China: The Waldorf-Astoria Shanghai

*In case you missed it, my first piece on my China trip went up on National Geographic here"

As I wrote in my Forbes piece on Ten Exotic Hotel Proposals, The Waldorf-Astoria Shanghai on the Bund "is perfect for those that thrive on Shanghai's futuristic excitement but want a taste of its legacy."  Come along for a view at this absolutely flawless hotel.

The Waldorf-Astoria Shanghai on the Bund at nightOne of my fellow travelers said The Waldorf-Astoria Shanghai on the Bund "moves you like a perfect Little Black Dress." And oh how it does.  From cocktails at The Long Bar (open since 1911) to a spectacular lobby with grand piano and cozy nooks to sit, I loved every minute of my stay. And especially my room, with a view of Pudong's skyline that I stared at every chance I got. The bathroom was the most high-tech of any hotel I've stayed at with a "TOTO" toilet--heated seat and control panel on the wall. Add in heated floors and incredible water pressure, and I wish it was eco-friendly to take 45-minute showers.

My roomMy desk, with view of Pudong beyondPudong, ShanghaiThe hotel is housed within two buildings, one historic (The Waldorf Club) and one new (The Waldorf Tower). The historic building (where the Long Bar is) was previously The Shanghai Club, the most exclusive club when Shanghai was the "Paris of the East" in the 20s and 30s. Because of the two buildings, there are two lobbies. I thought this would be confusing, but it seamlessly melds the past and future in a beautiful way.

Waldorf Club Lobby (Historic Building)

Waldorf Tower Lobby (New Building)

Cozy seating in Waldorf Tower lobby

Loved this open view of the hotel's restaurantMake sure you leave time for a nightly drink at The Long Bar, absolutely one of the world's best hotel bars.

Long BarI'd recommend booking a Tower room with Pudong View, like mine. I loved the rooms in the Waldorf Club and especially the original elevator still in use, but you can get a taste of that in The Waldorf Club lobby and Long Bar.  Here is a taste of the classic decor in a Club Room, versus the Tower Rooms.

Claw-footed tub & dressing tableLiving Area in a Waldorf Club RoomFour-postered Bed in Waldorf Club RoomI also toured one of the Presidential suites in the Waldorf Tower.

Bed in Presidential Suite

Office with a view in the Presidential Suite

Presidential Suite Bathroom

Presidential Suite

Fabulous view of the Bund from the hotel