The St. Regis on the Bund, Shanghai

The view from Room 1111 was stunning: the Bund and Pudong looked exactly as they did in the pictures. That view was the main reason we chose the St. Regis, and it delivered. Some rooms do have partially blocked Bund views, so take care when choosing one. The butlers and service staff looked after every need with care, and the hospitality was impeccable. The lobby is beautiful and luxurious without feeling as crowded as many hotels along the Bund. Breakfast was fantastic, served in a refined, elegant setting. We also had an excellent meal and outstanding service at Spago. Yu Garden is within walking distance, there’s a small underground shopping mall just behind the hotel, and the Bund is also close enough to walk to. Getting around by Didi was very convenient.

My one-night staycation at the St. Regis Shanghai The Bund this week was warm and seamless from check-in onward. I loved the hotel’s elegant, refined Art Deco style, and my room had a wonderful view of the river and the Bund. Dinner at the newly opened SPAGO was a highlight. The restaurant is beautifully designed, the city view adds a lovely atmosphere, and both the food and service were excellent. Breakfast was welcoming and attentive too, with George taking great care of me. The fitness area also made an impression. It’s a serene, tree-lined space with real energy, and Mark at the entrance made my visit memorable. Alan, the General Manager, seems to bring positive energy to the teams, and it comes through in every interaction. I look forward to coming back soon!

Kelvin made the stay especially memorable. He even let me sabre the champagne during the nightly lobby ritual, then had a photo of me doing it framed and placed in my room while I was out for the evening. The butlers really took the service up a level. The property was immaculate, and I got a lovely complimentary upgrade thanks to my Marriott status. I’ve stayed at more than 20 St Regis hotels, and this is the best one I’ve experienced. It’s exactly the kind of property every St Regis should aim to be.

You can walk to You Garden from here, and getting to other sights is easy. Still, I definitely wouldn’t stay again. The rooms feel tired and poorly laid out, service was poor, and there’s little soundproofing from either neighboring rooms or the busy road outside. Breakfast was a decent buffet, but the service wasn’t good. For hot coffee, you have to ask and they’ll make it in the lobby. Otherwise, expect lukewarm machine coffee with a £30 breakfast. This doesn’t feel like a five star hotel.