From Hangzhou's sprawling scenery and admirable infrastructure, the ride provided an unhindered view of Shanghai's equally formidable edifices and skyscrapers mixed with equally cared-for decor and waterfronts.
That's why when we were scheduled to visit The Bund, a highly-recommended attraction that's a fitting fusion of both worlds, I couldn't wait for it to happen.
Tutapel near the Orient Pearl Tower just opposite The Bund
We arrived at The Bund Hotel along Guangdong Road in the Huangpu District at nighttime. The hotel lighting, for instance, added a splash of elegance to the exterior, which was more of a necessity than sheer opulence.
As we maneuvered our luggage from the lobby to the lift and finally to the hallway, I couldn't help but remember that Hollywood film that underscored the importance of a "hotel's soul" when choosing accommodations.
Mark Harmon, the founder of Auberge Resorts, a chain of luxury boutique properties throughout North and Central America, even gave a speech about this concept in a TEDx Talk dubbed "The Soul of a Hotel."
The best way to discover this is to focus on how your room makes you feel.
Welcome to our room!
Our assigned room at The Bund Hotel in Shanghai
When we stepped inside the room, I initially thought the space was bigger than I expected. Though it looked dated, it still exuded an elegant feel thanks to the furniture choice and accessories.
What I assume to be the Deluxe Room at The Bund Hotel in Shanghai
Tutapel's Customary Pose at The Bund Hotel in Shanghai
Tutapel browsing through a magazine inside The Bund Hotel in Shanghai
Chillaxin' at The Bund Hotel in Shanghai
What's new, Tutapel?
The Deluxe Bathroom
A large bathroom was undoubtedly something to be glad about. The gleaming white tub was a welcome sight, as well as the clean glass-encased shower.
Yeah, baby, there's a tub at The Bund Hotel in Shanghai.
Glass-encased shower at The Bund Hotel in Shanghai
The Bund Hotel Resto
The Bund Hotel offered appetizing breakfast spreads that fused Western and Chinese dishes. Our palates appreciated this hotel's food choices, textures, and tastes rather than the menu made available in our hotel in Hangzhou, which overflowed with unfamiliar spices and veggie dishes.
Gorgeous Resto Inside The Bund Hotel in Shanghai
The place to be for special brekkie requests at The Bund Hotel Resto in Shanghai
Fresh Salad Bar at The Bund Hotel Resto in Shanghai
Refreshing Watermelons at The Bund Hotel Restaurant in Shanghai
Scrumptious Waffles at The Bund Hotel Restaurant in Shanghai
Butter & Jelly Station at The Bund Hotel Restaurant in Shanghai
Cereals Bar at The Bund Hotel in Shanghai
Wet Bar at The Bund Hotel in Shanghai
Meats and Cheese Section at The Bund Hotel Restaurant in Shanghai
A Closer Look at the thinly-sliced Meats at The Bund Hotel Restaurant in Shanghai
A Closer Look at my favorite chunk of Blue Cheese at The Bund Hotel Restaurant in Shanghai
Sushi & Sauces at The Bund Hotel Restaurant in Shanghai
Warm, toasty, and flaky croissant at The Bund Hotel Restaurant in Shanghai
A Basket of Sweet Bread at The Bund Hotel Restaurant in Shanghai
I just love good old-fashioned bacon with white bread! Yum!
Hot Food Buffet Section at The Bund Hotel Resto in Shanghai
What's not to like about sweet potatoes and corn?
Steamed Buns (Cuapao) reminiscent of that scene where San Chai gave Dao Ming Si these delish pieces of bread during their date
Hard-boiled eggs galore @ The Bund Hotel Resto in Shanghai
Brekkie Plate # 1:
Hoarding on Fresh Salads with my fave croissant on the side washed down by a glass of tomato juice.
Aside from good food, The Bund Hotel staff proved friendly and accommodating, suggesting new places to visit and hot spots to check out.
The Bund Hotel
Address: 525 Guangdong Rd, Huangpu Qu
Shanghai Shi, China 200001
Phone Number: +86 21 6352 2000
