The St. Regis on the Bund, Shanghai

The St. Regis on the Bund, Shanghai is a premium five-star hotel that blends classic Art Deco opulence with the brand's signature luxury traditions. Reviewers consistently praise the exceptional, personalized butler service and the spectacular views of the Bund and Pudong skyline. However, guests frequently highlight significant delays at the front desk and ongoing minor disruptions from a phased renovation.

Best for

• Connoisseurs of classic luxury — The hotel features lavish Art Deco interiors decorated with expensive marble, crystal chandeliers, and exquisite artworks that evoke an old-money atmosphere.
• Couples on romantic getaways — The stunning evening views of the waterfront, fine Italian dining at Spago, and the daily champagne sabrage ceremony make it ideal for celebrating special occasions.
• Families with children — The hotel provides thoughtful children's amenities, including specialized cosmetics, toothbrushes, and diaper pails when arranged in advance.

Not ideal for

• Travellers in a hurry — The front desk is prone to organizational issues, with guests regularly reporting check-in queues and delays of up to two hours.
• Strict minimalists — The opulent, historic design and grand European-style interiors may not appeal to those who prefer ultra-modern, high-tech, or simple aesthetics.
• Light sleepers — Rooms facing the busy adjacent highway suffer from poor soundproofing, which can let in traffic noise.

Rating breakdown

• A-Location — Steps from the historic Bund with excellent views, though proximity to a busy road causes some noise.
• B+Rooms — Spacious and clean with high ceilings and large bathtubs, though some layouts are awkward and dampness was reported.
• B-Service — Outstanding personal butler service is severely undermined by slow, chaotic front desk check-in experiences.
• A-Dining — Excellent buffet breakfasts and high-quality Italian dining at Spago, though coffee quality and strict kitchen hours drew minor complaints.
• B+Facilities — Features a great spa and fitness room, but the pool is small and subject to temporary maintenance closures during the 2026 renovation.
• BValue — Delivers high-end luxury and service, but the experience is slightly compromised by front desk delays and ongoing renovations.

Verdict

Book this hotel if you want to experience impeccable butler service, historic luxury, and some of the best waterfront views in Shanghai. Avoid it if you cannot tolerate check-in delays or minor disruptions from ongoing property updates.