Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund

Character and identity

Two buildings tell the story here: a lovingly restored 1911 Heritage Building right on the Bund, with crown moldings, wainscoting and just 20 suites that have housed visiting royalty, and a modern tower behind it. The Huangpu River and Shanghai's densest stretch of neoclassical, colonial and art deco architecture sit at the door. Inside, expect marble floors, oversized floral arrangements, and rooms wired with digital controls for drapes, lighting and temperature, plus mirror-embedded televisions and electronic Toto toilets. Pelham's handles nouveau American, Wei Jing Ge covers Cantonese, Shanghainese and Huai Yang, and Peacock Alley anchors a classical-music afternoon tea.

Who's it for

Bottom line

What sets this hotel apart is the Heritage Building itself: staying inside a restored 1911 landmark on the Bund is an experience few Shanghai properties can match, and the in-house restaurants mean you can eat well without a taxi. Book a Heritage Building suite if the budget allows; otherwise the tower rooms still deliver the address, the tea service and the river at your feet.