The Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund is built around one of the most historic buildings on the waterfront. The 1910 clubhouse that fronts the river was once the exclusive Shanghai Club, home of a bar said to be the longest in the Far East, and the hotel has restored the building and brought the bar back as a centrepiece. Behind it stands a newer tower, so guests can choose between rooms in the heritage building, with high ceilings and period detail, and rooms in the tower, which are more contemporary and often have wide views across the Huangpu River to the Pudong skyline. The two parts are linked, and the whole property has the confident, slightly theatrical grandeur that suits the Bund. The hotel sits at the southern end of the Bund, which is a practical location for sightseeing. The waterfront promenade is at the door, the old city and Yu Garden are a short taxi ride or a longer walk inland, and the Nanjing Road pedestrian street and the central Bund buildings are within a pleasant stroll to the north. Several restaurants and bars, a spa and fitness facilities and an afternoon tea tradition round out the offer. It is a splurge, with rates well above those of most hotels in the city, but the combination of location, history and service is hard to match.
Location and getting around
The hotel's position near the southern end of the Bund puts you between the main waterfront sights and the old city. East Nanjing Road metro station and Yuyuan Garden station are both within a reasonable distance, and taxis and ride-hailing are easy to find at the door. A Huangpu River cruise leaves from nearby piers, and the Pudong towers are visible from the riverside. In the evening the promenade is lively, so the area suits travellers who like to walk out of the hotel and into the atmosphere.
The rooms
Those in the heritage building are the more characterful, with tall windows, classic furnishings and a feeling of staying inside a piece of Shanghai history, while the tower rooms are larger and more modern, with the better river views on the higher floors. If the skyline is the point of your trip, ask for a river-facing room on a high floor when you book.
Suites offer separate living areas, and club-level access, where available, adds a lounge with breakfast and evening drinks. The staff are used to guiding first-time visitors in China with transport, reservations and translation.
Who it suits and what to know: it is best for couples, honeymooners, special occasions and travellers who want history and views together. Families are welcome, though the focus is on elegance rather than children's activities. Breakfast is often paid separately unless it is included in your rate, so check at booking, and a table at the long bar or one of the restaurants is worth reserving in advance. Rates vary widely by season and around holidays, so compare dates before you commit.
Why stay here
- ✓Restored 1910 clubhouse building
- ✓Famous long bar
- ✓River and skyline views
- ✓Spa and fitness facilities
- ✓Afternoon tea tradition
- ✓Multiple restaurants and bars
- ✓Concierge and car service
- ✓Walk to the Bund promenade
Good questions
Where is the Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund?+
It is near the southern end of the Bund, with the riverside promenade at the door. The old city and Yu Garden are a short ride inland, and Nanjing Road is a walk to the north.
What is the difference between the heritage and tower rooms?+
Heritage rooms have period character and high ceilings, while tower rooms are more modern and often have wider river views. Request your preference when booking.
Is it a good choice for a first visit to Shanghai?+
Yes, if the budget allows. The location, the history and the concierge support make a first trip easy, though it is a splurge compared with most hotels.
