The second Andaz Shanghai has arrived in the heart of the city's commercial district, bringing together contemporary design, strong Shanghainese influences and a convenient city-centre location. After two nights at Andaz Shanghai ITC, we found it to be a particularly convenient choice for families, couples and business travellers looking for a modern city hotel without unnecessary fuss.
Shanghai is a city where location can make a significant difference to your stay, particularly when you're hoping to spend your time exploring rather than travelling back and forth between the hotel and the places you want to see.
The recently opened Andaz Shanghai ITC, the second Andaz outpost in the city, is situated within Shanghai's commercial hub, making it a convenient base for business travellers as well as families and couples wanting to be close to the action.
With 267 design-focused rooms incorporating strong local Shanghainese influences, the hotel manages to feel distinctly urban while still offering guests a sense of escape once they retreat back into their room. During our two-night stay, we experienced one of the hotel's twin-bed room layouts, which proved to be particularly well suited to our family of four.
Our twin bedroom felt cocooning and comfortable, with design details throughout that gave the space a distinctly contemporary character. Notable features include the striking artwork on the walls, alongside smaller touches such as the statement headboard and a little nook that transformed into our favourite coffee spot during the day.
The real highlight, however, was the generous terrace overlooking Shanghai.
For a city hotel, having this additional outdoor space makes a noticeable difference. It became the perfect place to enjoy a drink in the evening while soaking in the skyline, especially after a day spent exploring the city.
The room also comes with a number of thoughtful amenities, including BYREDO Eleventh Hour bathroom products, a Dyson hairdryer, complimentary snacks and beverages in the minibar, and electric curtains. The latter were particularly appreciated after a long flight or busy day when all you crave for is complete darkness and a good night's sleep.
For families travelling with children, the twin-bed configuration also worked seamlessly, providing a comfortable setup without feeling cramped.
Andaz Shanghai ITC takes its food seriously. A particular highlight for us was dining at East Wing, where Shanghainese cuisine reigns supreme.
Meals here serve as a wonderful introduction to the breadth of Shanghainese cuisine, with a balanced selection of soups, cold and hot appetisers, vegetables, and rice dishes jostling for attention on the menu. The dishes we sampled were all teeming with flavour, with the sharing element adding an extra dimension that enabled us to feast on multiple small plates.
Breakfast is served each morning at East Wing. The buffet format offers a comprehensive selection of both local and Western breakfast dishes, ensuring there is something to suit every palate.
Beyond this, the hotel also has a West Wing, which offers a European and Shanghainese deli and wine bar, while the Rooftop Bar focuses on premium teas, tea-based cocktails and other mixologist creations.
For a city hotel, Andaz Shanghai ITC's facilities are seriously impressive.
Chief among these is the 25-metre lap pool which is nestled on the fifteenth floor and offers breathtaking views across Shanghai. Guests looking to squeeze in a few laps should venture to the pool either early in the morning or as evening approaches when there's a calmer, more serene feel to the space.
For those looking to work up a sweat, there is also an on-site fitness centre equipped with Technogym machines for both cardio and strength training.
Although there isn't currently a spa within the hotel itself, its central location means guests are spoiled for choice when it comes to wellness experiences. Speak to the hotel team and they'll happy recommend spas within walking distance or a short taxi ride away.
On the service front, the pace occasionally felt rushed and distracted, especially in the lobby area and during breakfast service. It's worth mentioning, however, that our stay coincided with an event, meaning the hotel was experiencing a particularly busy period!
While English proficiency varied amongst staff, we found that there was always someone available to assist when needed, with the team making every effort to help us throughout our stay.
What really stood out to us was the comfort and design of the hotel rooms. After a busy day exploring Shanghai, it was lovely to return to a cocooning space, retreat onto the terrace and simply take in the city in all its glory.
Ultimately, Andaz Shanghai ITC's central location, contemporary design and Shanghainese influences make it a convenient base for navigating the city, while the comfortable rooms, generous terrace spaces and thoughtful amenities provide a welcome retreat at the end of the day.
For families, couples and business travellers who prefer an upscale hotel that feels modern without being overly formal or ostentatious, it ticks plenty of boxes.
Ruth was a guest of Andaz Shanghai ITC.
For those planning more than just a weekend in Shanghai, IFC Residence offers something many luxury hotels cannot - a genuine sense of home. Combining spacious apartment-style living with five-star hotel service, it has become our top recommendation for families, business travellers and anyone wanting to experience Shanghai comfortably without compromising on luxury.
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