XACTLY 110 years after the storied St Regis New York threw open its doors to discerning suits, this luxury stable has set up shop in a city best known for its cuddly, if endangered, pandas, with the St Regis Chengdu, at a prized downtown location. This is a hotel to experience for its lavish yet thoughtful design and textures, from the marble to the fabric to the soaring spaces. The hotel’s reception is intimate with sit-down service, a grand staircase and signature chandeliers.

One of the best Chengdu business hotels by far, this address offers 279 rooms at a spacious 65sq m and up – enough to swing a stuffed conference briefcase with ease. A Grand Deluxe serves up the signature plump and hugely inviting Simmons bed set against a textured charcoal-grey headboard for nights and a large work desk for the day. This is a space for corporates and leisure trippers. A home away from home for him and her, where female touches - like Remede toiletries - are woven into the corporate fabric.

Another surprise. Heated floors – a useful vanity for those with tender soles. Also expect extra high ceilings creating open visual space, walk-in closets, and a pillow menu. Hi-tech is on hand to do your bidding with room controls on an iPad, which also summons room service and more. WiFi is complimentary.

Trained butlers are on hand to help sort your impedimenta and deal with the tedium of shoe-shining and trouser creases. On the 29th floor the contemporary chic Presidential Suite takes up the entire floor with its own outdoor terrace and 12m lap pool.

The Iridium Spa dominates an entire level. Pick from nine treatment rooms including three ‘loft’ style split-level escapes. Also sample facial care and ‘cocooning’ with specialised machines. It's a worthwhile investment. Apres work there is a 26m indoor lap pool with a freeform outdoor section too, and six restaurants and bars including personalised chef tables for those with off-the-menu.