Experiencing Shanghai’s Most Scenic Address, The St. Regis On The Bund

Every now and then, a trip starts not with a plan, but the urge to see where it takes you. One moment I’m toying with the idea of going somewhere for the New Year and, the next, I’m landing in a freezing Shanghai, quickly realising I’ve been far too optimistic about my tolerance for the cold. But amid the icy air, the city feels like a film set, especially along the Bund, where the Huangpu River reflects it all back. It’s the kind of view that deserves more than a passing glance, and there’s no better place to wake up to it than at The St. Regis on the Bund, Shanghai.

Staying on the South Bund makes everything feel within reach and well-connected, with easy access to transit hubs such as the Hongqiao Railway Station and the city’s two main airports. It’s what makes spontaneous plans possible, whether wandering through the city or venturing further afield to Hangzhou or Suzhou. In between, being bundled up with a hot coffee in hand, the Pudong skyline in view, feels like freedom in its simplest form, with the city just beyond the hotel doors.

Having stayed at St. Regis properties elsewhere, there’s an established expectation that comes with the brand’s attentive service and considered curation. Experiencing it in Shanghai, however, introduces a different context altogether. It’s no secret that the city operates on a highly integrated, digital-first system, and that level of fluidity becomes more apparent in high-service settings—an aspect I’d come to appreciate throughout the stay.

As one might expect, for all its grandeur as the brand’s 60th property globally, it’s the historical design references that draw greater attention. Interiors lean into Art Deco influences reminiscent of 1920s Shanghai, seen in the use of jade, marble, and silk, while decorative flourishes such as Su embroidery and magnolia motifs create a softer, delicate counterpoint. Perhaps the most arresting impression upon arrival—especially after a red-eye flight—is the lobby’s 8m by 8m Splendid Orient masterpiece by Shi Qi, one of 72 commissioned artworks across the hotel.

The room offers plenty to take in, with its warm lighting, carpeted floors, and a well-appointed marble bathroom, but it’s the panoramic view across the Bund that steals the scene, no matter the time of day. By night, the view takes on a different character. Imagine returning to a darkened room as the thick curtains slowly (and unexpectedly) draw back on their own. What unfolds ahead is a horizon of glowing colours—bright, pulsing, and true to life. It’s one of those moments I take a little longer to sit with.

Even a routine workout feels different here, with golden-brown trees stretching out ahead in the gym, enough to make a 45-minute incline walk feel less like a task. Somewhere along the way, the effort becomes almost secondary. As for what’s on the table, breakfast comes in abundance at The St. Regis Brasserie, offering rows of pastries, bread, noodles, fresh fruits, and juices, which make mornings feel a little lighter for night owls like me. Come evening, a late bite at the newly opened Spago Shanghai by Wolfgang Puck on the rooftop is not to be missed, accompanied by a menu of modern Californian cuisine and a selection of libations. It’s the kind of setting that makes dressing up feel worthwhile, with the table following suit through dishes such as roasted pumpkin agnolotti, broiled miso-marinated cod, ribeye steak, and a generous slice of Basque cheesecake.

For all its spontaneity, the trip feels more considered in retrospect. Shanghai proves to be one of those destinations you don’t question twice. Waking up and winding down beside the Bund, navigating the city’s digital rhythm, and finding my way through it all—even without the language—becomes part of the experience. In the end, it’s not just about where you go, but what stays with you long after.

The St. Regis on the Bund, Shanghai