Alila Shanghai

From the moment I checked in to the time I checked out, my stay at Alila Shanghai was truly memorable. Situated beside the historic Zhangyuan Shikumen compound and just a short walk from West Nanjing Road, the hotel offers a beautiful balance of cultural heritage, vibrant city life, and a tranquil urban retreat. I stayed in the Pavilion Suite, a spacious 73-square-metre corner suite featuring a sumptuous king bed, a separate living room, a walk-in wardrobe, and a beautifully appointed bathroom with a standalone bathtub and rainforest shower. The sweeping views of Shanghai’s cityscape added another layer of charm to the experience, while the thoughtful layout made the suite feel both luxurious and inviting. I also enjoyed the opportunity to unwind with the Gong Sound Bath at Chayan@5, a great wellness experience that brought a sense of calm to my busy schedule. Breakfast was excellent, with a wide range of Chinese, Japanese, and European options, all conveniently ordered à la carte at the table. Dinner at 500 Weihai Road was another highlight, showcasing Chinese seafood and Shanghai cuisine in an elegant setting. Beyond the exceptional overall experience, my stay was elevated by the warm hospitality and attentive service. I look forward to returning to Alila Shanghai to discover more of its beauty and experiences that I didn’t have enough time to explore during this visit.

Exceptional location. This hotel was originally built for Four Seasons before they decided to disengage from Shanghai. I think if you book ahead, it is one of the best value offering in Shanghai. Great Globalist perks - received upgrade from base room to a suite. Maybe only weak point is their limited breakfast selection. Very friendly staff.

I wrote a lengthy review on Tripadvisor but this hotel does not have much to do with luxury hotels. It treats itself too seriously for what it offers - the staff is young and inexperienced, they missed turndown service (or parts of it) for us multiple times during our 5 night stay. The room was extremely cold and they couldn’t fix it properly. Every time I called/messaged guest service it felt like a huge ordeal for them. It’s a new hotel and therefore fairly nice but otherwise the price isn’t really justified. We’ll be trying Puli and FS once they are finished instead for our next trips.

One of my favourite luxury stays in Shanghai. The location in Jing’an is excellent, with easy access to shopping, dining and the surrounding city. I loved the spacious rooms, serene Alila design and the overall sense of calm throughout the property. The indoor pool, spa and wellness facilities were also excellent. The service was warm and attentive, making the whole stay feel very effortless.