Marriott International has signed an agreement with Shanghai SIIC North Bund New Landmark Construction and Development Co., Ltd. to introduce the first urban Ritz-Carlton Reserve to Shanghai. The opening is scheduled for 2030, as part of a 103-storey mixed-use development on the North Bund, one of the city’s strategic riverside districts.
A Reserve concept designed for major cities
Previously reserved for rare, secluded estates, the Ritz-Carlton Reserve brand is taking on an urban format for the first time. This selective concept targets a limited number of global gateway cities, with a stated ambition to preserve the rarity that defines the brand rather than replicate the conventions of classic urban luxury hospitality.
“Ritz-Carlton Reserve has always stood for rare, deeply personal experiences that could only exist in their destination,” said Tina Edmundson, President of Luxury at Marriott International. She spoke of an “extraordinary level of personalisation” and a “deep connection to local culture”, which the group intends to bring to Shanghai, a city she described as combining “exceptional heritage” with “global creative energy”.
North Bund: anchored in the waterfront’s renewal
The hotel will form part of a mixed-use development combining offices, retail, residences and an observation deck, rising to approximately 480 metres. Backed by several entities from the SIIC group and Shanghai Chengtou, the project is intended to strengthen the North Bund’s position as a major cultural, commercial and tourism hub for the city.
“Our vision is to create a landmark destination that helps establish Shanghai as a global centre for culture, commerce and tourism”, said Huang Haiping, Vice President of SIIC Group and Chairman of Shanghai SIIC North Bund Landmark Construction and Development Co., Ltd.
A tightly curated offering of 110 rooms and suites
In keeping with Reserve’s rarity-driven positioning, the property will feature just 110 rooms and suites, many overlooking the Bund and the Huangpu River, including a suite collection and a Presidential Suite. The dining offering will include a signature restaurant, Chinese culinary spaces, a lobby lounge and a bar, complemented by an indoor pool, a fitness centre and a wellness space.
This approach reflects a broader industry trend, already seen in the group’s recent development activity in China, such as the forthcoming Ritz-Carlton Ningbo, currently in its pre-opening phase within the Central Plaza tower.
Shanghai, a full showcase of Marriott’s luxury portfolio
Upon opening, the property will make Shanghai the only city in the world to bring together all eight of Marriott International’s luxury brands. This positioning fits within a broader momentum: in the first quarter of 2026, the group already reported RevPAR growth of close to 6% in Greater China, driven in particular by leisure destinations.
The signing also confirms the group’s selective development strategy around its most exclusive brands, following the recent launch of Siari, Mexico’s first Ritz-Carlton Reserve, as part of a sustained global development push across several continents.
A signal for Greater China
For Marriott International, this signing confirms the group’s confidence in the long-term development of the Chinese market. As traveller preferences shift towards wellness, personalisation and cultural immersion, the arrival of the first urban Reserve reflects a focus on differentiated, experiential offerings rather than simple volume growth.
At a glance by The Hospitality Tribune
Deal: Marriott International signs with Shanghai SIIC North Bund New Landmark Construction and Development Co., Ltd. for the first urban Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Location: North Bund waterfront district, Shanghai, within a mixed-use tower rising approximately 480 meters across 103 floors
Scale: 110 guest rooms and suites, including a Presidential Suite, many overlooking the Bund and Huangpu River
Timeline: Opening scheduled for 2030
Significance: First urban concept for Ritz-Carlton Reserve; upon opening, Shanghai becomes the only city with all eight Marriott luxury brands present
