Stay here: Alila Shanghai

What’s the deal?

Blink and you might miss the discreet entrance to Alila Shanghai – but that’s precisely the point. 

Alila Shanghai is a masterclass in urban serenity. Standing at the centre of the action on Nanjing West Road in Jing’an, one of Shanghai’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, it offers a rare kind of stillness amid the bustle. Step outside and you’re enveloped by Zhangyuan’s shikumen compound-turned-shopping area, luxury shops and a kaleidoscope of dining options spanning trendy cafés, innovative bakeries and Michelin-starred indulgences. Step inside, the city’s buzz gives way to a calming hush.

Rooms are designed with soft lines and muted tones. From our Neighbourhood View room, we see the tiled rooftops of old Shanghai lane houses brushing against gleaming modern structures: a living mural. Sustainability is woven into the stay – amenities are supplied on request, but a thoughtful sleep kit is a welcomed touch.

Food options are wide-ranging at Alila Shanghai. Mornings begin with breakfast that includes your choice of Chinese, Western or Japanese mains alongside nourishing buffet selections. Chayan@5 encourages guests to linger over afternoon tea, while The Secret Roof Bar transitions from coffee to cocktails with incredible views of Zhangyuan at any hour. Spot local celebrities at 500 Weihai Road as you savour Shanghainese classics and, come nighttime, the mood-shifting library is perfect for a night cap.

Why stay?

Reminders to slow down abound: a curated book selection placed by the bed; a pot of chrysanthemum blooming at the table. But Alila Shanghai takes tranquillity to another level with complimentary gong therapy sessions for all guests; sunrise sessions awaken the senses, while evening classes soothe the mind for a restful sleep. 

For additional R&R, treatments at Spa Alila blend modern techniques with traditional Eastern practices for holistic healing. And for those curious to connect more deeply with the city, Alila Moments offer specialised experiences, such as incense and Traditional Chinese Medicine workshops, which reveal Shanghai’s layered history, cultural quirks and unique perspectives.  

Cathay editors say… 

“Whether it’s your first or fifth visit to Shanghai, Alila Shanghai offers both easy access to the city and a serene escape. In a city that never truly sleeps, the hotel ensures that you do – and well.”