Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts Hotels in Shanghai

You haven't truly experienced luxury until you've stayed at the Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund! The moment I stepped into the hotel, I was captivated by the ambiance, a perfect blend of Old Shanghai charm and European refinement. The guest rooms offer unparalleled views; simply open the window and you're greeted by the majestic panorama of the Huangpu River and the historic Bund buildings. However, it was the service that truly stood out, attentive down to the smallest detail. From Mark's warm greetings to Yulia's exclusive check-in guidance and Brin's assistance with luggage, every request was met with swift and efficient action. The meticulous care, even in the smallest details, made me feel incredibly valued and respected. This entire stay far exceeded my expectations!

The Waldorf Astoria Shanghai Qiantan, Hilton's 888th hotel, 5th nationwide, and 2nd in Shanghai. Interior design by CCD, based on the concept of a ”secret urban riverside retreat,” incorporates many familiar elements. The hotel's architecture deviates from the conventional square shape, resembling a ship moored on the Huangpu River. A separate courtyard separates the drop-off area from the main entrance. This design cleverly creates a tranquil haven amidst the bustling Qiantan area, resembling a private residence. As the doorman slowly opens the main door, an automatic door reveals a transparent glass room displaying several exquisite artworks and the iconic Waldorf clock—a hallmark of every Waldorf Astoria hotel. The room design incorporates the ”sails” of the Huangpu River and the ”windows” of old Shanghai into the details. The bathroom mirror resembles a sail, echoing the river view; vintage floral windows and other elements adorn the space. A seating area is cleverly placed next to the bathtub by the window, subtly defining the space. The balcony offers a superb view, overlooking the central West Bank across the river. Below lies a lush park and a winding riverside promenade. Enjoying the river breeze and watching the sunset from the balcony in the evening is the perfect way to end the day. It's already 2025, almost 2026, and the Mini-Bar still charges a fee… The amenities at the counter showcase the hotel's sophistication: Rona glassware and custom-made ceramic cups from the Waldorf Astoria Hangzhou, and the ”tropical rain shower” overhead shower, with its precise nozzles and balanced water pressure, simulates the full droplets of natural rain. The wide water coverage and soft touch provide a thorough and soothing bathing experience, enhancing comfort. It also features a Dyson hairdryer, Aliseo makeup mirror, Toto smart toilet, heated towel rack, and a B&O sound system by the bedside. However, compared to the stunning floral arrangements and decorations in the public areas, the room's style is somewhat understated, even slightly inferior. Dining: Peacock Alley 🦚 Every Waldorf Astoria hotel features a Peacock Alley lobby bar. Originally, the Alley was a connecting corridor between the Waldorf Astoria and the Astoria. Red velvet cake also originated at the Waldorf Astoria; the Waldorf Astoria Qiantan introduced a modified version with added berry jam. Personally, I felt the berries and cream overwhelmed the cake's original flavor, failing to capture the pure, delicate texture and taste of classic red velvet. Therefore, this is indeed a ”modified version.” During the meal, they proactively inquired about the experience, and overall, the food was quite refined. 🍽️Arame Breakfast ≈ Brunch Opens at 6:30 AM, closing at 2:00 PM on weekdays and 3:00 PM on weekends. Breakfast is semi-buffet style, with a limited selection. Notably, it seems that since last year or the year before, WA breakfasts have included sparkling wine. Breakfast sets offer various choices: Shanghai specialties, Western dishes, and ”Vigo Life”—presumably a health-focused option. × I booked a room two days in advance, but didn't receive a pre-arrival call until the day before check-in. I called the hotel to inquire about pre-arrival calls, personal concierge services, their availability, and whether they could discuss room preferences. The answer was: no pre-arrival calls, personal concierges are available, but no phone? They couldn't answer the phone (I forget the specifics of the communication). They said I could inform the hotel of any needs and they would make a note of it, no problem! Of course, I could directly tell the VIP service center my needs now, without wasting anyone's time. But I have a question: why did some people on the forum receive pre-arrival calls? And after reiterating that they wouldn't make pre-arrival calls, she checked with the front desk and transferred me. After being transferred to the front desk, the receptionist asked what I needed assistance with… They never addressed me by my surname, and the receptionist didn't know why either. The call was directly transferred to my personal concierge, who told me they missed calling… × I requested a room on the 10th floor of the same floor. There's a parking lot in the park downstairs, and even late at night you can hear: ”沪A1234, two hours of parking, how much…” Of course, this was my own request, and has nothing to do with the hotel. × The room's soundproofing wasn't very good; I could clearly hear people coughing or talking next door or upstairs and downstairs. × The air conditioner was supposed to be in fresh air mode, but even at the lowest fan speed, I could still hear it whirring loudly late at night. × There were no more than six tables of guests at breakfast. When I was about to order, one staff member was socializing with a guest, while another was at the reception desk. I had to go to the reception desk to ask them for help taking my order. From the time I sat down until I was almost finished eating, that staff member was constantly socializing with the same guest. Twice, when my order arrived, I had to tell her to come and serve it, and after serving it, she would go back to socializing with the guest. Personally, socializing with guests is nice, but there needs to be a limit! ✅ The housekeeping staff on the floor were very welcoming! ✅ The person who brought my luggage and gave me a gift bag—I don't know if it was a personal concierge, front desk staff, or the duty manager—was clearly trying very hard to salvage this review. I accept your gift, but I still can't accept the series of problems that occurred before. Still, thank you sincerely for the gift bag! I didn't have high expectations, and it didn't meet them.