The Waterhouse At South Bund

The classification of a hotel—and particularly a luxury hotel—as boutique, can understandably cause some apprehension. Will your accommodations be intimate and non-traditional or simply fall on the wrong side of quirky? The Waterhouse Hotel on Shanghai’s South Bund undoubtedly ups the ante among China’s boutique hotels. With only 19 guestrooms, the space feels cozy, but still contemporary and conceptual, thanks to the talented international design team that turned this former warehouse space into an elegant, architectural marvel. Guests should be sure to grab a drink on The Roof and a bite to eat at Table No. 1, where chef Jason Atherton serves up tasty modern European cuisine.

This 19 room boutique hotel is tucked away on the South Bund in a restored 1930’s factory. The entire first floor is dominated by the lobby decorated by exposed brick work and high ceiling. Table No.1, the hotel’s restaurant is a favorite amongst Shanghai residents. The design driven space is decorated by one of a kind pieces and random quotes spray painted to the floors and walls that adds to the adventure of exploring the space, there is more then one staircase to nowhere. I loved this added bit of whimsy but would imagine isn’t not for everyone. Majority of the clientele speared to be business travellers and creative types in Shanghai to check out the fashion or art scene. Added bonus as a traveller focused hotel, the restaurant serves breakfast day… so no matter when you get over your jet-lag there is always toast and eggs available to guests. The minimalistic décor in the rooms is complimented by an extremely comfortable bed and a bathroom that I would love to transplant into my apartment.. Many rooms look down on to the center courtyard with balconies so the rooms are all very well lit and the huge windows make the rooms very spacious. Be sure to check out the rooftop bar, appropriately named The Roof for an evening cocktail and a very memorable view of Shanghai.

In its first life The Waterhouse was a factory and it has stayed true to its history in its reincarnation as a hotel. There are areas of patchy brickwork, exposed beams and graffiti throughout the venue that encourage guests to think and discover the space. The first floor is home to the bar and restaurant, Table 1. An entire wall of Table 1 is glass that opens to an alfresco patio, so there’s no shortage of natural light. The hotel is decorated in minimalistic details, which give it quite a bit of character. The guest rooms all have large windows, and some of the rooms have a view of the courtyard… and of other rooms. This gives a self proclaimed “voyeuristic” feel to the property, but its nothing strange if you’re prepared for it. The Waterhouse is located in the Cool Docks, in the area of the South Bund. The Cool Docks are a new development, so it’s quieter than the hustle and bustle of the Bund. This also means that the hotel is a short cab ride away from most of the Shanghai attractions.

Bold contemporary revamp of a 1930s warehouse on the South Bund which reflects Shanghai's confidence as a major world city. As you might expect, the interior scheme is minimal, with the pieces of classic modern Scandinavian furniture as the focal point. Even if you don't stay here, pop in for a drink on the rooftop terrace.