Mood Indigo: reflections of old Shanghai colour your stay

The Indigo chain of hotels prides itself on making its designs reflect local neighbourhoods, and its first Asian branch is no exception. As soon as you enter the Hotel Indigo Shanghai, everywhere you turn, you see subtle - and not so subtle - reminders of the colourful old Bund.

'There are a lot of stories here, and we wanted to create a little experience of what the neighbourhood is all about,' says general manager Bruce Ryde.

Ryde led the entire staff, from top management to front desk, on a two day foraging trip to Jingdezhen, China's ceramics capital, to search for tea sets, local furniture and decorations. In the lobby is a bicycle that has been dunked in bright yellow paint. Behind it stands a painting of a traditional Shanghai street scene.

As you check in, your attention is drawn to the wavy wooden wall and front desk, which have an undulating effect similar to the Huangpu River outside the door of the hotel. Old Shanghai street lamps, which originally stood on the docks before they were refurbished, give the lobby an old-time feel.

By now, your eyes are darting around, looking for other design features linked to the neighbourhood. The motif on the hallway rugs, for example, turns out to be an abstract reproduction of streets on an old Shanghai map.

The rooms are impressive - a nice mix of modern features and old Shanghai made to look new. Each one is individually designed and has local furniture and hardwood floors.