Banyan Tree Shanghai On The Bund

The little touches were thought through, from the oil aroma diffuser to finding a pillow that suited you. The views from the rooms are breathtaking, and the service is what you’d expect from a global chain. I’d pick this over any other property in shanghai, mostly because the lovely people here make you feel extra special.

Banyan Tree Shanghai feels like a calm pause beside the Huangpu River, even with the city buzzing around it. The rooms look out over the skyline, changing from gold in the afternoon to a hypnotic glow at night. Soft lighting, natural materials and essential oil scents give the contemporary luxury a subtle Asian sensuality. Dining feels refined but restrained, especially at the signature spa restaurant, where wellness and flavor come together. You can watch riverboats pass or soak in the rooftop pool, and time seems to hang in the air here.

The views, location and rooms were amazing, and the hotel itself is visually striking, clean and modern. We picked it partly because it was highly rated and seemed appealing for a family. But our whole stay was overshadowed by a serious allergic reaction our son had at checkout. We had clearly told staff he was allergic to peanuts, yet he was given snacks that set off the reaction and he needed emergency medical care. The first response from the hotel was slow and confused, without the urgency or empathy we expected from a luxury property. Management later acknowledged what happened and offered a partial refund, but communication was poor, allergy procedures seemed inadequate, and emergency support at a critical moment fell short. We were shaken and lost trust in the brand. Even with the lovely rooms, views and location, I’m giving the hotel one star. Guest safety and service matter, especially when someone’s health is at risk.

The view was amazing, and the service was very good, though the rooms need maintenance. I also felt uncomfortable with the way staff seemed to watch us as foreigners. That's just my personal impression. Some locals' behavior felt a bit much to me too; maybe it was cultural, or maybe I just didn't understand it. For me, it was an ordinary stay, nothing fancy.