“An industrial chic design hotel on the banks of the Huangpu river, with views of futuristic Pudong from its rooftop bar, the Waterhouse at South Bund is at once historic and modern, rough and luxe. Without doubt, the trendiest hotel in Shanghai. ”

Hotel review

The handiwork of the city’s star architects Neri and Hu, the Waterhouse – a gritty, concrete dockhouse that was formerly the 1930s headquarters for the Japanese army – is Shanghai’s most feted design hotel. Original architectural elements are offset with artworks by the likes of Tracy Emin and Arne Jacobsen; ‘rough luxe’ rooms, fitted out with pale wood, cutting-edge contemporary furniture, and glass-walled bathrooms, are like cosy, beautiful bunkers – many of them overlooking the Huangpu river and the famous Lujazui skyline. Admittedly, the hotel’s South Bunch location is relatively isolated, so unique design is very much its USP, although its excellent on-site restaurant Table No.1 is also a destination in itself.

John Ovans
John Ovans Review published: 2016-07-20

Recommended for

  • Other Activities

    • The historic town of Qībǎo is a stark juxtaposition to modern Shanghai.
  • Sights nearby

    • The Old Wharf and Yu Garden are both under five minutes walk.
  • Great walks

    • Shanghai's Artificial Beach is just a two minute walk away.
  • City Style

    • Chic minimalist interiors in a happening part of Shanghai.
  • Local markets

    • Huaihai Road is one of the city's major shopping areas.
  • Learning

    • Learn about Buddhism at the Jade Buddha Temple.
  • Restrictions on children

    • Children not permitted.
  • Riverside

    • Overlooking the Bund.
  • Designer

  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

  • Downtown

  • Views

  • Free wifi

  • Contemporary

  • Disabled access

  • Retro/Vintage

  • Chic

  • Boutique

Facilities

  • Rooms

    19 rooms in this hotel
  • Restrictions on children

    Children not permitted.
  • Walking distance restaurants

  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

  • Bar

  • Safe

  • Views

  • Free wifi

  • Wifi

  • In room music system

  • Satellite / Cable TV

  • Air conditioning

  • Concierge

  • Suites

  • Disabled access

  • 24 Hour room service

  • Room service

Activities

  • Other Activities

    • The historic town of Qībǎo is a stark juxtaposition to modern Shanghai.
  • Sights nearby

    • The Old Wharf and Yu Garden are both under five minutes walk.
  • Great walks

    • Shanghai's Artificial Beach is just a two minute walk away.
  • Local markets

    • Huaihai Road is one of the city's major shopping areas.
  • Learning

    • Learn about Buddhism at the Jade Buddha Temple.

Map & Location

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