Lonely Planet Review

Looming over Suzhou Creek is this classic Orwellian brick pile, with superb views over the north Bund, the Huangpu River and Pudong. Constructed to great fanfare in 1934 as an apartment block, it was later used to house American officers after WWII. The building is also commonly known as Shanghai Mansions (its name in Chinese).

Sporadic refurbishment has preserved some of the dignity of this Art Deco monument, but it's a bit hit-and-miss and service can be perfunctory. Seek out the refurbished rooms and aim for the pricier Bund-facing doubles (with the best views) on higher floors or one of the tastefully furnished executive guest rooms (don't pick a room facing north). On the map it may seem a bit stranded on the wrong side of Suzhou Creek, but the Bund is a mere stroll away, you can evade the relentless hustle and bustle of Nanjing Rd, and the surrounding area has its more honest charms compared to the flashier parts of Shanghai.