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Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund Hotel Review

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Introduction

ICN Korean Air Prestige Lounge Review

ICN-PEK Korean Air Flight Review

Hilton Beijing Hotel Review

PEK China Eastern Lounge

PEK-SHA China Eastern Flight Review

Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund Hotel Review

PVG Lounge Review

PVG-NRT Delta Flight Review

Summary Thoughts of China - Land of Yin and Yang

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If you want to be blown away by a hotel, then add this one to your travel plans.  I have stayed at Waldorf properties before, but between the physical design of the hotel, the location of the hotel, the amenities of the hotel, and the professionalism of the staff, this was a home run.  As I mentioned in the introduction, I had cashed in Hilton points for this stay, but the room I was staying in would have cost $700US+ per night had I paid for it outright.

After arriving at Shanghai’s Hongqiao airport (the domestic airport serving Shanghai), I jumped in a cab to the hotel.  I printed the hotel’s name and address in Chinese before I left Seoul, so I just handed the papers to the driver.  He was still confused and did not quite understand the address or the name, despite the very obvious location of the hotel.  One problem that the hotel should address is that its actual address is not where taxis can drop passengers off.  The driver had to drive around the block a couple of times to figure out where to go.  Total cost of the taxi was 90 RMB.

The hotel is located right on the Bund, with two attached buildings overlooking the river and the city.  The European colonial influence is apparent among the architecture of buildings lining the river and overlooking the Bund, and the Waldorf is no exception.  Looking like a building plucked from the streets of Paris, the Waldorf embodied old world charm and history while offering modern amenities expected of a 5-star top tier Hilton property.

View of the main restaurant from the lobby, Waldorf Astoria, Shanghai, China

View of the main restaurant from the lobby of the Waldorf

While checking in, I was addressed by name, was thanked for being a Hilton gold, and was explained the perks of staying at this Waldorf as a Hilton Gold (free internet, free breakfast, upgraded room, 100 RMB beverage credit).  All staff spoke excellent English – a rarity in China anywhere, and the staff were both enthusiastic and professional.  No one would allow me to carry a bag, and no tips were expected.  Even when I offered, the bellman told me “sir, that is not necessary or expected at this hotel.”

Upon entering my room, I was immediately blown away by the view.  Though the room was very nice and spacious, the view stole my attention.  The bellman walked me through all of the technological features of the room (remote control drapes and lights, air conditioning/alarms/do not disturb controls, etc), and he reminded me of the restaurants and bars located on site.

Shanghai, Waldorf Astoria, Bund, China

View north on the Bund, from my room. Note the rare clear air.

Pudong view waldorf astoria shanghai on the bund

Night view of Pudong from my room.

View west from the Waldorf tower

View northwest from room in the Waldorf tower

The room itself was pretty standard, with a large walk-in closet to the side as you enter the foyer, bathroom to the right just beyond the closet.  The bedroom was spacious and bright, with a full desk right next to the window.  Also in the foyer was a table with an espresso machine and tea maker on top and china/flatware stored in the drawers.  Since I do not drink coffee, the large tea selection definitely came as a welcome addition.  Hilton has very comfortable beds (Thank you Starwood for sparking this trend 12+ years ago!), and this was no exception.  There were 8 pillows on the bed though…I think 2 are enough.  Unlike most hotel rooms, this one actually had ample overhead lighting as well as built-in reading lights above and next to the bed.

Bedroom, desk, living area of my room, windows facing the river

Bedroom, desk, living area of my room, windows facing the river.  Standard room with upgraded view.

The bathroom was a lot more luxurious than the room itself.  Other than being very large, the bathroom featured a soaking jacuzzi tub and a large stand alone shower stall, along with a separated toilet area.  The vanity featured double sinks, a shaving mirror, and a TV built into the mirror.

Whirlpool bath and electronic fogging window

Jacuzzi bath and electronic fogging window

Bathroom mirror and vanity, TV in the mirror.

Bathroom mirror and vanity, TV in the mirror.

Shower, Waldorf Astoria, Shanghai

Shower and part of the bathroom, satin and terry cloth robe on the hanger

Bathroom amenities were supplied by Salvatore Ferragamo, and I really wasn’t impressed by the quality.  The shampoo smelled like windex, and the moisturizer left my hands feeling like they had just soaked in alcohol.

Ferragamo, Waldorf, Shanghai

Salvatore Ferragamo shower products

Salvatore Ferragamo bathroom amenities

Salvatore Ferragamo bathroom amenities

As a Waldorf property, there was no executive level or lounge on site, but I did have free internet and free breakfast as part of my Hilton Gold perks.  Had these not been free, the internet would have cost me around $20US per day and breakfast around $60/day.  For my 5 day stay, that would have been $100 for internet and $300 for breakfast.  Once again, my Citi Hilton Reserve card paying for itself many times over.

Breakfast at the hotel may have been one of the most indulgent meals I’ve ever experienced.  High-end Asian hotels really know how to do breakfast, especially for westerners, and the Waldorf was no exception.  The buffet area featured a 100+ foot spread of food ranging from fresh baked pastries, dim sum, congee, steamed buns, bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, as well as fresh smoothies and yogurt parfaits.  In addition, guests could order from the a la carte menu for omelets, pancakes, waffles and some other specialties.  On the menu was probably the most gluttonous option ever:  an omelet stuffed with foie gras, duck confit, and black truffles.  The omelet probably cost $50+ on its own but obviously it was all included with my free breakfast, so I ordered it and dove it.  With these ingredients, this should have been the best breakfast meal I’ve ever had, but in reality it wasn’t good at all.  Too bad…

Breakfast menu on top of the 100 foot long buffet, waldorf astoria, shanghai, china

Breakfast menu on top of the 100 foot long buffet

waldorf astoria, shanghai, china

Foie gras, black truffle, and duck confit omelet…amazing idea but excessively indulgent and just not that tasty

The hotel features 5 restaurants as well as the world famous Long Bar, where they host weekly jazz performances in front of the 110 foot bar with an impressive wine, scotch, and vodka collection.  Unfortunately they allow cigar smoking in the bar, so I ordered my drink and couldn’t last more than 5 minutes.  (Personal rant: Cigar smokers need to realize that as they are “enjoying” their rolled manure soaked tobacco, they are poisoning everyone around them.  Even where cigarette smoking is allowed, cigar smoking should be banned).  The Long Bar is one of the busiest bars on the Bund, and even on a Wednesday night, there were upwards of 50 people in the bar at any time.

Long Bar, Waldorf Astoria, Shanghai, China

Long Bar

Of course the hotel has other amenities for travelers, including a library/lounge on the mezzanine floor with complimentary tea, coffee, espresso, and macaroons.  Across the hall from that lounge is the fitness center and spa, complete with sauna, steam room, and full-service spa facilities capable of offering massages and aesthetic treatments.  Although the gym was small for a high end hotel, the equipment was well maintained, and the TV was showing a Yankee game replay on ESPN from the night before, so I was happy.

Gym, waldorf astoria, shanghai, china

Gym at the Waldorf

This really was a great hotel, and I would not hesitate staying here again.  The service was outstanding, as they proved when I had a problem with Chinese customs over a package I was awaiting from South Korea.  The amenities were excellent overall, and the location offered excellent views of the city and of Pudong.  There are many restaurants and bars nearby, and the expat areas near French Concession are within a quick subway ride.  Had I been paying for a hotel room though, I am not sure if I would be willing to pay out $700+/night for this hotel on top of the amenities that may or may not be included, depending on status.



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