After a full-on few days in Beijing, followed by a bullet train back down south, arriving into Shanghai felt like a bit of a reset.
And checking into Hyatt on the Bund at that point? It was exactly what we needed.
Because, when you’re deciding where to stay in Shanghai, you’re not just booking a room. You’re choosing how you experience the city.
We dropped our bags, walked straight to the window… and there it was. The skyline. The river. The city stretching as far as the eye can see.
If you’re looking for the best hotel with a view of the Bund, this is how you where you want to stay.
Why the Hyatt on the Bund Is the Best Hotel with a View of the Bund
If your main goal is finding the best hotel with a view of the Bund, location and positioning matter more than anything.
The Bund is where Shanghai really shows off. And the Hyatt on the Bund has a bit of an edge.
- Positioned slightly north of the main Bund strip
- Elevated views across the Huangpu River
- Less obstruction from surrounding buildings
Which means you’re not just near the skyline, you’ve got one of the best uninterrupted hotel views of the Bund in Shanghai.
The Rooms: Space, Comfort and That View
After a long travel day, this was exactly the reset that we needed.
The rooms at the Hyatt on the Bund are exactly what you want after moving between cities or if you’ve just arrived in Shanghai after a long flight:
- Spacious and quiet
- Large, comfortable beds
- Floor-to-ceiling windows
But let’s be honest, you’re here for the view.
Book a Bund View Room or a Pearl Tower View Room and you’re waking up to what is easily one of the best hotel views of the Bund in Shanghai.
Morning haze, golden hour, full neon at night. It changes constantly and becomes part of the experience rather than just something you see once. I won’t lie, it was hard to tear ourselves away from our room – but Shanghai was calling and that’s a call you won’t want to miss.
How Much Does the Hyatt on the Bund Cost (And How to Book the Best Room with a View of the Bund)
If you’re researching where to stay in Shanghai and specifically looking for the best hotel with a view of the Bund, price is going to be part of the decision.
What We Paid for a Pearl Tower View at Hyatt on the Bund:
At the Hyatt on the Bund, we paid:
- ¥1550 per night (Member rate)
- King room
- Direct Oriental Pearl Tower view
This is one of the best rooms with a view of the Bund you can book at the hotel, and in our case, it was worth it.
You’re not just paying for a bed here. You’re paying for waking up to one of the most iconic skylines in the world. It just so happens to be an uber-comfortable room, filled with lovely amenities, and staffed by the most friendly people.
How to Book the Best Hotel with a View of the Bund
If you want to secure one of the best hotel rooms with a view of the Bund without blowing your budget, booking strategy matters.
I booked directly through the World of Hyatt app after researching across many sites:
- Signed up to the Hyatt Member programme
- Got access to a preferential member rate
- Super easy to use
- Flexible date changes
It’s one of the simplest ways to lock in a good rate, especially if you’re travelling on fixed annual leave or travelling over a busy festival season like we did.
Which Room Should You Book?
If your goal is the best hotel with a view of the Bund, this is important.
- Go for a Bund / skyline-facing room
- Prioritise Oriental Pearl Tower views
- Choose higher floors where possible
We opted against the club room and breakfast too.
Why?
Because it didn’t offer a better view. And honestly, the last thing we needed was another reason not to leave the hotel. The view alone made it hard enough. We found a little hole-in-the-wall spot not too far from Nanjing Road East that served us up the most delicious youtiao and doujiang (A traditional Shanghainese breakfast) – in addition to a few laughs. The lady working there was so interested in us, that she let her pot overbuild which caused a little chaos! I almost jumped out of my skin when her husband shouted over to her!
Important Booking Tip (Read this before booking Hyatt on the Bund)
This is something I haven’t seen mentioned much, but it matters.
After booking the Hyatt on the Bund, I noticed a few days later that my card hadn’t been charged.
I emailed the hotel directly to confirm the booking was secure (no way I was risking losing that room).
Here’s what I learned:
- Payment is sometimes completed via Alipay
- Or you may need to fill in a payment authorisation PDF before arrival
If you don’t complete this step, you could risk your booking not being fully secured. I felt a little nervous doing this step, as it felt a little less than secure, but it worked, and I haven’t thought about that since.
Is the Best Hotel with a View of the Bund Worth the Price?
For a best hotel with a view of the Bund experience, this sits in that “worth it for a short stay” category.
You’re getting:
- A prime location
- One of the best skyline views in Shanghai
- A hotel that actually adds to the trip
If you’re only in Shanghai for a couple of nights, this is the kind of place that makes those nights count.
As I mentioned on my Budget Travel post, budget travel isn’t always about hostels and ‘slumming it’. You can prioritise your budget and weave in some luxury moments too. We saved some money elsewhere by eating locally, and booking some cheaper accommodations in Beijing. Thankfully, Qingdao is a cheaper city in general, so we lucked out with a hotel there with another iconic view for a lot less money.
The Facilities: More Than Just a Hotel with a View of the Bund
A lot of hotels rely on the view and stop there. Hyatt on the Bund doesn’t.
The Pool & Spa
After travelling across China, having access to proper downtime makes a difference.
- Indoor pool with skyline views
- Spa facilities for recovery after long travel days
- Gym if you’re feeling motivated (we weren’t, but it’s there)
It’s the kind of setup that lets you slow things down for a few hours before heading back out into the city.
The VUE Bar: One of the Best Views in Shanghai
This is a big one.
The VUE Bar at the Hyatt on the Bund is one of the standout features of the hotel.
You’re up on the rooftop looking straight across at:
- Oriental Pearl Tower
- Shanghai Tower
- The full Pudong skyline
It’s easily one of the best rooftop views in Shanghai, and a big reason this is considered one of the best hotels with a view of the Bund.
Even if you’re not staying here, people come for this view alone.
The Room Details: Comfort That Matches the View
The views might be the headline, but the room itself more than holds its own.
At Hyatt on the Bund, everything feels properly thought through:
- Balmain Paris toiletries in the bathroom
- A coffee machine for slow mornings overlooking the skyline
- Electronic blinds (ideal when you don’t want to leave the bed just yet)
- Plush carpets and genuinely comfortable bedding
- Plenty of space to properly unpack and relax
It’s one of those rooms where you will actually want to spend time, which says a lot in a city like Shanghai.
And when you pair that level of comfort with one of the best hotel views of the Bund, it becomes more than just a place to sleep.
Location: Why This Area Works So Well
When figuring out where to stay in Shanghai, this is where things can make or break your trip.
The Hyatt on the Bund is based on the Puxi side, right by the Bund.
What this means for you:
- Walking distance to the waterfront
- Easy access to major sights
- Direct routes across to Pudong
Compared to staying in Pudong, this side feels:
- More atmospheric
- More walkable
- More aligned with what people picture when they think of Shanghai
If you want the best hotel with a view of the Bund, staying on this side is key.
Getting to the Hotel from Shanghai Airport
After a long journey, you want this part to be simple.
From Shanghai Pudong International Airport:
Maglev Train
- One of the fastest trains in the world
- Quick connection into the city and a short metro/Didi ride
Didi (Taxi App)
- Book via Alipay
- Direct to your hotel
We arrived early and opted for a nice walk and. After that kind of travel day, it was the easiest option. Straight to the hotel, no thinking required.
Who This Hotel Is Best For
If you’re searching where to stay in Shanghai and want something that genuinely adds to the trip, this is a strong option.
Best for:
- First-time visitors
- Short stays where location matters
- Anyone looking for the best hotel with a view of the Bund
- Trips where comfort and convenience are worth it
Is the Hyatt on the Bund Worth It?
If your priority is experience, yes.
You’re paying for:
- One of the best hotel views of the Bund in Shanghai
- A location that makes exploring easy
- Facilities that let you recharge
After a long trip, your mind and body will thank you.
FAQs: Where to Stay in Shanghai
What is the best hotel with a view of the Bund in Shanghai?
The Hyatt on the Bund is one of the best hotels with a view of the Bund thanks to its location, skyline-facing rooms and rooftop VUE Bar.
Are hotels with a view of the Bund worth it?
Yes, especially for short stays. Booking the best hotel with a view of the Bund turns your hotel into part of the experience, not just somewhere to sleep.
What area is best to stay in Shanghai?
The Bund area (Puxi side) is ideal for first-time visitors due to its central location, walkability and skyline views.
Does the Hyatt on the Bund have a pool and spa?
Yes. The hotel offers:
- Indoor swimming pool
- Spa facilities
- Fitness centre
Ideal for relaxing after long travel days.
What is the VUE Bar in Shanghai?
The VUE Bar is the rooftop bar at the Hyatt on the Bund, and is known for having one of the best panoramic views of the Shanghai skyline and the Bund.
How do you get from Shanghai Airport to the Bund?
- Maglev train for speed
- Didi via Alipay for ease
A direct transfer is usually the simplest option after a long flight.
Where is the Best Hotel with a View of the Bund in Shanghai?
If you’re deciding where to stay in Shanghai and want something that actually adds to your trip, then Hyatt on the Bund is a strong choice.
The views, the location, the facilities… it all comes together.
And after a long journey across China, walking into one of the best hotels with a view of the Bund is exactly the kind of arrival you want.
Why You Can Trust This Shanghai Best Hotel with a View of the Bund Guide
I don’t just write about places, I travel them properly.
Over the past few years, I’ve visited 45 countries, balancing it all around a full-time 9–5. That’s meant learning how to travel smarter, stretch budgets further, and prioritise experiences that are actually worth it.
I’ve explored close to 300 cities and regions, and most of my free time is spent planning, researching and finding the best spots for upcoming trips. Not just the obvious ones, the ones that make a trip stand out.
For this trip, I visited Shanghai, Qingdao and Beijing in April 2026 during Qingming Festival, navigating everything independently and on a strict, real-world budget.
China wasn’t my first experience in Asia either. I previously spent 7 weeks travelling across the region, so arriving here felt like building on that, not starting from scratch.
Every recommendation in this Best Hotel with a View of the Bund guide comes from that experience. What worked, what didn’t, and what’s actually worth your time when you’re trying to make the most of a short trip.
Last Updated on 5 hours ago by Ryan | Irish Travel Addict
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