Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai
Spacious Pudong rooms featuring floor-to-ceiling views of the Huangpu River and the Bund near Lujiazui.
The verdict
Pick a traveller type to re-weight the scores and re-rank the rooms around what you actually care about.
Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai provides large, clean accommodations overlooking the Bund and the Huangpu River. The property handles large crowds efficiently, offering quick check-in, swift elevator service, and upscale touches like heated bathroom tiles. However, guests report severe frustration with room climate control when local management refuses to turn on the AC. 1971217
Every line below traces back to something a traveler actually wrote — open a line to read the original sentence and follow it to the source.
What travelers noticed
- Floor-to-ceiling windows provide calming, expansive views of the Huangpu River, passing boats, and the Bund. 4195
- Large bathrooms impress visitors with practical additions like soaking bathtubs, two sinks, and heated floor tiles. 197
- The bedding, pillows, and mattresses are consistently praised as high-quality and comfortable for sleeping. 4
- The central hub of elevators transports guests quickly and smoothly despite the building holding hundreds of rooms and suites. 7
The catch
- Some visitors appreciate being close to Lujiazui metro and Binjiang Park, while others find the property a bit of a walk to the subway station. 16185
- While the lounge spread is lauded for substantial evening snacks and homemade cakes, some guests feel the hot evening food is generic and hotelly compared to restaurants outside. 10
Who it's for
- — Travelers seeking river and Bund views
- — Guests who appreciate spacious bathrooms with soaking tubs
- — Visitors wanting a full-service hotel near Binjiang Park
Skip it if
- — Travelers sensitive to room temperature who need guaranteed air conditioning year-round
- — Visitors who dislike walking to the nearest subway station
Seen on camera
1 moments · 1 video · Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai
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“the location of the hotel is attractive and get now walking around the neighborhood”
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Paying $5 more direct is likely worthwhile if you value GHA DISCOVERY points, status credit, or on-property benefits.
Prices shown are an estimated range, not a live quote — the booking site confirms the real rate for your dates.
This sits inside our estimated range for this hotel.
Confidence: low · modelled estimate, not a live quote. Check the supplier for the real rate on your dates.
Score breakdown
How the 100/100 is built, category by category — each one with the strongest thing travelers actually said, and the source it came from.
Bathroom
93Food
93Location
92Room
91- “You may get better city views from your room at the Radisson Blu, which is also a larger and taller hotel, and with the landmark "Blu" glass-domed lounge on the roof providing spectacular city views.” 16
- “Had a club room with river view - loved it! (if I give my husband a view of boats, he's always happy - just like a 5 yr old :p)” 16
Service
89Bed & Sleep
93- “The bedding, pillows and mattress are all high-quality and super comfortable.” 4
Value
86Where it is, how to reach it
Details read from tripadvisor.com · checked 2026-08-24
Stay value
How this property reads against the hotels we cover alongside it. Measured on review evidence, not on a nightly rate.
Beats what $ usually buys
Scores 12 points above the modest median of 88, across 103 hotels in the same bracket. In Shanghai it sits 2 points above the local median of 98.
- This hotel
- 100
- Bracket median
- 88
- Index median
- 90
Based on 103 comparable hotels.
Which room to ask for
What reviewers say about where to sleep inside this building — by room number where one is named, and otherwise by floor, wing, aspect and position. Every line opens onto the quotes behind it.
- 5 mentions
- 4 mentions
- 1 mention
- 1 mention
- 1 mention
No location within the hotel draws repeated complaints yet.
Where travelers agree — and don’t
The topics reviewers split on most. A wide bar means your experience depends on which room you get — or whose opinion you trust.
View the 77 things travelers said behind this verdict▾
Quotes run exactly as travelers wrote them — spelling and all. We trim for length, never for tidiness.
- “Royal Plaza on Scotts in near the Orchard Road station. We stayed there for several nights last year. It is a five star hotel with a great price ($175 per night).” 16
- “The Park Hyatt also has a great Cantonese restaurant on about 87F with a bargain lunch menu.” 8
- “However, the Pudong Shangri-La is an excellent deal if you can book it through AMEX FHR, which gives you $100 f&b credit/stay.” 12
- “Sofitel Hyland is my choice for family members and friends visiting Shanghai as they have agreed that the rates are very fair for such a good hotel in a good location.” 16
- “It's a sight which you won't tire of! We now stay at the Grand Kempinski which is very reasonable/great value and while it isn't the best hotel in town, it ticks every box for us.” 10
- “jiaxuanz • 2y ago Portman and Pudong Shangri-La are older hotels with somewhat dated rooms and facilities. However, the Pudong Shangri-La is an excellent deal if you can book it through AMEX FHR, which gives you $100 f&b credit/stay.” 12
- “Hilton must have got some special deal on bad repro furniture (and not even in Chinese style) as the whole place is awash with it, bizarrely even in the modern building and it's all looking a bit tired.” 10
- “Able-Worldliness8189 • 2y ago Local ownership that demands management delivers shit. It's bad, it is that bad that twice they wouldn't turn on the AC because.. who needs AC in their room right?” 12
- “The Executive Lounge gave us access to yet another impressive view of the Huangpu River and complimentary WiFi in our room (not as dependable) and the Executive Lounge (strong signal).” 7
- “You may get better city views from your room at the Radisson Blu, which is also a larger and taller hotel, and with the landmark "Blu" glass-domed lounge on the roof providing spectacular city views.” 16
- “The comfortable Deluxe Bund view room that I stayed in at Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai for three nights offers a calming view of the Huangpu River.” 19
- “Had a club room with river view - loved it! (if I give my husband a view of boats, he's always happy - just like a 5 yr old :p)” 16
- “Local ownership that demands management delivers shit. It's bad, it is that bad that twice they wouldn't turn on the AC because.. who needs AC in their room right?” 12
- “I confess I took over the work desk (big space and great place to connect), but for the short time we stayed here, we literally co-mingled our electronics to keep plugged in and charged.” 7
- “The decor was impressive, almost contemporary art museum quality, and I couldn't help but notice the numerous Chihuly pieces.” 7
- “Park Hyatt Pudong has a bar on the 90th floor with good views. Can't speak to the room views though.” 12
- “The room has ample of space, and it covers almost 43-square-meter in dimensions.” 19
- “The larger room was comfortable for the two of us, with plenty of space to spread our belongings.” 7
- “Cantonese restaurant Suntime Century is housed in a lavish space with Chef Zhang preparing flavourful Cantonese dishes.” 4
- “Breakfast in the main restaurant was excellent; on our very early start for birding, they provided takeout boxes so we could pack a picnic.” 8
- “There's also a big dining area with views of the Pearl Tower for full buffet and à la carte breakfast, afternoon tea and substantial evening food including excellent home made cakes and chocolates as well as hot and cold buffet dishes.” 10
- “The hotel boats spectacular city views, a choice of luxurious guest rooms and suites and a host of on-site bars and restaurants.” 17
- “The regular breakfast is extremely varied. Wouldn't miss it for a more limited lounge offering.” 10
- “The Park Hyatt also has a great Cantonese restaurant on about 87F with a bargain lunch menu.” 8
- “Cantonese restaurant Suntime Century is also a favourite of mine as it offers a tantalising menu of textures, tastes and aromas.” 19
- “Looking for Italian cuisine? At lunch and dinner, Acqua offers amazing pastas, fish, meats, soups and desserts by award-winning Chef de Cuisine Marco Erba with a view.” 4
- “The breakfast menu is extensive, and I opted for comfort foods like congee and soup dumplings which were scrumptious and a delight for warming tummies.” 19
- “Breakfast in the main restaurant was excellent; on our very early start for birding, they provided takeout boxes so we could pack a picnic. Service was amazing throughout.” 8
- “Every dish was different and showcased Chef's culinary craftsmanship in just the minute details.” 19
- “The hot evening food is a bit hotelly, nothing like the fantastic calibre of food outside the hotel, so a shame to use the lounge for dinner although that's possible in terms of quantity.” 10
- “Also included were daily complimentary food and beverage services: impressive breakfast buffet with local Chinese dishes as well as traditional American breakfast; afternoon tea; and evening happy hour.” 7
- “Nanjing Road East is like Oxford Street and isn't a location I would choose in Shanghai...” 10
- “The Mandarin sort of is and sort of isn't in a non-centric place, but for us it's a brilliant location although having stayed there, we didn't think it's quite up to scratch and the rooms a bit cramped.” 8
- “@Michael C - I don't know that new Hilton but it's in a really poor and very ugly location and right by the Yan'an elevated highway, one of the busiest/noisiest arteries in the city.” 8
- “Both hotels offer spectacular views, better than most in the city. There are lots of nice hotels, but so many, like the Regent (ex Four Seasons) are very much in no man's land and for us location matters a lot in Shanghai.” 8
- “I've stayed at the Portman too but not since 2019 so can't speak about the remodel but the area is pretty nice, close to a lot of high end stores if that's your jam” 12
- “Jing'an St. Regis has a good location, but the service could be better.” 12
- “Sofitel Hyland is my choice for family members and friends visiting Shanghai as they have agreed that the rates are very fair for such a good hotel in a good location.” 16
- “I agree with Ashland, we have stayed at this hotel and the location is great.” 16
- “The hotel is a short stroll from many landmarks, with easy access to Lujiazui metro station and convenient vehicular access to the new tunnel linking Pudong with Xinjian Road.” 5
- “I especially liked the night views from Havana Bar, that's located on the 30th floor of the hotel - you can get 270º views of the Oriental Pearl Tower, Lujiazui financial district and the Bund.” 19
- “Convenient location within walking distance of shopping areas and major attractions like Pearl Tower” 21
- “the location of the hotel is attractive and get now walking around the neighborhood” On camera220:06
- “Floor-to-ceiling windows draw in the light, offering stunning river and downtown views.” 4
- “Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai is ideally located in the Luijazul financial district, offering top faculties and amenities for business and leisure travellers.” 17
- “We found Shanghai Marriott Marquis City Centre comfortable, ridiculously clean and close to the stuff we wanted to see and do. Also great (slightly distant, but still great) views of the Bund (if Gold / you ask nicely).” 8
- “The Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai is located in the heart of Asia's financial centre, overlooking the Huangpu River. Its location allows guests easy access to major landmarks and tourist attractions.” 7
- “The one downside is it's a bit of a walk to a subway station -didn't bother us to walk but do be aware.” 16
- “It actually looks nice to me, so as to be able to do 20-/30-minute walks a day? We found Shanghai Marriott Marquis City Centre comfortable, ridiculously clean and close to the stuff we wanted to see and do.” 8
- “Regis has a good location, but the service could be better.” 12
- “Regis has a good location, but the service could be better. I keep hearing they are not what one would expect from the brand.” 12
- “Truly enjoyed being not very far from Lujiazui subway station.” 18
- “The Portman refreshed their rooms over 2019-2020, I always found them a little stuffy, but they have the best service in the city.” 12
- “Ladies in Red' ambassadors are professional but may feel formal; approach them if you need assistance or information during your stay” 21
- “Extremely comfortable, much bigger than average sized rooms, great staff/service, tip top lounge, wonderful views, interesting collection of Cuban art, close to Lujiazui metro and one of the very few ferry crossing points, right on the long riverside walkway with unparalleled Bund views.” 10
- “My late afternoon arrival allowed for no-wait check-in and within minutes I was in the elevator and in my room.” 7
- “The hotel was DELUXE, with great views and service.” 18
- “The Puli is next to the Shangri-La and also next to the Yan'An elevated highway, like staying by the Chiswick flyover. Most hotels in Shanghai are modern! The Puli was I think built for the Expo year in 2010. Personally, I'm not sure Jing'An is a very nice area to stay.” 8
- “Jing'an St. Regis has a good location, but the service could be better.” 12
- “I was working on my laptop and drinking tea and she was also working on her laptop having her first drink so our judgment was in no way impaired. We had to ask the staff came over and try to calm him down. It's unfortunate they weren't more proactive.” 20
- “The car service from the hotel seems a bit pricy and I am really not keen on getting a taxi as a first time visitor.” 10
- “Regis has a good location, but the service could be better. I keep hearing they are not what one would expect from the brand.” 12
- “Service was amazing throughout.” 8
- “Still, it makes for a comfortable and memorable stay as the staff there are equally attentive as they are gracious with their time.” 19
- “A swimming pool was lovely. Great staff.” 18
- “Regis has a good location, but the service could be better.” 12
- “From the moment you step into the grand lobby, right up until check-out, a "Lady in Red" will be your helpful host throughout your stay, on standby and at the ready in their Chinese-styled red dresses.” 6
- “Excellent service from concierge desk” 21
- “New World is a very nice hotel but, in my opinion, in kind of a dull neighborhood.” 16
- “We stayed at the MO in December in a Club Mandarin river view king which was a perfectly adequate size for us with a slightly oblique view of the river and full on to the Oriental Pearl Tower.” 8
- “I like Indigo on the Bund. Great views of Shanghai's amazing skyline, but a little out of the way.” 8
- “With its skyline and stunning river views, the Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai was the perfect home base for exploring this historic city.” 7
- “Consider upgrading to rooms with river view for a more scenic experience” 21
- “The bedding, pillows and mattress are all high-quality and super comfortable.” 4
- “The one thing that stood out for me was the heated bathroom tiles which was a nice touch.” 19
- “The bathroom was also a surprise, large with a shower, tub, two sinks, and a door for privacy in the toilet, perfect for two.” 7
- “To rest my weary legs after a long day out, the bathtub is a nice addition for a warm soak.” 19
What we still don't know
What we can’t tell you yet, said plainly. These close as we read more coverage of this hotel.
- No reviewer has named an individual room number here yet.
- Nothing reliable said about room types.
- Nothing reliable said about building or wing.
- Nothing reliable said about which side it faces.
- Nothing reliable said about position on the floor.
- 24 sources carry no publication date, so we cannot tell how current they are.
Ask about Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai
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How much we read
Deep coverage · 57/100We read 24 sources for this property, and pulled 150 traveler insights worth knowing. Last checked 2026-08-24.
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Sources
Everything quoted on this page, grouped by traveler insights, outlets, and video & podcast. Counts beside each group show everything we’ve read of that kind; no one kind can carry the score on its own.
6 of 6 summary lines above are traced to specific quotes. The rest summarise the read as a whole rather than any single document.
View all 24 cited sources▾
Everything quoted on this page.
- 1Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghaitravelweekly.comReview siteDate not statedRead originaltravelweekly.com
- 2
- 3
- 4Grand Kempinski Shanghai: A Five-Star Luxury Stay With ...vancouverscape.comReview siteDate not stated4 quotes used
“Cantonese restaurant Suntime Century is housed in a lavish space with Chef Zhang preparing flavourful Cantonese dishes.”
Read originalvancouverscape.com - 5Grand Kempinski Luxury Hotel in Shanghaighadiscovery.comReview siteDate not stated3 quotes used
“Whether you prefer the dazzling skyline of the financial district, or the scenic Bund waterfront and Huangpu River, all 686 guestrooms benefit from beautiful views and tasteful contemporary décor.”
Read originalghadiscovery.com - 6Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai | Asia Dreamsasiadreams.comReview siteDate not stated4 quotes used
“Instead, the elegant fixtures of the hotel exude luxurious warmth, comforting yet humbly modern. Think velvety creams and rich mahoganies, complemented by sultry lighting and beautiful bouquets.”
Read originalasiadreams.com
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