Fantasy Stands at the Forefront of the Bund Trend: The W Shanghai - The Bund

Fantasy Stands at the Forefront of the Bund Trend: The W Shanghai - The Bund While the location of North Bund may not be ideal and the amenities of the Magnolia Plaza are just passable (in fact, the W is the true complement to Magnolia Plaza), there are very few international chain hotels that offer simultaneous views of the Bund and Lujiazui. In North Bund, the options are limited to the W, Banyan Tree, Hyatt on the Bund, and Seagull Regent. The Banyan Tree has aged, the Hyatt on the Bund is reborn but falls slightly short, and the Seagull Regent is constrained by ceiling height. Despite being open for several years, the W still leads the fashion and trendsetting wave among Shanghai's hotels. Rooms: The Fantastic Suite, upgraded with a suite certificate, is undoubtedly the white whale for many Marriott Bonvoy members and the most valuable certificate redemption option in Shanghai. The overall red-themed decor, combined with innovative spatial design and an unobstructed view of Shanghai's skyline, makes the Fantastic Suite unrivaled in the market. Its pricing is actually quite reasonable (typically ¥5,000+ on Saturdays), so it’s often sold out on weekends. The room’s hardware maintenance is also impeccable, so no need to worry. Public Areas: The hotel’s lobby level connects to the bar (where Titanium members enjoy their happy hour), restaurants, and spa facilities. The decor and furnishings embody the classic W neon-lit cyberpunk style, with the spa center being particularly outstanding. The changing rooms feature a massive jacuzzi, dry and wet saunas, and an outdoor relaxation area. The indoor pool is equally unique, even offering a view, and the outdoor pool is a summer hotspot. Dining: Only tried the Chinese restaurant and breakfast. The Chinese cuisine is average—Marriott isn’t known for excelling in Chinese food, which is a well-known fact. The breakfast, however, deserves praise for its wide selection and high quality. There’s even a dedicated oven in the bread section for guests to enjoy freshly baked croissants. The breakfast area also features many international staff and chefs, along with numerous live cooking stations, reflecting the hotel’s emphasis on breakfast. Service: There’s pre-arrival communication and follow-up—standardized but not rigid. Many special occasions have been celebrated here, each time with new surprises and creativity. The hotel’s business and foot traffic might be too good, as the lobby staff seem under significant pressure and overall not in the best state. Yet, they still prioritize guest needs, responding quickly to requests without any room for complaint.