As the temperature in Shanghai skyrockets, it becomes a challenge to keep the family cool, fed and entertained. Consider planning an easy getaway – a staycation in one of the city’s many luxury hotels.
With a newer and better hotel seemingly opening every week, you’ll be spoilt for choice. We recently spent a weekend at the Bellagio, followed by a stay at the W a few weekends later. The two hotels couldn’t have been more different- think Frank Sinatra vs Andy Warhol. While we dug the luxurious, old-school vibe the Bellagio had going on, there was definitely more of a family fun vibe at the W.
FUEL
The big draw at the W is the gorgeous pool facilities. Swimming with a view of the Pudong skyline is the new must-have Instagram photo – it’s already practically a Shanghai right of passage.
Considering the competitiveness of the lounge bed situation on busy weekends, don’t let the amazing indoor spa facilities distract you. Get outside ASAP to claim your seat, and save the indoor hot tubs, sauna and steam rooms for later. Try to make time to drop into the Away Spa for one of the W’s signature treatments. And if you can manage to foist the kids on some friends for a few hours, the couple’s rooms are not to be missed.
There are gorgeous views of the river and Lujiazui throughout the hotel. When booking your room, the website offers clear room descriptions so you can be sure you’ve chosen something with a Bund view. Also worth noting is that some rooms include a complimentary evening cocktail hour in the Liquid at Yen bar. In addition to cocktails, there is a modest buffet of cheeses and hors-d’oeuvres. Depending on how much kids eat, you might be able to get them fed for free!
Indulge
Other dining options include the Yen, the Cantonese restaurant, and Kitchen Table. The latter is where the buffet breakfast is served, the standard mix of Asian (noodles, sushi) and Western choices.
Sunday is when the Social Retox brunch is held. Make sure to get reservations, as this event seems to be at the top of everyone’s social calendar and it books up fast. If you can snag a table, enjoying the food and free flow while listening to the DJ. It makes the perfect ending to your Shanghai staycation.
If you love staying in the fanciest digs and eating at the most local spots, try a W stay paired with our Shanghai Night Eats food tour. It’s a winning combination for that post-tour food coma.
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