A virtually perfect stay at the Waldorf Astoria The Bund Shanghai
The Waldorf Astoria The Bund Shanghai is a true gem in the beating heart of China's most dynamic city. Located [...]
China
The Waldorf Astoria The Bund Shanghai is a real gem In the beating heart of China's most dynamic city.
In this article:
Located along the historic Bund promenade, this iconic hotel blends the elegance of the past with contemporary luxury, offering an unforgettable experience to its guests.
Spread over two buildings: 20 suites in the beautiful Shanghai Club built in 1911 and 252 rooms and suites in the new tower. This hotel is a magnificent homage to "European" Shanghai. In addition to opulent colonial-style suites (four-poster beds, walk-in closets, footed tubs), the old building, now called the Waldorf Astoria Club, houses an incredible 34-meter-long bar overlooking the Bund.
Reservation
I could have invested a good chunk of Hilton Honors points, but since the price compared to the points required was low, I preferred to call the Exclusive team and book taking advantage of all the benefits provided by Hilton Impresario reservations, partly because each reservation Accumulates twice as many points and has almost the same benefits FH+R.
The cost for one night was just under €300, definitely competitive when compared to the cost of WA in the rest of the world. Of course with a Hilton Impresario reservation you have included, regardless of status, breakfast for two, 100$ to spend at the facility and other benefits.
A user without Gold status or higher exploiting Impresario, even without upgrading, could save nearly 200€ on the final cost of the room, and by making short stays the benefits have even more utility.
Check-in
I moved to the Conrad, which is close but not very close to WA late in the morning, the first impression as soon as you walk through the wrought-iron gate is WOW.
There is opulence, but it is not the tacky kind. You can tell it is an environment that has character and oozes with the colonial history of this city. Between heads of state and tycoons, there have indeed been many who have passed through in its 100-plus years of history.
The staff greeted me with a smile and lavished apologies that my room was not yet ready, but the hotel was full and there were not many rooms available.
When I heard "fully booked" I knew I would not get a suite upgrade, as is my wont I always book the basic room and then hope for luck and the power of status. In this case the best I got was a Bund view room, which is on the Huangpu River and thus the best skyline in all of Asia.
I was then ushered into the library, a room that serves as a lounge an "optional extra" that is not present in WA unlike in other Hilton Group signs.
The room
The rooms are neoclassical in style, with light green linen wallpaper, matching silk bedspreads, and sinuous floral patterned rugs, but are equipped with all modern amenities.
The king bed in the center of the room is softened by a topper that when you lie down gives you the impression of floating inside a cloud.
The elegance of this Waldorf Astoria is not disturbing, although I am one who appreciates more modern facilities such as the WA in Bangkok.
In the room, however, the technology is there and it is functional, such as the button that operates the curtains and the one that turns off all the lights, but really all of them.
There is one thing, however, that is worth the ticket price alone: the view from the immense window onto the city's skyline. The iconic buildings that draw the promenade on the opposite side of the river are truly a killer greenscreen. It's just too bad that good weather is not mandatory by contract.
The opulence of the bathroom, on the other hand, is (almost) unparalleled; here we see the concept of luxury that WA offers in every corner of the world.
The bathroom has a TV built into the mirror, and the toilet is equipped with a smart toilet, not the latest generation, but little misses since the classic functions are just about all there.
I expected something better from the bar corner, definitely below average. In the room not even a welcome thought, really a small disappointment, but here it affects a lot that I have been spoiled lately, even from much less emblazoned facilities.
The hotel
Past the reception desk the scenic staircase leads to the hotel restaurant, which becomes the breakfast room in the morning.
Marble, shiny as a mirror is everywhere, and all spaces are maniacally maintained, as if they were new.
Overlooking the dining room is the hotel's patisserie, a space to treat yourself to a treat while waiting to go out and hunt for experiences in the city. I used the credit of 100$ included in my Hilton Impresario reservation. to buy two souvernir cases with delicious cookies that were much appreciated by my daughter.
There is also a Lindt store on the ground floor that looks almost like a jewelry store.
Gymnasium and swimming pool
A swimming pool and a small spa are available to guests.
A small gym is also available; the size is small, but considering the size of the hotel it is certainly adequate.
Breakfast
Here I was extremely satisfied with the culinary proposal.
A la carte menu for all guests with the ability to order anything you want and as many times as you want. Among the offerings are dishes from different cuisines. Thanks to the reservation via Hilton Impresario, even those without status get free breakfast, A savings of nearly 50€ per person.
In addition to the paper there is a buffet offering virtually everything and every possible cuisine, not only great selection but quality products including, of course, freshly squeezed juices and smoothies prepared on the spot.
In conclusion
Due to commitments I wasn't able to pop into the "historical" wing and visit the famous Long Bar where I could also "mooch" a drink courtesy of the hotel. It will be for next time! and it will definitely be a Reservation through Hilton Impresario.
Pro
- The location
- The view of the Bund
- Breakfast
Against
- Nothing to report