-11pm—get on that.