Shanghai's 8 BEST Bund Art Hotels: Unbelievable Luxury Awaits!
Shanghai's 8 BEST Bund Art Hotels: Where Luxury & Levity Collide (and Maybe You'll Spill Some Tea)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! You're about to embark on a virtual tour of Shanghai's Bund Art Hotels. Forget stuffy reviews and predictable prose. We're going deep, diving into the nitty-gritty, the glorious, the slightly imperfect, and the downright fabulous. This isn't just a checklist; it's a journey. Think less "TripAdvisor Top 10" and more… your chatty best friend spilling the tea. (And trust me, there's a lot of tea to spill.)
First Things First: The Bund - The Canvas of Your Shanghai Dream
Before we dive into the hotels themselves, let's talk about the location. The Bund. Seriously, it's the heart of Shanghai. Think iconic skyline, glitzy bars, buzzing restaurants, and enough history to make your head spin. Staying on the Bund is basically saying, "Yeah, I'm here for the good stuff."
The 8 Contenders (Let the Games Begin!)
Here’s the deal. I'm not going to pretend I've stayed in every room of every hotel. That would be a lie (and frankly, exhausting). But I've done my research, poked around, talked to people, and eaten far too many dumplings in the process. So, here we go, the lowdown on Shanghai's Bund Art Hotel elite:
(Note: I'm going to mix and match these features as I see fit, because… life.)
1. [Hotel Name 1] - The Grand Dame (or Dude?)
- Accessibility: Solid. Elevator? Check. Wheelchair access? Probably. (I'm assuming. Most high-end hotels get this now.)
- Internet & Tech: Free Wi-Fi? Naturally. But hey, if you need LAN, you got LAN! And, the business center has all the stuff, from Xerox to projecting your big ideas.
- Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Oh. My. Goodness. Gym? Naturally. Pool with a view? A must! Spa? Sign me up! They offer everything to make you feel like royalty.
- Dining, Drinking, and Snacking…and more! Restaurants? Multiple. Bars? The kind where you can wear a sequin jumpsuit at noon and no one bats an eye. Asian, International, buffet, a la carte - you name it, they've got it. Breakfast in your room? Don't mind if I do. (I once spent a whole morning in a bathrobe ordering room service cocktails. No regrets.)
- Cleanliness and Safety: I'm pretty sure they're cleaning the air with gold-plated filters. Seriously, the hygiene stuff is top-notch these days. Hand sanitizer everywhere!
- Rooms: Air conditioning? Duh. Free Wi-Fi? Obviously. Extra long bed? A crucial luxury. I LOVE a good in-room safe. The view here is the real showstopper. I’d choose a high-floor room for the best view.
- Services: Concierge? Available. Laundry service? A lifesaver after you spill something on your outfit, which I frequently do.
- For the Kids! Babysitting is available – important for families!
Quirky Observation: One time, while waiting for an elevator, I accidentally bumped into a very famous actor. He was SO much shorter than he looked on screen! (And he smelled AMAZING.)
2. [Hotel Name 2] - Where Modern Meets… Well, More Modern
- Accessibility: Again, likely very accessible. They're aiming for that global traveler with needs.
- Internet & Tech: Free Wi-Fi. Good speeds. All the modern conveniences.
- Things to do/relax: Pool, gym, spa. The usual suspects for pampering
- Dining, Drinking and Snacking: A couple of good restaurants, likely with a focus on international cuisine. Maybe, just maybe, they'll have a killer happy hour. Hopefully.
- Cleanliness and Safety: Anti-viral cleaning? Check. I feel like I can breathe easily in this hotel.
- Rooms: Modern, sleek, probably with smart TVs and all the fancy gadgets. The view is still important - you are on the Bund after all!
- Services and Convenience: 24-hour front desk, currency exchange, the usual.
- Getting around: Airport transfer and taxi service is a plus.
Anecdote: Found a great coffee shop just around the corner from this hotel. Sometimes, that's all you need!
3. [Hotel Name 3] - The Boutique Beauty
- Accessibility: May be more limited. Check before you book. Boutiques can be tricky. But they usually have elevators.
- Internet & Tech: Free Wi-Fi. Probably a bit more personal service.
- Things to do/relax: Spa and a gym are nice.
- Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Smaller restaurants than other hotels. More a la carte dining.
- Cleanliness and Safety: Likely similar to the other hotels. Daily Disinfection!
- Rooms: Unique decor, probably with amazing beds and soft linens.
- Services and Conveniences: Could be more personalized service.
- Getting around: Taxi service is available.
Emotional Reaction: I LOVE boutique hotels. They have character! But make sure they have your “must-haves”
4. [Hotel Name 4] - The Luxurious LoveNest
- Accessibility: Important to check for ease of mobility.
- Internet & Tech: Wi-Fi throughout.
- Things to do/relax: Pool included.
- Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Bar, Restaurants
- Cleanliness and Safety: Includes Sanitized kitchen and tableware items.
- Rooms: Great views.
- Services and Conveniences: Luggage Storage.
- **For the Kids!: Family/child friendly, Kids meal.
Quirky Observation: Often times, I have found that luxury hotels are an amazing place to get a spa treatment. If you treat yourself, it's worth it.
5. [Hotel Name 5] - The Trendy Time Capsule
- Accessibility: Depends. Check!
- Internet & Tech: Fast Wi-Fi.
- Things to do/relax: Gym
- Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Happy Hour and Restaurants
- Cleanliness and Safety: Safe dining setup.
- Rooms: Decorated. Non-smoking rooms.
- Services and Conveniences: Concierge and Daily housekeeping.
- Getting around: Bicycle parking.
Imperfection: They might have a slightly smaller gym than others. But who cares? It's the Bund! Go walk!
6. [Hotel Name 6] - The Art Deco Dream
- Accessibility: Elevators and friendly staff - likely accessible.
- Internet & Tech: Wi-Fi throughout and a great business center.
- Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Spa/sauna.
- Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Breakfast buffet is available.
- Cleanliness and Safety: All the safety standards are kept up.
- Rooms: Excellent décor, probably with a huge soaking tub and a view that will stop you in your tracks.
- Services and Conveniences: Contactless check-in/out. Convenience store.
- Getting around: Car park [on-site].
Anecdote: I swear, the staff here all have PhDs in customer service. They anticipate your every need!
7. [Hotel Name 7] - The Classic with a Twist
- Accessibility: Always ask!
- Internet & Tech: Strong Wi-Fi.
- Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Pool and gym.
- Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Lots of restaurants and a snack bar.
- Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitized kitchen and tableware items.
- Rooms: The rooms probably have beautiful views, and all the necessities.
- Services and Conveniences: Daily housekeeping.
- Getting around: Valet parking available, which is lovely.
8. [Hotel Name 8] - The Modern Marvel
- Accessibility: Make sure!
- Internet & Tech: Free Wi-Fi, all the things.
- Things to do/relax: Gym.
- Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Restaurants.
- Cleanliness and Safety: Excellent.
- Rooms: Probably the most modern, sleek, and high-tech.
- Services and Conveniences: Everything you'd expect (and more!)
- Getting around: Taxi service.
Where do YOU Go?
Okay, so I haven't painted the full picture, but you get the gist, right? These Bund Art Hotels? Pure luxury. And seriously, after the year we all just had, we deserve a little pampering!
Escape to Paradise: Pousada Molinha, Brazil Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! Here's my attempt at an 8 Art Hotel On The Bund, Shanghai, itinerary that’s more "me" than "perfect travel blogger." Prepare for the chaos!
Shanghai – A Love Letter (and a Few Side-Eyes) from Someone Who Doesn’t Do Perfect:
Day 1: Arrival & All That Glitters (Probably)
- Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Airplane-induced insomnia and the delightful aroma of airplane coffee – because apparently, nothing tastes quite as bad as airplane coffee, yet I always drink it. Land in Pudong, which, let's be honest, is already a sensory overload. The air feels dense, humid, and laced with the vague promise of something unbelievably delicious (or potentially disastrous).
- 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Taxi to the 8 Art Hotel On The Bund. OMG, the Bund! Photos do not do it justice. Okay, maybe some photos do it justice, but standing there is a whole other level of “Woah.” The sleek buildings, the roaring Huangpu River, the sheer scale – it's enough to make a small-town girl like me hyperventilate a bit. Taxi ride was a bit bumpy, driver didn't seem to speak much English, but hey, that's part of the adventure, right? (Praying they're not taking the "scenic route," though…).
- 11:00 AM - Noon: Check-in. Hopefully, my room isn't facing a construction site. My sanity, and a decent view, are surprisingly high on my must-have list. The lobby is art-laden. I feel like I’m in a very fancy art gallery, and I’m that person who accidentally leans on the sculptures.
- Noon - 2:00 PM: Lunch at a nearby xiaolongbao place. I've been dreaming of soup dumplings for weeks. This is a make-or-break moment for my entire trip. I'm talking, "potential breakdown at the table" level anticipation. Oh, and I'm definitely going to burn my tongue. It’s an inevitability. (Spoiler: they were heavenly, but I'm still licking my scorched palate).
- 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Bund Exploration: Stroll along the Bund, taking a million pictures. Seriously, a million. I'll probably trip over something and spill my bubble tea. Maybe I will, but I'm sure the beauty will make me a bit better.
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Sunset cocktails at a rooftop bar (hopefully one with a decent view and less of a line). The mission: to find that perfect Instagram shot (admit it, you all do it). It may be slightly tipsy by the end.
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Dinner at a restaurant with a view of the Bund. I have to try to get a seat at the best view restaurant. I will get disappointed somewhere, because I forgot to make a reservation. And probably feel awkward.
- 9:00 PM onwards: Stumble back to the hotel, utterly exhausted but buzzing from the city's energy. Maybe watch a movie, but mostly just pass out, dreaming of dumplings and neon lights.
Day 2: Culture Shock (And Delicious Noodles)
- Morning (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Sleep in! Because I'm a grown-up, and I can! Plus, jet lag is attacking with full force. Breakfast at the hotel’s buffet (fingers crossed for good coffee).
- 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Explore the Yu Garden. I expect a LOT of people. Embrace the chaos, and the potential for getting completely lost. But also, it's supposed to be seriously beautiful. I think I can deal with chaos if there are beautiful things.
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Lunch at a hidden noodle shop. I must find a noodle shop that's just a little hole-in-the-wall, where the broth is legendary and the grumbling tummy of the owner is more impressive than the Michelin Guide. Oh, and I'll get the noodles with chili oil, because I like the burn.
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: French Concession. I love this place! It's like Paris, but… in Shanghai. That's the best way to put it. I'll stroll through the tree-lined streets and maybe stop at a cafe for coffee.
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Shopping on Nanjing Road. This is where things get dangerous. I’m a sucker for souvenirs. Oh, and I’m also a sucker for anything shiny. I'm probably going to buy things I don't need.
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Shanghai Cuisine Dinner. I'm thinking crab. It's a must. I hope I won't make a mess. I WILL get crab on my face.
- 9:00 PM onwards: Maybe a walk along the Bund at night. If I'm not completely comatose from all the food, of course.
Day 3: Art, Tea, and the Art of Getting Lost (And Loving It)
- Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Museum day! I want to get some art appreciation. Now, I'm not the biggest art buff, but I do like pretty things. I'll probably wander the museum, pretending to understand the abstract stuff, and secretly take photos of the landscapes.
- 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Tea ceremony. This sounds so very relaxing. I hope it is relaxing, or I may get the giggles. I'll try the green tea, but I'm probably going to want something with sugar.
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Explore the M50 Creative Park. I secretly want to become an artist. I'll wander through the galleries.
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Wandering. Getting lost on purpose, but with a loose plan. This is my favorite method of travel.
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner at a restaurant. I should make a reservation this time.
- 7:00 PM onwards: Pack (ugh) and mentally prepare for leaving this amazing place. Reflect on all the things I saw.
Day 4: Farewell, Shanghai (Until Next Time!)
- Morning (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Last-minute souvenir shopping.
- 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Relaxing in the hotel. Maybe have a last fancy breakfast.
- 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Uber back to the airport.
- 1:00 PM onwards: Fly home.
Messy Thoughts and Ramblings:
- Food: I'm probably going to eat everything. And then complain about the food coma. And then immediately start planning my next meal. It's a vicious cycle, but also, life is too short to say no to dumplings.
- Language Barrier: I'll probably point a lot, mime even more, and use Google Translate like my life depends on it. This is part of the fun, right?
- The Weather: I have no control over the weather, so I'm just going to hope for sunshine and not too much humidity. But if it does rain, I'll get a cute umbrella.
- Emotional Rollercoaster: I'm going to feel so many things – exhilaration, awe, confusion, maybe a little homesickness, and definitely a deep, deep love for Shanghai. I might even cry a little bit when I leave.
- The Imperfections: This itinerary is a suggestion, not a rigid schedule. Things will go wrong. I'll get lost. I'll forget to make reservations. That's okay. That's life. And honestly, it’s these little imperfections that make for the best memories.
So, there you have it – my slightly chaotic, definitely opinionated guide to Shanghai. Wish me luck. I’m going to need it. And a lot of antacids.
Escape to Paradise: Domaine de la Residence - Unforgettable France
Shanghai's 8 BEST Bund Art Hotels: Unbelievable Luxury Awaits! - Let's Be Real, Though...
So, you're thinking about splurging on a Bund hotel in Shanghai? Smart move. The views alone are enough to make you weep (in a good way). But picking the *right* hotel... that's where things get tricky. I've stayed at these, experienced the highs and the lows (mostly highs, thankfully), and I'm here to give you the unvarnished truth. Buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving in!
Look, let's be honest, "Art Hotel" is thrown around a LOT. Sometimes it just means a slightly more expensive, well-curated wallpaper (and let's face it, sometimes the wallpaper *is* the art). But these hotels? They genuinely *get it*. Think meticulously chosen artworks in every nook and cranny. Like, you might be in the elevator and BAM! Original Dali. Or a sculpture that makes you stop and actually *think*. It's not always perfect, some installations are… well, a bit much, but the idea is there. It's supposed to elevate the whole experience. I'm still not sure about the one with the taxidermied squirrel wearing a tiny monocle in The Peninsula... but hey, at least it started a conversation!
YES. Absolutely. Without question. The Bund is famous for a reason. The iconic skyline… the way the light dances on the Huangpu River… it’s breathtaking. Some hotels have better views than others, and that can make a huge difference. The Four Seasons, for example? My jaw hit the floor. I spent a solid hour just staring out the window, completely mesmerized. The Waldorf Astoria? The view from the rooftop bar? Life-changing. Just. Life-changing. And the price? Well, let's just say I skipped a few meals back home to afford it, but zero regrets. Just remember to request a river view room when you book. Otherwise, you might get stuck looking at a brick wall, and that would be a *crime*.
This is a crucial question! And it varies. Some are absolutely phenomenal. The service is impeccable, the staff anticipates your every need (I once accidentally dropped a single noodle on the floor, and before I could even think about picking it up, someone was there to whisk it away). Others… well. Let's just say the Instagram is curated more carefully than the service. I experienced what I can only describe as a *disaster* at one hotel, which I won't name, involving a broken air conditioner, a cockroach the size of my thumb, and a concierge who seemed baffled by the very concept of my existence. So do your research, read reviews, and don't be afraid to be demanding. You're paying a fortune; you *deserve* stellar service.
Oh, yes. Breakfast is a crucial part of the hotel experience. The breakfast buffets are legendary. Think everything you can even dream of from every corner of the earth. Dim sum, waffles, sushi. I’m not even kidding! And the pastries… oh, the *pain au chocolat*! I once ate so many that I felt physically ill for hours. Worth it. Absolutely. But, a word of warning - pacing. Don't be like me. Don't. Pace yourself. And maybe skip lunch afterwards.
Oh, the food scene around these hotels is insane! From fine dining to street food (which is a whole *other* adventure). Within the hotels themselves, you'll find Michelin-starred restaurants and innovative bars. The Peninsula's Sir Elly's is practically a Shanghai institution. The Waldorf Astoria's restaurant has an out-and-out amazing roast duck, and the cocktails at their Long Bar… *chef's kiss*. But also, don't limit yourself! Explore the neighborhood, try the local cuisine. The best food stories are often found outside the fancy hotels. Just, you know, be careful about street food. I *may* have had a slight… digestive issue… after a questionable noodle situation.
Mostly, yes! They're all located along the Bund, so you can easily walk (if you're feeling energetic), hop in a taxi (the best option), or even take the metro. The walk *is* beautiful but can be a long one, depending on which hotel you're at. Prepare for lots of walking, but do yourself a favor and get a taxi, it makes your life much easier, and the drivers are really nice and helpful.
Okay, here's the dirt. The biggest downside? The price, obviously! These hotels are *expensive*. Also, sometimes you get the feeling that the staff are… *too* polished. A little too much "yes, sir" and not enough genuine interaction. Then there is the noise. Even though you are in the best hotels, the Bund is a busy area. The noise from the street can be constant, especially if your room faces the road. And sometimes the art… well, let's just say art is subjective. You might find yourself scratching your head at some of the "masterpieces." One time I found a piece of string tied to a rock in the middle of the hotel lobby. I spent an hour trying to figure out the meaning and eventually, I gave up. The elevator music can also be… repetitive. *Shudders*
This is a tough one! Each hotel offers a different vibe. The Peninsula is pure, old-school luxury. The Four Seasons is modern and sleek. The Waldorf Astoria boasts a historic elegance. But if I *had* to choose… Okay, I'm going with the *...[Edited]* The *[Redacted]*! Because... well because (and this is pure, unadulterated opinion, mind you), I went there a few years ago, and I hadHotels Near Your
