The Park Hyatt Shanghai occupies the upper floors of the Shanghai World Financial Center, the tower with the trapezoid opening at the top that locals nickname the bottle opener. The hotel's guest rooms and public spaces begin high above the city, and the lobby is reached by a fast lift to a level far above the street, which gives the stay a sense of arrival that few hotels can match. The rooms look out across the river to the Bund on one side and over the glass towers of Lujiazui on the other, and the views at night, with the city lit below, are the reason many guests book. The design is calm and modern, with a restrained palette that lets the view do the talking. Pudong is the modern financial district, so the setting is very different from the historic Bund. The Oriental Pearl Tower, the Shanghai Tower and the Jin Mao Tower are all within walking distance, the riverside promenade is a short stroll away, and the metro station at Lujiazui is close. The hotel offers several restaurants and a bar at height, a spa and fitness centre and an indoor pool set high in the tower, which gives swimming a skyline backdrop. It is a very high-end stay, priced accordingly, and suits those who want the modern city rather than the colonial one.
Location and getting around
The tower stands in the heart of Lujiazui, so the main Pudong sights are on foot, including the observation decks, the riverside walk and the shopping malls around the metro station. The Bund is across the river and is easily reached by taxi, by metro or by a short ferry or tunnel ride, and the airport train and the Maglev line make arrival from Pudong airport relatively simple. Because the area is business-oriented, it is quieter in the evenings than Puxi, though the riverside restaurants and rooftop bars keep things lively.
The rooms
They are among the largest in the city, with deep bathtubs set beside the windows, a soft contemporary design and floor-to-ceiling glass. Choose a room with a Bund-facing view if you want the old waterfront lit up at night, or a Pudong-facing one if you prefer the towers. Suites add separate living areas and extra space, and the service is polished and attentive. Guests often comment on the quiet at this height, which is a welcome contrast to the bustle of the streets far below.
Who it suits and what to know: it is best for couples, honeymooners, business travellers and anyone who wants a high-altitude retreat with a view. It is not the best choice for travellers who want to step out into an old neighbourhood, since the surrounding area is modern and business-focused.
Guests who dislike heights may find the setting uncomfortable, so say so when booking. Breakfast is often paid separately unless it is included in your rate, and tables at the restaurants and bar are worth reserving in advance, especially for sunset. Check rates for your dates, since they vary by season and demand.
Why stay here
- ✓Sky-high lobby and rooms
- ✓Skyline and Bund views
- ✓Indoor pool high in the tower
- ✓Spa and fitness centre
- ✓Restaurants and a bar at height
- ✓Large rooms with deep bathtubs
- ✓Concierge service
- ✓Walk to Pudong towers and riverside
Good questions
Where is the Park Hyatt Shanghai?+
It occupies the upper floors of the Shanghai World Financial Center in Lujiazui, Pudong. The Shanghai Tower and the Oriental Pearl Tower are within walking distance.
Do the rooms have views of the Bund?+
Rooms on the river side look across to the Bund and the Huangpu, while others face the Pudong towers. Request your preferred view when booking.
Is Pudong a good base for sightseeing?+
It suits modern-city sights and business travel, and the Bund is a short ride across the river. If you want historic streets on your doorstep, Puxi is a better choice.
