The Soul of 1920s Shanghai Reimagined at The St. Regis on the Bund

An Exceptional Address in the Heart of the Bund

Opened as the 60th property of the brand worldwide and the second in Shanghai, The St. Regis on the Bund, Shanghai illustrates the continued expansion of an iconic luxury label. Ideally located along the famous Bund, the hotel offers breathtaking views of the Huangpu River and the futuristic skyline of Pudong. Nestled in one of the city's most historic neighborhoods, it provides privileged access to Shanghai's landmarks such as Yu Garden, Nanjing Road pedestrian street, the Oriental Pearl Tower, and the Shanghai Museum. Blending cultural heritage with contemporary elegance, The St. Regis on the Bund perfectly embodies the spirit of the brand, offering travelers a remarkable experience at the crossroads of history and modernity.

An Ode to 1920s Shanghai

Inspired by Shanghai's cultural richness and artistic identity, The St. Regis on the Bund stands out with a design where timeless elegance meets local heritage. Designed by Norman Foster and Heatherwick Studio, the hotel pays homage to the grandeur of 1920s Shanghai through a refined Art Deco style, enhanced with details inspired by Su embroidery and delicate magnolia motifs, the city's emblematic symbol. Each space has been conceived as a work of art in itself, where marble, velvet, and crystal harmonize in a perfect balance between Eastern tradition and contemporary sophistication. The majestic lobby, ten meters high, adorned with jade-inlaid tiles and bathed in natural light, embodies this subtle alliance between opulence and modernity.

A true art gallery, the hotel houses 72 original works created especially by renowned artists, including Legend of Shanghai by Ma Tianyu and Splendid Orient by Shi Qi. These unique pieces, displayed throughout the property, invite guests on a visual journey through the city's cultural and artistic heritage. Art Deco influences are reflected down to the smallest details: carved stained glass, Suzhou embroidery, delicate marquetry, and lighting effects that enhance every corner. Combining Western aesthetics with Eastern grace, The St. Regis on the Bund offers an exceptional setting where luxury becomes a true expression of Shanghai's art and history.

Our Stay in the Panoramic Bund View Room

The St. Regis on the Bund, Shanghai features 192 rooms and 13 suites, all designed in a refined and contemporary style, reflecting the brand's legendary elegance and Shanghai's artistic spirit. Filled with natural light, the interiors combine marble, silk, and precious woods, creating a serene and luxurious atmosphere. Every detail has been carefully considered to provide absolute comfort—from sumptuous beds to marble bathrooms with standalone bathtubs and customizable lighting. The experience is elevated by the St. Regis Butler Service, the brand's signature, offering discreet and personalized attention, from morning coffee served in-room to assistance with unpacking luggage.

We stayed in a Panoramic Bund View Room, a true haven of peace with a spectacular view of the Huangpu River and the shimmering Pudong skyline. From the moment you enter, the panoramic view captures your gaze, especially at night when the skyscrapers light up in reflections on the water. Spacious, between 52 and 58 m², the room blends technology and comfort: an iPad allows you to control lighting, temperature, and room service with a simple touch. The marble bathroom, with its deep bathtub and silk bathrobes, invites total relaxation.

The Art of Fine Chinese Cuisine at Celestial Court

The hotel offers an exceptional gastronomic experience through its various restaurants, each showcasing a unique facet of Chinese and international haute cuisine. Among them, Celestial Court, the property's signature Chinese restaurant, stands out with its refined setting, ideal for business meals or prestigious celebrations. Its menu highlights Huaiyang cuisine, renowned for its elegance and precision, served in a harmonious décor blending tradition and modernity, whether in the main dining room or in private salons.

Our dinner began with delicious Fried Tofu Rolls with Vegetables, a refined starter combining lightness and crispness. These golden cubes revealed a delicate filling of finely chopped vegetables, offering a harmonious contrast of texture and flavor. We then enjoyed the Nanjing-Style Hand-Braised Meatball Soup, a clear and fragrant broth with a tender meatball accompanied by bok choy, evoking both tradition and delicacy.

The “Wenchang” Chicken and Fresh Abalone with Black Truffle in Clay Pot was a highlight of the meal: a sumptuous creation where the tender chicken paired beautifully with the oceanic richness of abalone and the aromatic depth of black truffle. The Blue Crab Boiled with Luffa and Mountain Pepper charmed us with its visual elegance: a perfectly cooked crustacean enhanced by a silky golden sauce and subtle spicy notes.

The Taihu White Fish and Amaranth Dumplings offered an experience both aesthetic and flavorful. Their two-tone color, inspired by amaranth leaves, enclosed a delicate white fish filling with soft and lightly sweet notes, elevated by a clear and aromatic broth.

Finally, the meal concluded with a spectacular sweet note: the Crispy Chocolate Shell with Passion Fruit, Mango Syrup, and Fruit Cubes. At the center of the plate, a golden chocolate sphere rested on a bed of fresh mango, kiwi, and strawberry, delicately coated in an exotic syrup. Between crunch, melt, and freshness, this dessert was the perfect finale to the dinner.

From Breakfast to Cocktails: The Art of Hospitality at The St. Regis

Beyond Celestial Court, The St. Regis on the Bund, Shanghai offers a remarkably diverse culinary experience, blending local traditions and international influences. The St. Regis Brasserie welcomes guests throughout the day in a lively and elegant atmosphere. Here, one can enjoy a generous breakfast combining Chinese specialties and Western classics, while lunches and dinners highlight fine grilled dishes and impeccably fresh seafood. The experience is both relaxed and refined, ideal for business meals or casual gatherings with friends.

A must-visit for cocktail enthusiasts, The St. Regis Bar pays homage to the brand's New York origins. The bar offers a selection of refined cocktails, including the legendary Bloody Mary reinterpreted in its local version, the Bund Snapper. This signature cocktail subtly blends Shanghai's five spices with traditional Zaolu rice vinegar, heightened by a floral note of osmanthus — a bold creation capturing the spirit and aromas of the city. In a cozy and cosmopolitan atmosphere, every glass becomes a celebration of St. Regis craft and heritage.

The Drawing Room embodies timeless elegance and conviviality. It is the perfect place to enjoy the St. Regis Afternoon Tea ritual, a signature moment where fragrant teas, fine pastries, and local sweets are served in vintage porcelain reminiscent of glamorous 1920s Shanghai. Each evening, the traditional champagne sabering extends this atmosphere of elegance and celebration.

Finally, the opening of Spago Shanghai in October 2025, in collaboration with the renowned chef Wolfgang Puck, promises to add a spectacular dimension to the hotel's culinary scene. Located on the rooftop, this restaurant and bar will offer breathtaking views of the historic Bund and the Pudong skyline. Combining modern Californian cuisine, international influences, and exceptional service, Spago Shanghai is set to become a must-visit address for epicureans and fine dining enthusiasts.

Well-Being and Vitality

The St. Regis Spa invites guests to a moment of serenity in the heart of Shanghai's urban frenzy. A true sanctuary of well-being, it features three sumptuous private spaces of more than 140 square meters each, designed to offer intimacy, comfort, and absolute relaxation. The spa skillfully blends advanced treatment technology with the ancestral wisdom of Asian wellness rituals, offering tailor-made treatments designed to rejuvenate the body, soothe the mind, and awaken the senses. Additionally, a state-of-the-art fitness center provides the latest equipment for guests seeking to combine relaxation and vitality during their stay.

My Opinion

The St. Regis on the Bund is a true work of art in the heart of Shanghai. Its design is simply incredible: a bold blend of Art Deco, modernity, and refined details that captivate from the very first step. The Panoramic Bund View Room offers a breathtaking view of the Huangpu River and the shimmering Pudong skyline — a magical sight, especially at night. Every space exudes timeless elegance, between glamour and serenity. An exceptional place, both inspiring and unforgettable.

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Practical Information

A big thank you to The St. Regis on the Bund, Shanghai for the invitation to discover their property. Of course, my opinions in this article remain entirely my own!