REVIEW | St Regis on The Bund Shanghai, China
- VVZ Travels
- Sep 21
- 6 min read
Room rate and hotel details
Room type: Panoramic bund view room
Room rate: USD 458 per night
Nights stayed: 3 nights
Dates stayed: 27-30 August 2025
Complimentary Marriott STARS benefits when you book with us
100USD (or equivalent) hotel credit per stay
Daily complimentary full breakfast for 2 guests
Priority for complimentary room upgrade (subject to availability)
Local welcome amenity
Personalized welcome note
Early check-in / late check-out (subject to availability)
Overall Rating
Explanations can be found in the conclusion of this post
Room: 10/10
Breakfast: 9/10 General areas: 8/10
Facilities: 8/10 Service: 8/10
Value: 10/10
Introduction
Perched elegantly on the iconic Bund in the heart of Shanghai, The St. Regis on the Bund seamlessly blends sweeping river and skyline views with refined luxury that honors the city’s rich heritage while embracing modern sophistication. With 192 rooms, including 13 lavish suites, we were treated to the signature St. Regis Butler Service, floor-to-ceiling windows and interiors inspired by local art and culture. Just steps from historic landmarks like Yu Garden and the City God Temple and offering panoramic views of Pudong’s futuristic skyline, this hotel is a haven where timeless elegance meets the vibrant energy of Shanghai - quite literally - from our room we could see Yu Garden and The Bund on the left and to our right, the stunning Pudong skyline.
Tip: Shanghai has two St Regis hotels, one in Jingan and this one, on the Bund. It was previously the Wanda hotel before. it was rebranded in October 2024.
Arrival, Airport Transfer and Check-In
The St Regis experience began at the airport, where our driver was awaiting our arrival in the arrivals hall, holding a sign with the hotel's logo. This method is much preferred over other hotels where they hold up your name for all to see.
He swiftly took our bags for us and escorted us to a nearby carpark which seemed to be a dedicated hotel transfer airport as there were cars from other luxury hotels parked there as well.
We booked the eighth generation extended phantom Rolls Royce, which was RMB 2,800/way (~395 USD), a very reasonable price for an approximately one hour journey - longer than usual given we arrived during the morning rush hour.
The journey was nothing short of enjoyable, the already-extended-to-an-hour journey in fact felt too short when we were in a Rolls Royce. We soon turned into the lobby, a magnificent space with large revolving doors - so large there were two human sized flower vases enclosed on opposite sides of the revolving door and rotating with the door.
Upon arrival, we were greeted by the welcome party - a host of 4 to 5 staff, from opening our car doors to escorting us straight to our room, everything was done swiftly and smoothly. Check-in processes occurred in the comfort of our room, all within 10 minutes.
Panoramic Bund View Room
We were upgraded to the Panoramic Bund View Room as a Marriott STARS agency (which you will benefit from as well). The room offers an elevated blend of space, style, and spectacle. Spanning approximately 59 square meters and located on the hotel’s higher floors, these rooms are designed to showcase sweeping, uninterrupted views of the historic Bund, the winding Huangpu River, and the futuristic skyline of Pudong across the water.
The room felt much larger than the advertised 59 square metres, perhaps due to the 270 degree floor-to-ceiling windows, with a separate foyer as you enter.
The room was beautifully adorned with art decor furniture, including a kind sized bed, day bed, study table and minibar unit which also housed the TV.
The floor-to-ceiling windows (yes, I refer to it again because it is my favourite part of the room) bathe the room in natural light by day and frame the glittering cityscape by night. The bathroom is equally luxurious, featuring a sleek shower-tub combination, marble finishes, plush bathrobes, and premium designer toiletries. Whether you’re soaking in the tub after a long day or simply taking in the dazzling skyline from your window, the experience is one of refined comfort and unforgettable views.
Welcome Amenities
Even though my birthday was not very close (but approaching), I was surprised with a St Regis birthday bear, a very delicious basque cheesecake and some birthday cards. This was on top of the special welcome amenities as Marriott STARS guests which was a welcome note from the GM as well as some fresh fruits.
Breakfast
Breakfast is a refined, buffet-style affair that blends international variety with local flavour, served daily from 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM. Priced at CNY 298 for adults and CNY 149 for children aged 7–12 (with kids under 6 dining free), the spread includes an extensive selection of Western, Chinese, and broader Asian dishes.
Tip: As a Marriott STARS guest (ie. as our client when you book with us), you get free breakfast for two adults daily - a saving of CNY 596 per night!
You can expect freshly baked pastries (in fact a whole section is dedicated to it), eggs prepared to order, breakfast meats and salads, fruits, cereals, and juices, alongside traditional Chinese offerings such as congee, steamed buns, made-to-order noodles and dim sum-style items. There is even a station for Shanghainese delicacies!
The atmosphere is elegant, with attentive service and beautifully presented dishes, all enjoyed in a stylish setting with natural light and fitting jazz music in the background. It’s a breakfast experience that matches the hotel’s overall sense of sophistication and global comfort.
General Areas and Facilities
The general areas reflect a blend of timeless elegance and contemporary luxury, designed to immerse guests in both comfort and grandeur. The lobby exudes quiet sophistication with marble floors, high ceilings, curated artwork, and attentive butler-style service that begins the moment you arrive.
Tip: At 6pm each day, it is a St Regis Shanghai tradition to pop (or in this case sabrage - where the top is sliced open with a sword or similar) a champagne. Be at the lobby 10 minutes prior and you might even have the honour to be the sword yielder!
Public spaces throughout the hotel are thoughtfully appointed, from serene lounges and stylish seating areas to refined corridors accented with cultural touches that echo Shanghai’s heritage. The hotel also features a luxurious indoor swimming pool, a full-service spa, and a modern fitness center, all designed with a tranquil, upscale aesthetic.
We had dinner at the hotel's Chinese restaurant, which felt curated, polished, and distinctly high-end. It was almost as if it was in a league above your typical fine dining experience, with 6 tables only and a dedicated service person who somehow knew what you needed before you even know what you needed. Food was expectedly good, with little to complain of.
Departure
Departure is handled with the same grace and attention to detail that defines the entire guest experience. From the moment you signal your intent to check out, the staff—often including your personal St. Regis butler—ensures a seamless, stress-free process.
Luggage is swiftly managed, transportation is arranged upon request, and final billing is typically efficient and accurate. It took us around 10 minutes to check out,
f you have a later flight or wish to enjoy a few more moments in the city, the hotel offers options for luggage storage and continued access to select facilities. As you exit through the grand lobby, with its polished finishes and warm service, it feels less like checking out and more like a refined farewell—punctuating your stay with the same sense of elegance and quiet luxury that defines the St. Regis experience.
Conclusion
Room: 10/10
The guest rooms—especially the Panoramic Bund View category—are impeccably designed, combining spacious layouts with floor-to-ceiling windows, elegant décor, and thoughtful touches. The bathrooms feature luxurious finishes, deep tubs, and premium toiletries, elevating the overall comfort. The view, particularly over the Huangpu River and Pudong skyline, adds a spectacular finishing touch, justifying a perfect score. Some may say the rooms are "dated" but for an old Shanghai luxury feel, this was perfect for us.
Breakfast: 9/10
The breakfast buffet offers a wide and high-quality selection of Western, Chinese, and broader Asian dishes, presented with style and served in a refined atmosphere. The freshness of ingredients and attention to detail in both service and setup are noteworthy. The only reason it may not score a perfect 10 could be minor limitations in variety compared to some other luxury peers (repeated menus over our three days) and peak-time crowding.
General Areas: 8/10
The hotel’s public spaces, including the lobby, lounges, and hallways, are elegant and well-maintained, reflecting the brand’s luxury image. However, compared to flagship St. Regis properties or other ultra-luxury hotels, they may feel slightly more understated or compact. Still, the ambiance is polished and atmospheric, making them a pleasure to pass through or relax in.
Facilities: 8/10
The indoor pool, fitness center, and spa are high-quality and well-equipped, offering a comfortable retreat within the hotel. While everything meets five-star standards, the poo and fitness center felt abit dated and stuffy.
Service: 8/10
Service is attentive and polished, particularly with signature touches like the St. Regis butler. Staff are courteous and generally proactive. However, occasional inconsistencies and language barriers might slightly impact the seamlessness of the experience. Still, it’s a level of service that surpasses many hotels and contributes significantly to the overall stay.
Value: 10/10
Given the location, quality of rooms, excellent breakfast, and brand prestige, the hotel offers outstanding value—especially compared to similarly priced luxury properties in global cities. Guests often feel that the overall experience exceeds expectations relative to cost, making it a standout.
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