A colossal international "giant cruise ship" has officially "docked" on the east bank of the Pujiang River (as seen in the above image). Yesterday, Hilton Group announced a new chapter for its luxury brand Waldorf Astoria Hotels and Resorts with the grand opening of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Shanghai's Qiantan area. This development makes Shanghai the third city globally, after Doha and Dubai, to host two Waldorf Astoria hotels, highlighting international giants' unwavering confidence in China's premium travel market.
The Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Qiantan is strategically located in the heart of the emerging international business district of Qiantan, offering an exceptional view along the banks of the Huangpu River. The hotel features a flowing linear architectural design and a dynamic facade that elegantly depicts a cruise ship gliding through the waters, reflecting both the hotel's prime riverside location and the vibrant, tranquil green surroundings.
Invested and constructed by the Lujiazui Group, the hotel is managed by the Hilton Group. The Qiantan International Business District, where the hotel is situated, has been under the leadership of Lujiazui Group since 2012, aiming to establish a world-class waterfront landmark. Currently, it boasts a diverse consumption space that integrates shopping, business, tourism, events, and performances.
"Shanghai has always been one of the most dynamic and captivating international metropolises in Asia," stated Alan Watts, President of Hilton Group Asia Pacific. "Having cultivated the Chinese market for decades, we are proud to introduce the timeless elegance and unique experience of Waldorf to this emerging area of Qiantan. The opening of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Qiantan not only sets a new benchmark for luxury services in Shanghai but also reflects our strong confidence in China’s high-end travel market."
Designed by the internationally renowned architectural firm KPF and with interior design spearheaded by Hong Kong's CCD, the hotel encapsulates the brand's centennial legacy through visionary design. The concept draws inspiration from the brand's 100-year heritage and Shanghai's distinctive Art Deco tradition, reinterpreted through a modern lens. Every detail within the hotel has been meticulously crafted to highlight exceptional quality. The iconic "peacock" element of the Waldorf brand, alongside the “sail” imagery inspired by Huangpu River cruise ships, is innovatively reinterpreted to create a unique spatial narrative. The craftsmanship and design aesthetics of China are cleverly presented here, forming a vibrant dialogue between East and West, history and modernity in a subtle yet stylish way.
The hotel offers 204 spacious and comfortable rooms and suites, starting at 52 square meters, with over 90% featuring full panoramic river views and spacious balconies. Some select suites also include outdoor hot tubs, providing guests with intimate and cozy relaxation spaces against the magnificent backdrop of Shanghai's skyline.
"The opening of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Qiantan marks another significant milestone in Hilton Group's luxury expansion in the Asia Pacific region," remarked Candice D'Cruz, Vice President of Luxury Brands at Hilton Group Asia Pacific. "From the successful launch of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Osaka to the glorious relaunch of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York, 2025 is undoubtedly one of the most strategically significant years for the Waldorf brand. The Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Qiantan continues this momentum, showcasing how the brand blends timeless elegance with innovative spirit, redefining modern luxury through sincere, personalized guest experiences."
In 2010, the Waldorf brand entered Asia Pacific with the opening of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel on The Bund in Shanghai, marking a pivotal moment in its global expansion. Over the past 15 years, leveraging its inherited luxury heritage and signature genuine elegant service, the Waldorf brand has successfully established five hotels in China, including those in Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, Xiamen, and the newly opened Qiantan.