
Bitvoya Edit
Curating the next chapter
Layering imagery, place, and detail before the page opens.
Bitvoya Edit
Layering imagery, place, and detail before the page opens.
Shanghai is a city of dualities, where the colonial elegance of the past gazes across the Huangpu River at the futuristic ambition of the present. To truly understand this metropolis, one must stay where the view tells the story. Our curated collection focuses on the 'Golden Mile' of The Bund in the historic Huangpu district, and the towering skyscrapers of Lujiazui in Pudong. Whether you prefer the Art Deco heritage of the Fairmont Peace Hotel on the Puxi side or the glittering modern luxury of the Regent Shanghai across the water, these properties offer more than just a room—they offer front-row seats to one of the world's most spectacular skylines.

Choosing a hotel on the Bund or in Lujiazui is not merely about logistics; it is an immersion into the narrative of modern China. The properties listed, such as The Peninsula Shanghai and the Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund, are architectural marvels that define the city's silhouette. Staying here grants you exclusive access to the visual dialogue between the historic Western-style buildings of Puxi and the sci-fi towers of Pudong. Whether you are sipping cocktails at a rooftop bar at the W Shanghai - The Bund or enjoying a river cruise from the private dock of a luxury hotel, the experience is unmatched globally.
When selecting your view, you have two primary choices. Puxi (The Bund side) offers the charm of 'Old Shanghai.' Staying at the Fairmont Peace Hotel or The Peninsula puts you in the heart of history, walking distance to Nanjing Road, with views looking out toward the Oriental Pearl Tower. Conversely, Pudong (Lujiazui side) offers a perspective looking back at history. Hotels like the Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Pudong Shangri-La, and the Regent Shanghai on the Bund allow you to sleep amongst the clouds, often with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the historic Bund architecture across the river as a glowing panorama.
While all listed properties offer exceptional views, W Shanghai - The Bund and Regent Shanghai on the Bund provide some of the most panoramic angles of the Lujiazui skyline across the river.
Stay in Puxi (The Bund) for historic architecture, walkability to Nanjing Road, and river views looking at the skyscrapers. Stay in Pudong for modern luxury, height, and views looking back at the historic Bund.
The Fairmont Peace Hotel and Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund are the top choices for history lovers, housed in legendary heritage buildings with Art Deco design.
Explore our complete curated list of luxury accommodations, from boutique hideaways to grand dames.
Explore All Shanghai HotelsIt is a rare feat to build a new structure on the historic Bund and have it feel like it has been there for a century. The Peninsula Shanghai, the only new building sanctioned on this protected stretch in 60 years, pulls it off with aplomb. Clad in granite and dressed in 1920s Art Deco finery—think black noir lacquer, polished chrome, and intricate torchère lighting—it channels the 'Paris of the East' era without slipping into pastiche. Check-in feels less like a transaction and more like a coronation, flanked by the hotel’s signature fleet of Brewster Green Rolls-Royce Phantoms. Upstairs, the standard rooms are among the city’s largest, but the real flex is the layout. The dedicated dressing rooms (a brand signature) feature vanity mirrors that don’t fog and built-in nail dryers—a minute detail that loyalists obsess over. In the bathroom, a 'Spa' button dims the lights and engages DND with a single press. Dining is equally theatrical. While Sir Elly’s serves excellent Wagyu beef tenderloin, the real draw is its terrace, offering a 270-degree sweep of the Pudong skyline that makes the Oriental Pearl Tower feel within grasping distance. For something more grounded, Yi Long Court retains its Michelin star (and recently earned Two Michelin Keys for the hotel) with Cantonese classics like spotted grouper in fish broth. It’s expensive, undeniably, but for this level of polish on the Bund, you pay the premium.
“Skip the crowded promenade. The best photo of the skyline is actually from the hotel’s indoor pool terrace, which often remains empty.”
Insider TipAvg. Nightly Rate
445USD

While the historic Bund honors the past, W Shanghai - The Bund fiercely embraces the future. Perched on the North Bund, this property offers a geometric advantage its rivals cannot: a curved panoramic angle that captures the Puxi heritage facades and the Lujiazui sci-fi skyline in a single, uncropped frame. It is arguably the city’s most photogenic vantage point. The interiors are a high-voltage tribute to ‘Hai Pai’ (East-meets-West) culture. You aren’t greeted by hushed tones but by a ‘Neon Laundry’ installation and an electro-beat pulse. Rooms are provocative—think open-concept bathrooms with oversized jacuzzis that leave little to the imagination, stocked with Comfort Zone and Darphin amenities. The bed is the signature W cloud, but the sleep is secondary to the scene. Dining here requires an appetite for theatrics. At YEN, the signature Golden Duck with Caviar is a mandatory order, fusing Cantonese tradition with decadent texture. Afterward, the crowd migrates to the WET Deck—an alfresco playground where the pool seems to spill into the Oriental Pearl Tower. Service is less 'white glove' and more 'whatever/whenever'—brisk, informal, and efficient. This isn't a retreat for silence; it's a front-row seat to Shanghai’s electric ambition.
“Skip the main lobby clamor for sunset drinks. Head to 'Liquid at YEN', the speakeasy tucked away behind a hidden door, and order the 'Golden Years' cocktail for a quieter, moodier skyline view.”
Insider TipAvg. Nightly Rate
291USD

While the historic Bund claims the postcard fame, the smartest vantage point is often looking *back* at it. Anchored on the quieter banks of the Huangpu, the Mandarin Oriental Pudong trades the frenetic energy of Puxi for the hushed privilege of the financial district. The arrival sets the tone immediately: not a lobby, but a gallery, dominated by Miao Tong’s shimmering 'Sound of Heaven' mosaic—a staggering 70,000 tiles that feel less like hotel decor and more like a private commission. Upstairs, the Riverview rooms are exercises in contemporary restraint, but the real power move is securing a suite where the freestanding circular bathtub offers a voyeuristic, cinematic sightline of the Oriental Pearl Tower. It’s dramatic, architectural, and best enjoyed with a glass of champagne. Dining here is equally serious. At Yong Yi Ting, the cuisine descends from Jiang Nan traditions; the soy-braised pork with abalone is rich enough to silence a boardroom table, while the Hangzhou-style minced fish balls offer a delicate counterpoint. For a shift in tempo, Fifty 8° Grill serves a chocolate soufflé that defies physics. While the twenty-minute walk to the metro might deter the casual tourist, the isolation is the point. This is an urban resort where the 2,415-square-meter butterfly-themed spa matters more than subway access, and where staff like Luigi (a guest favorite) turn service into an art form.
“Book a 'Pearl Tower View' specifically—standard river views might miss the tower's full height. Also, the 25m indoor pool is emptiest during the 1 PM lunch lull.”
Insider TipAvg. Nightly Rate
215USD

Forget the cookie-cutter glass boxes; No. 2 on the Bund is where Shanghai’s soul resides. Housed in the 1911 Shanghai Club, the Waldorf Astoria isn't just a hotel—it’s a time capsule with high-speed Wi-Fi. You’re checking in for the drama: the legendary **34-meter mahogany counter** at **The Long Bar**—once the longest in the Far East—where the signature **Shanghai Buck** still packs a Prohibition-era punch against a backdrop of dark wood and oyster shells. The accommodations offer a tale of two cities. Purists should demand the Heritage Building for its creaky, colonial grandeur and high ceilings, while the modern Tower offers floor-to-ceiling views of the Lujiazui skyline that look like a CGI render. Inside, the bathrooms are palatial, clad in white marble with double vanities and clawfoot tubs that practically demand a bottle of champagne. Dining is equally theatrical; the Michelin-starred **Ling Long** serves a 'Re-fine' Dining concept where the **Beef with oyster sauce** is less a dish and more a culinary event. Service is exacting—concierges like Jude and Coco don’t just give directions; they curate itineraries. While the strict policy against *waimai* (food delivery) feels dated, the sheer decadence of the **Grand Brasserie's Sunday Champagne Brunch** makes up for the inconvenience. It is, quite simply, the most sophisticated front-row seat in Shanghai.
“Skip the main lobby queues for high tea. Reserve a window table at 'Salon de Ville' specifically for the Red Velvet Afternoon Tea at 2 PM—the natural light hits the heritage architecture perfectly for photos.”
Insider TipAvg. Nightly Rate
305USD

If the Bund is Shanghai’s theater, the newly minted St. Regis is its Royal Box. Taking over the commanding Norman Foster-designed structure formerly occupied by the Wanda Reign, this property softens the previous owner's 'gilded age' excess with the sophisticated polish of the Astor family legacy. The lobby is a cathedral of crystal and Art Deco geometry, soaring 10 meters high, but the real drama lies in the rooms. Here, the floor-to-ceiling vistas of Lujiazui aren't just views; they are high-definition murals of the future. Service friction typical of a rebrand is smoothed over by the signature Butler Service—expect coffee delivered with military precision and suits pressed before you’ve unpacked your rimowa. Dining is a power play: ‘Celestial Court’ delivers a Jianghuai-style Chicken Casserole that rivals any local grandmother’s, while the adjacent ‘Spago’ (a holdover favorite) continues to draw the city’s creative class for smoked salmon pizza. It’s opulent, yes, perhaps bordering on heavy for the minimalist, but for a front-row seat to the nightly light show, it is unrivaled.
“Skip the standard Bloody Mary for 'The Bund Snapper' at the bar—it swaps vodka for a local spirit and uses ‘Zaolu’ (rice wine vinegar) and osmanthus for a distinct Shanghai kick.”
Insider TipAvg. Nightly Rate
283USD

Most Bund hotels force you to choose between a river view or a quiet night. The Regent, anchoring the confluence where Suzhou Creek cuts into the Huangpu, delivers both. Occupying the footprint of the former Seagull Hotel, this property trades the dusty velvet of its colonial neighbors for the razor-sharp Art Deco interpretation of Cheng Chung Design (CCD). The lobby’s preserved white stone spiral staircase is a sculptural showstopper, but the real theater happens upstairs. Base rooms are compact, yet the 'Oasis Bath' configuration creates an illusion of infinite space, placing the soaking tub against floor-to-ceiling glass for a vertiginous stare-down with the Oriental Pearl Tower. It is a visual narrative few other properties can match, capturing the steel curve of the Garden Bridge (Waibaidu) below. The 'With Compliments' service standard is a traveler’s dream, effectively erasing nickel-and-dime annoyances by including three pieces of laundry per day and a gratis minibar. Dining is equally curated. While 'Harmonia' handles the western staples, the move here is a table at 'Jin Lin' for the signature crispy pork belly topped with caviar—a dish that mirrors the hotel’s ethos of rich, layered luxury. Even the ground-floor pool, often a design afterthought, uses natural light and fountain features to distract from its lack of elevation. This is the Bund for the insider: sharper, quieter, and infinitely more photogenic.
“Request a 'Bund View' room with the 'Oasis Bath' layout—the tub is positioned flush against the glass for the ultimate skyline soak.”
Insider TipAvg. Nightly Rate
299USD

While newer skyscrapers in Lujiazui compete for altitude, the Pudong Shangri-La plays a different game: proximity. Anchored directly on the Huangpu riverbank, this dual-towered titan offers the kind of eye-level, cinematic views of the Bund’s heritage architecture that vertiginous neighbours simply cannot replicate. It is a tale of two eras: the River Wing exudes a classic, chandelier-heavy opulence reminiscent of old-world diplomacy, while the Grand Tower delivers a sleeker, contemporary Asian aesthetic with floor-to-ceiling glass. It is a massive operation—nearly 1,000 rooms mean the lobby often buzzes with the frantic energy of a high-end railway station. Yet, the chaos dissipates inside the Horizon Club, where the service regains its composure. Dining is the hotel’s ace; ‘Jade on 36’ remains a culinary stronghold, serving Blue Lobster against a backdrop of the Oriental Pearl Tower that feels close enough to touch. For purists, ‘Gui Hua Lou’ executes a flawless Eight Treasure Duck. While the River Wing’s hardware shows subtle signs of age, the sheer gravitational pull of that waterfront position makes this the definitive choice for travelers who want Shanghai’s history staring right back at them.
“Skip the standard rooms in the River Wing. Book a 'Grand Tower Horizon Club Bund View' room for the modern hardware, L'Occitane amenities, and exclusive lounge access that bypasses the lobby crowds.”
Insider TipAvg. Nightly Rate
152USD

If the walls of the Sassoon House could talk, they’d hum a jazz tune from the 1930s. Walking into the Fairmont Peace Hotel isn't just checking in; it is stepping onto a cinematic set where the script was written in Shanghai's 'Golden Age'. The lobby alone—a dimly lit, amber-hued cavern of Lalique glass and grey marble—makes the modern skyscrapers of Lujiazui across the river look like flashy upstarts. Upstairs, the Art Deco commitment is absolute. While some critics whisper that the interiors feel 'dated' compared to the polished Peninsula nearby, I argue it’s a necessary patina. The rooms feature heavy velvet drapes, period-appropriate geometric fixtures, and the brand’s signature Le Labo Rose 31 amenities that cut through the vintage air. However, be warned: the air-conditioning can be as temperamental as a diva from the silent film era—pack layers. Dining is the real anchor here. Skip the generic western fare and book a table at Dragon Phoenix (Michelin Recommended 2025) for the Peking Duck, served in a room so ornate it feels like dining in an emperor’s jewelry box. Cap the night at The Jazz Bar. Yes, it’s a tourist trap, but watching the Old Jazz Band—veterans in their 80s and 90s—play 'As Time Goes By' is a non-negotiable Shanghai rite of passage. **Verdict**: It lacks the razor-sharp tech of its neighbors, but for sheer atmospheric romance, the Peace Hotel has no equal.
“Request a room ending in '02' or '03' on a high floor for the best direct views of the Pearl Tower without the suite price tag.”
Insider TipAvg. Nightly Rate
255USD

Stop craning your neck at the Bund’s limestone facades; the real theatre requires a vertical leap. Perched atop the Shanghai IFC, The Ritz-Carlton Pudong doesn’t just face history—it towers over it. The 52nd-floor lobby arrival is a sensory jolt of 1930s Art Deco glamor re-engineered for the jet age, where geometric chandeliers and crushed velvet textures clash brilliantly with the steel-and-glass sterility of the surrounding Lujiazui financial district. In the guest quarters, the design dares to compete with the window pane. It mostly succeeds, until you spot the sci-fi sphere of the Oriental Pearl Tower looking close enough to tap against the glass from your freestanding soaking tub. Amenities are heavy hitters: Valmont products in the spa and Technogym gear keep the corporeal form in check. Dinner at Jin Xuan is non-negotiable—the crispy roasted suckling pig explains why they’ve retained their Michelin Star for 2025. Finish the night at Flair, the highest outdoor terrace in China, for a wind-swept, gin-soaked stare-down with the city lights. This isn't just a hotel; it’s the director’s chair for the show that is Shanghai.
“Book a 'Pearl Tower View' room specifically to guarantee the bathtub vista. Also, bypass the lobby crowds by reserving a sunset table at Flair (5:30 PM) to watch the Bund lights ignite.”
Insider TipAvg. Nightly Rate
308USD

If the Bund is Shanghai’s roaring front stage, the Bulgari Hotel is its brooding, impossibly chic VIP section. Perched within the riverside Suhe Creek revitalisation, this property feels less like a hotel and more like a Sovereign State of Taste. The juxtaposition is striking: you enter through the restored 1916 Shanghai Chamber of Commerce—a neoclassical masterpiece—before ascending into a 48-story tower of black granite and bronze. Inside, Antonio Citterio’s design is a moody, seductive masterclass. It is dark, confident, and unapologetically expensive. The guest rooms are sanctuaries of Italian craftsmanship featuring custom Maxalto and Flexform furnishings, though the lighting can be so atmospherically dim that you might need your phone’s torch to distinguish your navy blazer from your black one in the closet. Culinary bragging rights are mandatory here. The property clutches a galaxy of Michelin stars: two for Bao Li Xuan’s haute Cantonese (the Rose Soy Sauce Chicken is non-negotiable) and one for Il Ristorante - Niko Romito, where the Spaghetti with Lobster redefines simplicity. The spa, a subterranean temple of jade-green mosaic and Vicenza stone, offers a silencing contrast to the city’s frenetic energy. **Verdict**: For the traveler who finds the Peninsula too traditional and the W too loud, this is the ultimate urban stronghold.
“Skip the main lobby bar for sunset; head straight to La Terrazza on the 48th floor. Order the signature 'Bulgaria' cocktail and watch the lights turn on across the Pudong skyline from the city's most vertiginous vantage point.”
Insider TipAvg. Nightly Rate
716USD