It all began in 1864, when the Correspondents Club took residence at the famed address of No. 2 on the Bund in Shanghai. Only the wealthiest of Chinese businessmen and decorated foreign delegates were members. By 1910, the six-storey baroque revival building was renovated by architect Shimoda Kikutaro, who helped in converting it into The Shanghai Club. World famous for being the most expensive gentleman’s club of its time, its heyday was short lived when the Second World War struck over China and the Japanese occupation took over. It would be 50 years before the historical landmark would regain its splendor when it was converted into the five-star Waldorf Astoria Hotel in 2009.
Top luxury accommodations with a beautiful view of the Shanghai skyline
The history of the Bund has had an everlasting impression on the community that surrounds it. Once a region for foreign ministries and banks, the French-inspired buildings run along the riverbanks of the Huangpu. The Waldorf Astoria impressively stands at No. 2, where Kikutaro’s original structure still stands, with a large modern extension connected to it. Reminiscent of the spirit of the Waldorf’s New York flagship, the Bund branch continues to uphold the hotel line’s culture of “True Waldorf Service”. There are six award winning restaurants, a newly opened spa, meeting halls, a library and health center that provides contemporary luxuries in the old world design of the infrastructure.
Suites present a view of the young, blossoming city of Shanghai–impressive during daylight, but majestic in the evening as the neon lights of the skyline occupy the view. The rooms are spacious and complimented by high-ceilings, large king size beds, crystal chandeliers and white marble bathrooms with televisions disguised as mirrors. It is a modern palace ideal for deep rest and relaxation after a day-long excursion around Shanghai’s most fashionable district.
It is well situated with dining and shopping options all around
Located at the center of commerce and luxury shopping in the city, the Waldorf Astoria seeks to provide their guests with only the best of memories. The sights and sounds of the Huangpu River are just outside the hotel doorstep for a day filled with fashion, food and adventure. Personal shoppers can assist guests through an expedition across the Bund’s premium outlets that include top-of-the-line watch brands and fashion houses. Private tours of the city, Shanghai Circus World or the Water Village can be arranged with a guide and chauffer, while good eats are found at every corner, including the award winning restaurant atop the House of Roosevelt where the likes Jackie Chan and Yao Ming dine.
The bar serves history with its delicious cocktails
Pre-dinner cocktails or an evening of smooth sailing is best enjoyed beside the live band playing the blues at the Long Bar. At 110.7ft by 39ft big, the L-shaped mahogany bar was world famous for being the largest when first built. It was a hub for taipans (top Chinese business executives) and bankers, where seating arrangements reflected your position in society. The nearer you are to the cashier, signified your higher rank. Today, fashionable travellers and locals occupy the darkly lit bar, ordering bespoke cocktails that include blends of premium whiskey and rare absinthe. Music fills the rooms with faultless acoustics despite its height of being 12ft tall.
There’s a top of the line spa to allow you to de-stress
The hotel’s most recent feature is a luxury spa inspired by the elixirs and treatments of the East. Finding its muse in the bustling Chinese culture that surrounds it, the spa at the Waldorf Astoria on the Bund is the first of its kind in the Asia Pacific. Trained therapist use traditional Chinese recipes and incorporates it with modern techniques to provide a truly unique experience. Highlighted treatments include oxygen facials and aromatherapies that have become favorites of Hollywood heavyweights like Madonna and Justin Timberlake. All eight private treatment rooms and a VIP suite are available upon reservation and include personal steam rooms and showers. It is an ideal experience to mend the body and soul from any stresses one may have. Though the spa is new, the hotel is rich with heritage. It is time to close your eyes and make your own history within the walls of the Waldorf Astoria, a history that involves only the finest of luxuries.
The Waldorf Astoria on the Bund is located at 2 Zhongshan East 1st Rd, 黄浦区 Shanghai, China. For more information visit <waldorfastoriashanghai.com>
Text by Chino R. Hernandez
Photography courtesy of the Waldorf Astoria
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