Unlike the Pudong District across the Huangpu River in central Shanghai, buildings along the Bund have strict limits on height. More importantly the historic embankment, home once to numerous consulates and trading houses of major global corporations until World War 2, also hosts some of Shanghai’s best hotels.
Because most of the buildings on or near the Bund in Shanghai are historic, hotels here sway toward the more munificent end of the comfort, luxury and price scales. Nevertheless excellent value can still be found in these following hotels, which have been carefully selected by our team based on considerations such as amenities, location and value for money.
THE WESTIN BUND CENTER
Privates from $150/ night
Set back a little from the Bund, but still only five minutes away on foot, the Westin Bund Center provides great respite from the clamour outside in luxurious settings. Rooms are all air conditioned and have ensuite bathrooms with a bathtub, separate shower and bathrobes. The hotel has its very own indoor pool, fitness centre and, for an additional fee, a spa. There is also an a la carte restaurant and bar, or a minibar in the room.
METROPOLO CLASSIQ
Privates from $121/ night
Metropolo’s Classiq vibe can be felt at first glance. The concave Baroque exterior architecture makes the 1930s hotel one of the most impressive buildings around the Bund. Head inside and the experience is no less impressive: Rooms are fresh and comfortable with plenty of mod-cons like an iPod dock, coffee machine and flat-screen TV. Rooms are also soundproofed. The restaurant has its own bar and restaurant and there is even a public parking space reserved for guests nearby.
WALDORF ASTORIA
Privates from $245/ night
With a name like Waldorf Astoria, the brand already sells itself. Their Shanghai on the Bund property not only offers some of the finest furnishings of any hotel along the Bund, but it excels at service too, as seen through numerous positive customer reviews. Marble bathrooms with Ferragamo toiletries, heated flooring, plush king-sized beds and a walk-in wardrobe are all touches of class setting the Waldorf apart. A heated indoor pool, sauna and fitness centre are just a few of the many on-site facilities available to guests.
FAIRMONT PEACE HOTEL ON THE BUND
Privates from $273/ night
Perhaps the Waldorf’s biggest competitor for coolest hotel in Shanghai is the Fairmont Peace Hotel. They have their own jazz band, eight decades-plus of history here and it’s right on the Bund, which potentially means great views and ideal accessibility. En-suite rooms are very much upscale; soak in the bath, stand under the rain shower, lounge on the sofa watching TV or make good use of the espresso machine. Or head down to check out the Jacuzzi and indoor pool. A spa and wellness centre is also available. There is a library on site too and a good range of languages are spoken by staff.
LES SUITES ORIENT
Privates from $167/ night
Les Suites Orient offer a great range of rooms, from studios to river-view suites at some of the best value for your hard-earned renminbi. Breakfast is included at this site and there are snacks and fruit available to guests throughout the day. There are two restaurants and a 24 hour gym on the property, while even the most basic rooms offer iPod docks, kettles, refrigerators, flat-screen TVs and free toiletries in the en-suite bathrooms.