This 66-floor hotel opened in 2007 cuts a dramatic figure in the Shanghai skyline with its triangular tip. Well-located between the high-end shops along Nanjing Road and People's Square, the hotel towers over the neighboring Shanghai Museum.
Taxis are easy to hail or guests may opt to catch the subway from the adjacent People's Square station. Leisure travelers can reach the Bund by a 20 minute walk.
Attentive, well-dressed young men open vehicles and are extremely helpful with unloading luggage, but some still struggle with English which can make it difficult for them to act as translator with taxi drivers. Better to have the destination written out in Chinese character by the helpful, well-staffed concierge desk inside.
Guests enter at the ground level, but the lobby is on the 11th which may initially disconcert guests however the attractive, professional staff does their utmost to welcome arrivals amidst the sleek, modern marble lobby.
Access to Ai Mei, the Chinese restaurant best known for its dim sum, is through glass arches filled with lucky goldfish; windows overlook a bustling pedestrian street. At Allure the roasted lobster with risotto and luscious beef tenderloin with goose liver are among the dishes worth the culinary detour towards European fare.
Jet lagged travelers in particular will appreciate around-the-clock service at Le Bistrot on the lobby level where a decent breakfast buffet is well attended. Floors 64-66 offer spectacular urban views at 789 Nanjing Road, a smooth jazz club open until midnight for drinks and bar fare but the real draw here are the twinkling views.
The heated indoor pool is naturally lit and kept spotless, as is the gym which is open 24 hours. Steam and sauna facilities are available as well.
Novel are the fresh ingredients direct from the kitchen used to make the natural facials at the spa, like avocado or banana and yogurt, ideal during China's humid summers. 
Without windows, the 10th floor spa feels somewhat subterranean but spacious, neutral-tone treatment suites with roomy tubs are the ideal spot to linger over the spa's signature cinnamon tea. Spa lovers who want to try something local should opt for the China tuina massage of vigorous hand rolling and pinpointed pressing to unblock the body's "qi" or energy flow.
Visitors with more serious matters on their mind will be more than satisfied by the staff at the business center. Twelve meeting spaces and one large ballroom with floor-to-ceiling glass windows can accommodate around 800 people, all with state-of-the-art technology, wireless Internet access and audiovisual equipment available.
Speedy elevators whisk guests from the 11th floor lobby to chic, black lacquer framed mirror-lined hallways. All 770 bright and airy guest rooms boast floor-to-ceiling views. Higher floor vistas even catch sight of the Huangpo River and European buildings along The Bund.
Window facing 
glass-top desks allow business travelers to enjoy this fast moving city while being settled into the cushioned leather office chair, however only broadband Internet is available in the rooms, no Wi-Fi. A multitude of international outlets makes plugging easy.
Plush velvet couch and club chair plus a particularly inviting bed made with down duvet and oversized European square pillows round out these chic accommodations. Royal Club level floors add access to the usual executive amenities and the rooms boast better views.
Travelers seeking top-notch accommodation will be completely satisfied here whether checking in for business or pleasure. Views are distinctly better than at Four Seasons and prices are somewhat lower. However anyone seeking a more memorable and unique hotel experience should consider Hyatt on the Bund or JIA which are in the same general vicinity.
