Shanghai the Bund W Hotels — Hotel in Shanghai

Spectacular skyline, bold design, and thoughtful comfort – W Shanghai doesn’t hold back

W Shanghai – The Bund delivers what the brand promises: edgy, immersive design layered over five-star service. From the moment I arrived, I stepped into a world of sensory drama – sculptural lighting, bold accents, and theatrical flair.

Check-in began on the ground floor, where I was warmly welcomed and offered luggage assistance. I wasn’t personally escorted to the fourth-floor W Lounge for registration, but directions were clear. Staff were generally polished and helpful, and the Marriott Bonvoy app made communication easy and efficient. A few team members lacked finesse – not unfriendly, just a bit curt, which stood out in an otherwise polished service environment.

My “Cool Corner” room on the 23rd floor was a showstopper. Curved floor-to-ceiling windows offered sweeping city views (not the skyline but still stunning). The layout was smart and spacious – bed, bath, and seating all oriented toward the view. The design was modern, stylish, and full of character, with saturated tones and playful accents.

Cleanliness was immaculate. Housekeeping was consistently thoughtful and precise – glass gleamed, amenities were refilled, and small touches like handwritten notes gave it a personal feel.

The AWAY Spa followed the hotel’s sleek aesthetic. My first massage was professional and relaxing. The second was less successful. Despite choosing a gentle detox treatment, the therapist focused insistently on one spot, even after I declined an upsell. I had to ask her to stop and move on – not ideal in a luxury spa. Execution should follow the guest’s request, especially at this level.

Breakfast was excellent – varied and beautifully presented. The salad bar, egg station and mix of Western and Asian dishes left nothing to be desired. Most staff were kind, though one server’s curt and mechanical manner stood out. He wasn’t rude, but in a five-star setting, warmth makes a difference.

The pool areas were striking: the indoor pool shimmered beneath an orange mirrored ceiling, and the outdoor pool offered fantastic skyline views. But there were downsides – loungers were limited, no drinks or bar service were available, and a motion-triggered shower at the entrance sprayed guests automatically – not ideal if you only want to relax poolside.

The public spaces reflect the W’s bold personality – dramatic lighting, sculptural seating, statement walls, and sleek materials. The reception area in particular impressed, with gold origami-like panels and a calm, high-fashion atmosphere.

The location is ideal: near the Bund promenade, metro stations, malls and restaurants – perfect for exploring the city on foot.

In short, W Shanghai – The Bund is a hotel with strong design identity, excellent rooms and solid service. A few tweaks in spa delivery, staff training, and poolside functionality could elevate it to flawless. I’d...

Elevating Luxury with a Pearl Tower Perspective at W Shanghai - The Bund

My recent stay at W Shanghai - The Bund was nothing short of extraordinary, as I indulged in the opulence of the Fantastic Suite, Pearl Tower View. The average price of IDR 14,111,295 was a reasonable investment for the breathtaking spectacle that awaited me.

Fantastic Suite, Pearl Tower View: W Shanghai - The Bund showcases its commitment to avant-garde design and unrivaled style through the Fantastic Suite. Overlooking the iconic Pearl Tower and the dazzling Shanghai skyline, this suite on a high floor provided a panoramic canvas for immersing oneself in the vibrant pulse of the city.

The expansive windows framed a captivating panorama of Shanghai's skyline, featuring landmarks such as the Pearl Tower, Shanghai International Financial Tower, Shanghai Tower, and Jin Mao Tower. The Fantastic Suite, with its chic design and thoughtful amenities, transformed my stay into an indulgent experience within the heart of this dynamic metropolis.

Indulgent Experiences: What sets W Shanghai - The Bund apart is not just its luxurious accommodations but the immersive experiences it offers. My sojourn included savoring the iconic MADE THE LIST Holiday Special Afternoon Tea. Delighting in 14 luxury canapes, complemented by a tin of caviar, all while enjoying the iconic view, became the highlight of my stay—a testament to the hotel's dedication to delivering memorable moments.

Perfect Facilities and Outstanding Service: The hotel's facilities are nothing short of perfection, leaving an indelible mark on my memory. The outdoor WET Deck, with its breathtaking views, added another layer of indulgence to my stay, offering a serene oasis amidst the urban landscape. The service, synonymous with the W brand, was consistently amazing, reflecting a genuine commitment to guest satisfaction. From the Woobar's cocktail hour to the Kitchen Table's delectable breakfast spread, every facet of W Shanghai - The Bund exuded excellence.

Conclusion: My stay at W Shanghai - The Bund in the Fantastic Suite, Pearl Tower View, was a symphony of luxury and panoramic splendor. The hotel's commitment to exceptional service, innovative design, and indulgent culinary offerings, coupled with perfect facilities such as the WET Deck, makes it a jewel in the W portfolio. For a traveler who has explored various W properties, W Shanghai - The Bund rivals the best, offering an unparalleled fusion of contemporary luxury and dynamic cityscape. If you crave an immersive experience in the heart of Shanghai, W Shanghai - The Bund stands as a beacon of excellence, and I eagerly anticipate returning to relish its electric ambiance...

One of the worst W experience I got. This is the 6th W Hotel I have stayed worldwide. And it's the ONLY W hotel I am constantly being harassed by various employees about the "NO PHOTO" policy.

No, I am not talking about sensitive pool areas or restaurants.

Somehow this hotel is very paranoid about guests taking photos. Within one-night stay. I have been told off in

Away spa counter. while I was taking photos of my wife in front of Away spa counter. No other guest around. I been told off no photo in the public area. Its just the counter area right beside walkway. Not sensitive spa room area at all.

weird, when I was in other W hotel I have been warmly invited :"hey you want to take a photo in our spa room? its beautiful"

ground floor lobby, while I take photos of the decoration, late-night, no other guest or W hotel employee in the view. I been told off twice!!

taking a photo of a statue in the display, NO,. Taking photo of my wife beside a deco wagon in the lobby. NO.

please consult with the hotel manager to get a permit for taking photos? serious? freaking embarrassed my wife and me.

Hotel Bar beside pool. while we try to relax and order some drinks. waitress come to give us friendly warning take photos of your self only, Please DO NOT include our bar building or premises in your photo.

Off we go, what a mood breaker, i will drink in my room thank you.

there are several other occasions but I think you got the idea.

for the rest of my stay, my wife gets paranoid too and wanted me to put away my camera because she didn't want to get told off like a kid or see me get into a fight with a hotel employee again.

No, I was not holding a gigantic professional monster camera easily mistake for a commercial phtographer.

It's a merely 400 USD, m43 civilian camera which no one ever minds.

we pay for a high rate room with a beautiful views. but a very bad staying experience. we were paying guests, not some street tourists who visit your hotel for free photos.

even after we state we were guests they still told us off.

Like I said, I have stayed in many W hotel. Shanghai is the most special one about this NO PHOTO harassment.

maybe I will get a "we are regret to hear your bad experience" response. but I guess the weird experience would stay.

being told off more than 4 times in a day is really amazing and...