Andaz Shanghai ITC: A Stylish New Address with Old Shanghai Soul

The scent of osmanthus is what I remember most.

Not the panoramic city views stretching beyond my window. Not the beautifully appointed room that became my sanctuary after long days spent exploring Shanghai. Not even the giant bao that was the highlight of breakfast.

Instead, it is the delicate floral fragrance of osmanthus drifting through Andaz Shanghai ITC that lingers in my memory.

There is something fitting about that. Shanghai has always been a city of contrasts, where century-old lane houses stand in the shadows of gleaming skyscrapers, and where nostalgia and modernity exist side by side. It is a city that never stops reinventing itself, yet somehow never loses sight of its past.

That same spirit runs through Andaz Shanghai ITC.

Located within the newly developed ITC Xujiahui complex, the hotel draws inspiration from old Shanghai while embracing contemporary luxury. Nostalgic touches are woven throughout the property, from vintage-inspired design details to unexpected experiences that invite guests to slow down and savour the moment.

Over the course of my two-night stay, I found myself falling not only for the hotel itself, but for the rituals it created. Mornings began with leisurely breakfasts that stretched longer than planned. Days ended with a short Didi ride back to a room that felt remarkably like home. And in between were countless small discoveries that transformed what could have been an ordinary hotel stay into something far more memorable.

A Quiet Corner of Shanghai

Location is often a major consideration for travellers visiting Shanghai. Situated within the Xujiahui district, Andaz Shanghai ITC occupies an area that is clearly undergoing transformation. During my stay, several retail developments and shopping malls nearby were still preparing to open.

While some travellers might view that as a disadvantage, I found it rather refreshing.

The neighbourhood felt noticeably calmer than many of Shanghai’s more frenetic districts. Traffic was light, the streets felt less crowded, and there was an overall sense of space that can sometimes be difficult to find in a city of nearly 25 million people.

More importantly, getting around was effortless.

Didi rides were inexpensive and readily available, making it easy to reach Shanghai’s major attractions, restaurants and shopping districts within minutes. The quieter location never felt inconvenient. If anything, it offered a welcome respite from the city’s constant energy.

A Room I Couldn’t Wait to Return To

Luxury hotels often compete to impress with dramatic architecture and over-the-top amenities. Yet what I appreciated most about Andaz Shanghai ITC was how effortlessly comfortable it felt.

My room was spacious, elegant and thoughtfully designed. Floor-to-ceiling windows framed sweeping views of Shanghai’s ever-changing skyline. The interiors never felt cold or corporate. Instead, there was a warmth to the design that immediately put me at ease.

Unlike many city hotels where every square metre is carefully optimised, the room felt well-proportioned. There was space to work, space for dressing up, and space simply to lounge after a day spent navigating one of Asia’s busiest cities.

The bathroom was equally impressive. With its spa-like atmosphere and generous layout, it became a welcome retreat after hours spent exploring Shanghai’s museums, boutiques and restaurants.

Perhaps what impressed me most was that the room felt residential rather than transactional. It wasn’t merely a place to sleep. It was a place I genuinely looked forward to returning to every evening.

Breakfast Worth Waking Up For

If the room made me want to stay in, breakfast made me want to wake up early. In fact, breakfast quickly became the highlight of my stay.

The setting itself is part of the experience. East Wing is one of the most beautiful hotel breakfast venues I’ve encountered in recent years. The soaring double-height ceiling creates an immediate sense of grandeur, while the colour palette of rich teal and warm gold lends the space an understated glamour. In the morning, natural light floods the dining room, illuminating the gold accents and creating a warm glow that makes lingering over breakfast almost irresistible.

Despite its scale, the restaurant never feels intimidating. Instead, it strikes a delicate balance between elegance and comfort. The lofty proportions evoke the glamour of old Shanghai, while the contemporary furnishings keep the atmosphere relaxed and welcoming. It is the kind of space that encourages you to slow down, order another pot of tea and savour the morning rather than rush through it.

Breakfast takes the form of a semi-buffet concept. Guests can enjoy an extensive buffet spread while supplementing it with dishes ordered from an à la carte menu. It’s a format that combines the convenience of a buffet with the quality of freshly prepared dishes.

The buffet selection itself was extensive. Fresh fruits, pastries, salads and Western breakfast staples sat alongside an impressive array of Chinese specialities. Every morning felt like an opportunity to discover something new.

Then there was the oversized bao that was bigger than my fist. It was one of my favourite breakfast memories. Part theatre, part comfort food, it was a playful interpretation of one of Shanghai’s most beloved culinary icons.

But it was the osmanthus tea that truly stole my heart.

I had encountered osmanthus in desserts before, but had never paid much attention to it as a tea. During my stay, however, I found myself ordering it every single morning.

Light, floral and delicately fragrant, it became an essential part of my breakfast ritual. By the end of my stay, I had fallen completely in love with it.

East Wing: More Than Just a Breakfast Venue

The East Wing restaurant deserves recognition beyond its breakfast service. By evening, the space transforms into an elegant Chinese restaurant that celebrates local flavours in a sophisticated setting.

High ceilings, refined interiors and an abundance of natural light create an atmosphere that feels both contemporary and welcoming. Unlike some hotel restaurants that feel designed purely for convenience, East Wing feels like a destination in its own right.

Whether enjoying breakfast, lunch or dinner, there is a consistency to the dining experience that reflects the overall ethos of the hotel — polished, thoughtful and quietly confident.

Discovering the Hotel’s Quirky Personality

One of the joys of staying at Andaz Shanghai ITC lies in uncovering its many unexpected details. The hotel embraces nostalgia in a way that feels playful rather than forced.

One of my favourite discoveries was tucked away in the gym. Instead of the usual utilitarian design found in most hotel fitness centres, guests are greeted by a retro-inspired dressing table area that wouldn’t look out of place in an old Shanghai apartment.

It is a small detail, but one that perfectly encapsulates the hotel’s personality.

Even more surprising were the vinyl listening booths. In today’s world of Spotify playlists and wireless earbuds, the idea of dedicating space to vinyl records feels almost rebellious. Yet that is precisely what makes it so charming.

I found myself stepping inside one of the booths simply out of curiosity, only to linger longer than expected.

It was one of those rare hotel experiences that cannot be measured in points, upgrades or amenities. Instead, it creates a moment, and often those moments are what we remember most.

The Takeaway

Some hotels impress you during your stay. Others stay with you long after you’ve left. Andaz Shanghai ITC belongs firmly in the latter category.

It isn’t merely the stylish rooms, thoughtful design or excellent dining that make the hotel memorable. Rather, it is the way all those elements come together to create a genuine sense of place. In a city that constantly balances old and new, Andaz Shanghai ITC manages to do the same. It celebrates nostalgia without becoming trapped by it, embraces luxury without becoming ostentatious, and delivers comfort without sacrificing character.

Most surprisingly, it reminded me that the most memorable travel experiences are often built around the smallest rituals. A quiet cup of osmanthus tea. A leisurely breakfast that stretches into mid-morning. A vinyl record spinning softly in a listening booth.

Sometimes, that’s all it takes for a hotel stay to become unforgettable.

Andaz Shanghai ITC 
283 Hongqiao Rd,
Xujiahui, Xuhui District,
Shanghai, China, 200030