The newly constructed 24-story hotel, featuring 307 spacious guest rooms, will be located in Xintiandi, a landmark entertainment area in the heart of downtown Shanghai and is scheduled to open in the summer of 2011.

The hotel is being developed by Metro Land Corp., Ltd, (Shanghai Stock Exchange: 600683.SS) whose major business interests include real estate development.

"Shanghai has become increasingly influential as a financial and commercial center and is a critically important city for international and in-country travelers and we are excited to introduce the Andaz brand there," said Steve Haggerty, Global Head of Real Estate and Development for Hyatt Hotels Corporation. "The addition of the Andaz brand in Shanghai, which has three Hyatt hotels today, marks an important milestone for Andaz and we expect Andaz Shanghai to become the brand's flagship in the region. Andaz Shanghai will be a spectacular addition to the Andaz family, which has six additional properties under development in key gateway cities and resort destinations around the world."

Andaz Shanghai will feature 262 standard rooms measuring 40 square meters, as well as 45 suites, ranging in size from 82 – 193 square meters, a restaurant, brasserie, bar, lounge, a spa and pool and 1,300 square meters of function space.

Located in Xintiandi, the internationally acclaimed restoration development featuring stylish restaurants, bars, and boutiques, Andaz Shanghai will be a short walk to the Metro and the prestigious Huai Hai Zhong Road, one of Shanghai's main shopping areas. As demonstrated by the 73 million visitors to the World Expo in 2010, Shanghai will continue to be a popular destination for the world's travelers.

Five Andaz hotels are currently open: Andaz 5th Avenue and Andaz Wall Street in New York City, Andaz Liverpool Street in London, Andaz San Diego, and Andaz West Hollywood. Andaz hotels are under development around the world in the following locations: Amsterdam, Netherlands; Delhi, India; Papagayo, Costa Rica; Sanya, China; Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands; and Wailea-Makena, Hawaii.

Global in scale while local in perspective, Andaz delivers an innovative hospitality experience and attentive, uncomplicated service designed to accommodate guests' personal preferences. Hotels in this unique collection reflect the spirit of their locale, and are dedicated to creating natural and vibrant living spaces where travelers can indulge in their own personal sense of comfort and style.