Shanghai has always been a city of reinvention. Its historic waterfront, grand Art Deco buildings and traditional neighbourhoods exist alongside a skyline that seems to change by the year. Right in the middle of this fascinating contrast, The Shanghai EDITION (@editionshanghai) brings together the character of old Shanghai and the modern social energy for which the EDITION brand is known. Set just a short walk from the Bund, the hotel combines striking architecture, considered interiors, destination dining and a collection of bars that make it as much a place to spend an evening as somewhere to stay.
Created by hotelier Ian Schrager in collaboration with Marriott International, EDITION hotels are known for their individual identities, and Shanghai is no exception. The property occupies two distinct towers on Nanjing Road East, bringing together a historic building and a more contemporary structure. The result is a hotel with a strong architectural personality, where heritage details meet a distinctly modern approach to hospitality.
A Hotel Between Two Eras
The location is one of the hotel's defining features. At 199 Nanjing Road East, in the Huangpu District, The Shanghai EDITION is approximately a five-minute walk from the Bund. This places guests close to one of the city's most recognisable stretches of waterfront, where the historic buildings of Puxi face the illuminated towers of Pudong across the Huangpu River.
The hotel's architectural story is equally interesting. Its heritage building was originally constructed in 1929 as the home of the Shanghai Power Company, while the adjoining postmodern tower represents a later chapter in the city's development. Rather than treating these buildings as separate worlds, the hotel brings them together through a design that respects their contrasting identities.
Inside, the atmosphere is sophisticated but not overly formal. Contemporary furnishings, dramatic lighting, sculptural details and carefully selected materials create spaces that feel intimate despite the scale of the property. There is a distinct sense of theatre throughout, particularly in the public areas, where guests move between restaurants, lounges and bars that each have their own personality.
Rooms With a View of Shanghai
The Shanghai EDITION offers 145 rooms and suites, designed to provide a calm retreat above the movement of the city. The interiors combine light oak finishes, soft textures and understated contemporary furnishings, with large windows framing views across historic Shanghai and the modern skyline beyond.
The rooms feature spacious bathrooms with oversized soaking tubs, marble detailing and Le Labo amenities, including the hotel's exclusive scent. Photography by renowned Shanghai-born artist Wing Shya adds another layer of local character, with black-and-white images that capture the glamour and atmosphere of the city's past.
For guests looking for more room, the suites offer open-plan living and dining areas, light-filled bedrooms, walk-in wardrobes and large angled windows that are a distinctive feature of the tower's architecture. Some accommodation categories also feature oversized furnished terraces, creating an appealing private space above the city.
The most exclusive option is the Penthouse, which occupies the entire 25th floor. It offers a remarkable setting for private stays and gatherings, with generous entertaining space and a more residential atmosphere.
Whether travelling for business or a longer city break, the rooms offer a welcome contrast to Shanghai's busy streets. The best part is perhaps the view: watching the city shift from daylight into its evening lights is an experience in itself.
A Dining Scene With Its Own Personality
Food and drink are central to the Shanghai EDITION experience. Rather than relying on a single signature restaurant, the hotel has developed a collection of distinct venues, each with a different atmosphere and culinary direction.
Shanghai Tavern is the hotel's all-day dining restaurant, set within the historic Shanghai Power Company building. Its interiors retain and reinterpret original Art Deco features, including coffered ceilings and white marble-clad columns. A striking show kitchen and a nine-seat bar bring a more contemporary energy to the space. The menu focuses on modern European cuisine, with a social approach to dining that makes it suitable for both relaxed meals and longer occasions.
For Japanese food, YONE Restaurant & Bar is one of the hotel's most distinctive destinations. Located on the 27th floor, it takes inspiration from the Japanese word for rice and presents a modern interpretation of Japanese dining. Its dramatic bronze spiral staircase is an architectural feature in its own right, connecting the restaurant with the hotel's wider sense of theatrical design. The elevated position also offers impressive views across the Bund and the Pudong skyline.
The hotel's dining offering is complemented by several bars, each with its own mood. The Lobby Bar pays tribute to traditional Shanghai design, with custom plaster relief artwork inspired by the carved details found on Shikumen houses. It is an inviting place for afternoon tea, a classic cocktail or a quiet meeting away from the street outside.
Evenings Above the City
The bar programme is one of the hotel's biggest attractions, particularly for guests who enjoy a lively atmosphere and thoughtful cocktail menus.
Punch Room reimagines the atmosphere of a traditional private members' club. Inspired by London's historic punch houses, the intimate space features warm wood detailing and a more discreet mood. Its cocktail menu focuses on punch and creative interpretations of classic drinks, making it an appealing place to begin or end an evening.
Then there is ROOF, the hotel's open-air rooftop bar on the 29th floor. Reached via the hotel's grand spiral staircase and a passage lined with greenery, it opens onto panoramic views of Pudong from across the river. Climbing ivy, wooden trellises and comfortable seating give the terrace a relaxed atmosphere, while the skyline provides a spectacular backdrop after dark.
For a more private gathering, the Club Room offers the feel of an early twentieth-century social club, with lounge areas, a bar, screening room and karaoke facilities. It is a reminder that The Shanghai EDITION is not simply a place to sleep after exploring the city. Its social spaces are very much part of the experience.
A Spa and Fitness Experience Above the Streets
Amid the restaurants and evening entertainment, the hotel also offers a quieter side. The iSpa features six treatment rooms, including four individual rooms and two VIP suites, alongside sauna facilities and a dedicated relaxation area. Its approach combines Asian healing traditions with contemporary therapies and carefully selected products.
The indoor swimming pool provides another place to unwind, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering views over Nanjing Road. The fitness centre is open 24 hours, allowing guests to maintain their routines whenever their schedule permits. There is also an outdoor terrace designed for relaxation, yoga, tai chi and cardio activities.
It is a thoughtful balance for a hotel in such a central location: guests can move from the energy of the city to a more restorative environment without leaving the building.
Discovering Shanghai From Nanjing Road
Few locations make exploring Shanghai quite as straightforward as this one. The Bund is just a short walk away, and it is worth visiting at different times of day. In the morning, the waterfront offers a calmer perspective on the historic architecture; after dark, the illuminated Pudong skyline creates one of the city's most memorable views.
Nanjing Road itself is one of Shanghai's best-known shopping streets, with a mix of established department stores, international names and local businesses. A little further away, Yu Garden offers a different side of the city, with traditional pavilions, rock gardens and intricate architectural details. The surrounding Old City is a rewarding area for discovering local food and everyday street life.
For a more contemporary perspective, the former French Concession is worth exploring. Its tree-lined avenues, independent boutiques, cafés and restaurants offer a slower rhythm, while the city's galleries and museums reveal its creative side. Across the river, Pudong is home to some of China's most recognisable modern landmarks, including Shanghai Tower and the Oriental Pearl Tower.
Returning to the hotel after a day of exploration, perhaps for a drink at ROOF or dinner at YONE, makes the most of its central location and lively atmosphere.
The Shanghai EDITION captures the many sides of its destination without trying to simplify them. Its historic architecture, contemporary rooms, distinctive restaurants and collection of bars create a hotel with a strong sense of identity, while its position close to the Bund makes it an excellent base for discovering the city.
It is particularly appealing to travellers who enjoy hotels that offer more than accommodation: places where design, dining and social life are part of the journey. Spend the day exploring Shanghai's historic streets and modern landmarks, then return for Japanese dining above the skyline or cocktails on the rooftop. At The Shanghai EDITION, the city is not simply the view outside the window. It is part of the entire experience.
Official website: https://www.editionhotels.com/shanghai/