St. Regis Shanghai

I booked a room for one week (between the time I arrived in Shanghai and moved into a permanent residence). After the first day there, I was seriously reconsidering my decision to leave so soon (or at all).

The St. Regis is a luxury, 5-star hotel in PuDong - the new part of Shanghai. If you don't necessarily need to be in PuXi (the old city across the river), or if you don't mind a little longer cab ride to meetings in PuXi, then my advice is stay here and nowhere else.

The rooms are comfortable, and the desks even have an Aeron chair (nice touch). The bathrooms are plush (see the photo). And, best of all, you have access to your own personal 24-hour valet that will do anything (within reason) at any hour of the day or night.

I stayed in a club-level room (recommended) and received complimentary breakfast and afternoon h'ors d'oeuvres and cocktails overlooking the city from the 39th floor from 5:30-7:30pm.

I didn't use the spa service, gym, or pool, but from what I heard, these are also excellent. The St. Regis is a tad pricey, but if you have some extra cash available (or are travelling on a business acount) do yourself a favor and stay here.

Unique Quality: 24 hour valet service.
Aeron chairs.
Complimentary DSL connection.

See their website. One can get a discount rate 1) online, just search 'St.Regis Shanghai'; or 2) if you are a 'Starwood' member.

Unique Quality: Details later

An ATM machine that you can withdraw cash with a foreign Visa/Debt card (Plus or Cirrus system)) is right next to the hotel.

Directions: Dong Fang Road and Xiang4 Cheng2 Lu, near Wei2 Fang3 Lu, Pudong District
Shanghai, China 200122

In the new financial Pudong districteast, east of Huanpu River.

Unique Quality: Butlers assigned to every floor provide unquestionable service. Just push the Butler call button on the phone and anything you need will be addressed.

Directions: Business District, East of Huangpu River PuDong).

If you've got a burning desire to spend some time bathing in the lap of luxury, you've definitely got to stay in St Regis Shanghai.

Voted as the Best Business Hotel in Asia in a poll, this hotel well deserves the ratings that it has garnered from its guests.

This hotel is located in Pudong, with easy access to the business centres, and the Waigaoqiao free trade zone. The area is a trifle quiet at night, but you can easily hop across to Puxi by cab.

The rooms are gorgeous, with plenty of space for luggage, a big work desk, and daily fresh fruits. The bathroom is another winning point, in fact one of the largest I've come across.

Only showstopper that I can think of is the steep price, but if that doesn't pose a problem, I'd recommend this hotel anytime.

(Credit to the Starwood Hotels website for pictures attached)