The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai Pudong

Located in the business hub of Pudong, a fifteen-minute drive from Shanghai’s major sights, the lavish Ritz Carlton offers luxe pampering at skyscraping heights.

• Rooftop bar Flair, which boasts stunning views of the Bund and Oriental Pearl TV Tower and serves flavorful cocktails and cuisine
• The hotel’s location on the top floors of a high rise in Pudong, which affords each room panoramic views
• The large swimming pool and fitness center on the 53rd floor

The rapid development of Pudong into Shanghai’s financial center brought with it a bevy of luxury hotels, most notably the Ritz-Carlton Shanghai Pudong, which occupies the top floors of a 58-story skyscraper just a few blocks from the iconic Oriental Pearl TV Tower (from the rooftop bar, you feel as though you can touch the Disney-esque structure). In fact, the hotel seems to draw inspiration from the monumental buildings that surround it; each room boasts spectacular views, an Art Deco décor in a nod to Shanghai’s historic Bund and thoughtful touches like shimmery pink accents, which draw out the Pearl Tower’s subtle pink sheen.

Opened in 2010 during the World Expo, the Ritz-Carlton Pudong welcomes guests at its 52nd-floor Sky Lobby, where the cocooning experience begins. The exquisite lobby boasts the requisite city views and the Aura Lobby Lounge is available for those who wish to linger upon arrival, perhaps for afternoon tea, when pastries in the shapes of the city’s iconic monuments are served with live jazz. The rooms all feature elements of Shanghainese Art Deco elements, an interpretation of the style that came to the city in the 1930s. Everything from the room numbers to antique phone boxes and marble and onyx furnishings recalls the early 20th-century design trend, giving guests a hotel experience that is intrinsically tied to the destination. But not every detail is a nod to the city’s history—each room sports state-of-the-art technology, with a user-friendly panel of buttons to control the lights by each bedside, ample outlets and cushy mattresses with Frette linens. The club-level rooms have special access to the Club Lounge, which is open 24 hours and offers light bites and meals.

On-property dining and pampering amenities abound. The Italian restaurant, Scena, is open all-day serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. To stay with the local cuisine, guests can opt for Jin Xuan Chinese restaurant on the 53rd floor, which serves Cantonese and regional favorites. On the topmost floor is Flair Bar, a destination in itself thanks to the memorable design (done by star interior firm Super Potato) and views—the Pearl Tower seems almost close enough to touch from the al fresco terrace (the highest outdoor dining venue in Shanghai). The hot spot attracts stylish locals and visitors, with fun cocktails and its menu of Southeast Asian bites and sushi. The 53rd-floor gym and pool are worth a look even if you’re not going to exercise: both afford great views of the city. There is a wonderful spa on 55th floor, which uses ESPA and Valmont products, and boasts an indulgent relaxation room for relaxing before or after your treatment.

Business travelers who will be spending the majority of their time in Pudong.