Hotels in Shanghai
Like Hong Kong – see my February blog – Shanghai’s hotel industry has a high standard and the numerous luxury hotels, such as the Grand Kempinski Hotel, the Ritz-Carlton or the Grand Hyatt, which I will briefly introduce to you, pamper every single guest.
However, for me, there is only one true luxury hotel in Shanghai: The Peninsula Shanghai on the historic Bund, Shanghai’s famous waterfront.
The Peninsula Shanghai
The Grand Kempinski
The Grand Hyatt
The Ritz-Carlton
The Peninsula Shanghai
The glamorous 5-star Peninsula Shanghai is for me THE ONE AND ONLY IN SHANGHAI. You can´t beat the position of this hotel on the historic riverfront Bund. Since opening in 2010, my husband and me are regular guests. Despite the modern and elegant design, the Peninsula Shanghai exudes a heart-felt welcome and the famous Peninsula hospitality creates a warm luxury environment for guests, ensuring that my husband and I felt at home from the very outset. You too must pay a visit to the fantastic Peninsula Shanghai once in your lifetime.
As for the rooms and suites, I recommend the Grand Deluxe River View Room or the Grand Deluxe River View Suite 1010 with stunning unobstructed views from the spacious living room of the busy Huangpu River, the breathtaking Oriental Pearl Tower and the different skyscrapers of Pudong. The bedroom overlooks the former British Consulate gardens, where we could watch two weddings from the floor-to-ceiling windows on the 10th floor. Enjoy the one-million-dollar view from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm of the colorful and architecturally distinguished skyline with vibrantly brightly colored neon lights and brand signs. Don´t miss this special experience! Of course, the rooms and suites offer everything the heart of a stylish luxury traveler and high-tech lover desires. A picture is worth a thousand words. This saying comes true while looking at the following pictures. (And remember the Peninsula Time allows guests to check-in from 6:00 am and to check-out until 10:00 pm at no extra charges! Of course, you had to book the famous Peninsula Time in advance.)
For relaxation, I recommend a swim in the great indoor heated pool, relax in the whirlpool, lie down on a lounger at the outdoor terrace or book a treatment in the fantastic luxurious Spa. Of course, you will also find a well-equipped fitness center. And ultimately live to see the truly relax shopping experience in the Peninsula Arcade, where the best luxury brands converge under one roof, including a hairdresser and the Peninsula Boutique.
As for the restaurants, you can choice between Yi Loung Court with Michelin-starred exquisite Cantonese cuisine and classic Chinese dishes in the main dining area as well as in different private dining rooms and Sir Elly´s Restaurant, Shanghai´s premier Michelin-starred dining destination offers modern European gastronomy with views of the Bund, the Huangpu River and Pudong skyline. I recommend the Sunday brunch, which is different from a normally brunch as there is no buffet, but the dishes are absolutely great. Finally, Sir Elly´s Terrace, the legendary rooftop bar & terrace provides a breathtaking panorama of the Bund, the river and the illuminated skyscrapers of Pudong. It is the place to be in Shanghai!
Ultimately, you must book one of the personalized tours organized by the Peninsula Academy, such as a scenic private river cruise on the luxurious Peninsula Yacht, a Princess 54. Charter the 16,5meter yacht for a sunset cruise along the Huangpu River and enjoy the spectacular Pudong skyline as well as the Bund, characterized by colonial buildings. At night the city´s constantly changing skies are a dream. The Jin Mao Tower´s shaft and crown are illuminated, all the skyscrapers shine in different colors, such as the Shanghai Tower featuring dots of lights to give a sparkling effect on its red top.
The Grand Kempinski Hotel
Grand Kempinski Shanghai is located in the heart of the financial district Pudong. Our Executive Suite 1831 was great: the large living room offers view of Huangpu River, the small bedroom provides view of the City, the bathroom is nice, but nothing special. The Club Lounge with breathtaking views of the Oriental Pearl Tower at your feet is always a good choice. For me the Grand Kempinski is a business hotel for the luxury business traveler, but not for the luxury leisure traveler.
The Grand Hyatt Shanghai
The Grand Hyatt is located in Jin Mao Tower on floors 54 to 87. Take a look at the photos from the highest lobby in the world. This spectacular hotel lobby, the 33-story atrium, is a must see. Also, the Sunday Brunch in the all-day dining restaurant ON56 is worth the visit.
The Ritz-Carlton
The Ritz -Carlton is also located in the heart of the financial district Pudong and the Oriental Pearl Tower is really at your feet, especially from the Italian Restaurant Scena on 52th floor. Reserve the table for two in the small “private” dining room and take pictures from the illuminated Oriental Pearl Tower.
The prestigious Ritz -Carlton is definitely an address for the stylish luxury traveler.
